Having legal assistance for long-term care planning
Making long-term care plans is an important step for any adult, but it can be difficult to know where to start. That’s why it’s a good idea to consult with a legal professional in Pennsylvania who can help you navigate the process and make good decisions for your loved ones.
Long-term care planning in Pennsylvania
There are two things you will need to consider when planning for your long-term care. First, you will need to decide what type of care you need, and secondly, you must make a budget.
There are three types of long-term care you can choose from. They include:
- In-home care
- Assisted living
- Nursing home
Regardless of what you choose, you will need to ensure that you can afford it. You can plan for private health insurance and Medicaid. However, Medicaid is government-sponsored, meaning you can only get it if you’re eligible.
Why you may want legal assistance
You may need the services of an elder law attorney when making your long-term care plans. This is because:
- They can help you navigate your financial options: Long-term care is quite expensive; sometimes, you may need a little help to afford it. An attorney may help you restructure your finances to fall within limits for Medicaid eligibility. You can also use an irrevocable trust to plan for your long-term care.
- An attorney can help protect your rights: Elder abuse is a huge problem throughout the country. A caregiver can neglect you, maltreat you or exploit you financially. If this happens, you need to know what to do, and a lawyer can help with that.
- A legal professional can help you create a power of attorney: When in your most vulnerable state, you need someone you trust to make financial decisions or manage your estate. An attorney can help you find this person through thorough vetting and putting your wishes in writing.
- A lawyer can help you apply for veteran benefits: If you were in the army, you could be entitled to benefits that offset your long-term care costs. As with Medicaid, you will also need to qualify for this benefit. You may need help navigating the application process.
You can make your life in retirement easy and comfortable, but you need to start now if you haven’t already. There are many issues to consider in the long-term care planning process, so it’s beneficial to start early.