One of the most dreaded and difficult issues a family faces is the reality that their loved one’s health is failing and he/she can no longer manage the day-to-day activities of caring for oneself. It could be the natural consequences of aging or perhaps a progressive disease such as Alzheimer’s or even an unexpected heart attack or stroke. Whatever the reason, the family is always under great stress.
At times like this, it’s important that you pause, take a deep breath and understand that there are things you can do. Good information is available and you can make the right decisions for you and your loved one.
Whether at-home care, a personal care home, an assisted living facility, or nursing home is the best choice, your family will have serious questions to consider: which agency or which facility is the best choice for our loved one, how will we pay for care, and many more.
If you have the ability to pay or have long-term care insurance, you may not have to rely on government programs. However, with nursing home costs ranging from $7000 – $8000 per month in our area, few families can afford a long-term stay in a nursing home. If neither private pay nor long-term care insurance is an option for you, it is important that you understand the government programs available to you.
There is a great deal of confusion surrounding Medicare and Medicaid.
Medicare is the national health insurance primarily for people 65 years of age and older, certain younger disabled people, and people with kidney failure. Medicare provides short-term assistance with nursing home costs, but only if you meet the strict qualifications. (Please see the Medicare page for more information).
Medicaid is a federal program administered by the state. It is a medical benefit program which can pay for the cost of the nursing home. Medicaid has very specific rules about transfers, penalties, countable income and resources. (Please see the Medicaid page for more information).
Another benefit that may assist in the cost of care is available to certain wartime veterans and their surviving spouses. Again, there are strict criteria for eligibility. (Please see the Veterans Benefits Planning page for more information).
The reasons for Long Term Care Planning are simple. First, families must maintain enough assets to provide for the security of the healthy loved ones — they too may have a similar crisis. Second, the rules are extremely complicated and can be confusing. And third, the result of not planning and seeking good advice could result in spending more than necessary and family security could be jeopardized.
How can Mayhone Elder Law help my family with Long Term Care Planning?
The team at Mayhone Elder Law is experienced and dedicated to families experiencing these types of situations, whether early planning or crisis planning. It’s critically important that you consult with someone who understands these complex issues, who knows this area of the law, who is committed to helping others, and who will listen to you and the unique wants and needs of you and your family. Mayhone Elder Law assists families with these issues every day.
We can help you reach the best solution for you and your family.
Call us today to find out what we may be able to do for you and your family. (228) 215-1223 or (800) 875-7059