Long Term Care for a family member: What do I need to know?
In the 25+ years I have practiced Elder Law one theme ran throughout. That is how to deal with long term care for a family member.
Many clients could have greatly benefited if they had come to us years earlier when problems with a spouse or parent began. Instead, they waited until a nursing home was necessary. For them that meant huge avoidable legal problems and costs.
My advice: as soon as your family member indicates they will need assistance for the rest of their life, act now! Get your long term care plan in place.
Note that by long term care plan I am referring to a legal structure, not to the provision of the care itself. The structure will last till our spouse or parent dies. It tells us who will perform the care, who will manage the business affairs, who will manage the medical care, and what assets or funds will be available to pay for care and who will be paid.
These matters seem elementary on a quick read, but it is surprising how many people do not make these considerations until trouble develops. Most put off addressing long term care. Perhaps it is too distressing and they hope that their spouse or parent will get better, or at least not get worse. They focus on taking care of today, leaving tomorrow for tomorrow. But, the condition gets worse and the needs of the spouse/parent grow and grow till the family is forced to deal with the problem. Often it is a crisis such as a hospitalization that makes the family see how big the problem is and that they must make changes. Sometimes they try to patch up the situation. Sometimes it is necessary to move the spouse or parent out of their beloved home.
Our Long Term Care section has two videos and supporting text, for those would rather read than watch a video we have supporting text on the page. The first video is on How To Avoid The 7 Mistakes. The second is on the 7 Steps To Make Your Long Term Care Plan.
Please note we have a supporting booklet on the legal documents of your Long Term Care plan. It is our Elder Law Mini-Course. See the 7 Steps page for more info.
Wishing you all the best on your journey of life,
Jim