Whether it is a chronic illness or a progressive one such as Alzheimer's, it may not be feasible for you to give the care needed for a loved one 24/7. First, it’s an emotional time and it’s natural to feel all sorts of feelings when it comes to researching your options. However, by being prepared and asking a lot of questions, you will help give your loved one the best possible quality of life.
Here are three aspects to consider when handing a loved one needing long term care.
Get Their Estate In Order
Making sure your loved one’s estate planning is complete and up to date BEFORE a long-term need arises is critical. Things such as power of attorney, a living trust and medical directive need to be in place so that your loved one’s wishes are clear and there is no misunderstanding about the handling of their estate. Having the proper planning completed will allow their assets to be passed on so that beneficiaires avoid conflict and costs are minimized.
Understand How To Maximize Long Term Care Costs
Long term care is extremely expensive and can cost thousands of dollars per month . It’s important that you understand ways to preserve your loved one’s estate when facing a need for long term care. Remember that Medicare does not cover the costs of long term care, so you’ll want to seek the advice of a professional to learn about the options you have when it comes to paying for the high cost of a nursing home or in home care.
Understanding the type of long term care your loved one needs is important so you understand what programs pays for what type of care. Medicare is different from Medi-cal. Did you know that Medi-cal only covers skilled nursing care and home care if you qualify?
This unfortunately can be complicated, so it’s best to speak with a qualified professional on these matters.
Work With Professionals On Making A Smooth Transition
If your loved one moves into a nursing home or assisted care facility, it’s a good idea to make it as smooth of a transition as possible for all involved. You’ll still have an important role to play even if you’re not going to be responsible for tasks that are more hands-on. Instead, you’ll be a frequent visitor, helping to boost morale and even advocate for your loved on on their behalf.
Before deciding on where to place your loved one tour as many places as you can, and speak to the admissions director, business office and staff. The more questions you ask and the more you see, the more you’ll know which is the best choice for everyone involved. It’s also up to you to keep the lines of communication open so that the proper diet and medications are provided and your loved one is being sociable and happy in general.
We understand this can be a trying and emotional time for all involved, but with the right mindset and support, you can do this. Asking for help from qualified professionals ensures that you have all your paperwork in order and you know what other aspects of long term care you may have missed.
Here at Medi-cal Benefits our team can help determine your eligibility for Medi-cal benefits and create a solid plan to help you preserve assets, income streams, and independence when facing a need for long term care. We’re committed to serving you and your family. We encourage you to schedule a free 15 minute consultation or call Leslie Coulson at 909-985-4466 to see how we can help. You can also find us at www.Medi-calbenefits.com.
About Philip
Philip A. Board MSFS, CFS, is a retirement planning specialist and the founder of 1on1financial, an independent comprehensive investment firm serving individuals and businesses throughout the United States. He is also the owner and CEO of Medi-cal Benefits .