Securing Your Future Through Long-Term Care Planning
Many seniors and their families worry about how they will pay for long-term care should the need arise. Long-term care may include in-home care provided by paid caregivers, assisted living care in an assisted living facility, or nursing care in a skilled nursing facility (what many think of as a “nursing home”). These services are expensive and put many seniors in vulnerable positions, where they can quickly become subject to abuse or manipulation. Appropriate long-term care planning keeps you and your loved ones safe and cared for.
At Hill & Watchko, LLC, our lawyers focus on estate planning and long-term care planning. As one of just a few Georgia firms with a nationally certified elder law attorney, we are prepared to offer assistance as you evaluate your needs and plan for long-term care. Call us at 770-450-4480.
Is Your Long-Term Care Plan Comprehensive?
Creating a fully considered and comprehensive care plan is vital for your future, and the sooner you craft a plan, the better. Our attorneys want you and your loved ones to be fully prepared for the future. Their well-rounded and thoughtful approach to aging will be an asset to you as you work with them.
Some of our long-term care planning services include:
- Comprehensive consultations and recommendations related to eligibility for government benefits for long-term care (specifically, Veterans Affairs pension or Medicaid benefits)
- Asset protection trust planning
- Preparation and submission of applications for U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) pension benefits
- Preparation and submission of applications for Medicaid for nursing home care
- Assistance with sophisticated Medicaid or VA planning strategies
Plan for your future while you still have the time to create a plan for your care with intent and assurance.
Long-Term Care Planning FAQ
Do you have questions about the long-term care planning process? Here are answers to some of our clients’ most commonly asked questions.
Why is a power of attorney important for seniors?
As we age, conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, strokes and dementia can make it too difficult to handle our own financial affairs and health care decisions. A durable power of attorney is crucial for allowing a senior to continue preserving their savings as much as possible within the framework of long-term care planning.
What legal protections are available against elder financial abuse and exploitation?
Having a power of attorney in place can protect a vulnerable senior from losing their money through fraud, manipulation or threats. If illness or injury leaves the senior unable to handle their finances, one of their children or another trusted adult can serve as financial power of attorney.
What are the qualifications and requirements for Medicaid coverage and eligibility?
To qualify for Medicaid assistance paying for care in 2024, a Georgia senior cannot earn more than $2,829 per month if they are single or applying on their own or $5,658 per month if they are married and their spouse is applying, too. They also cannot have more than $2,000 worth of assets (with certain exemptions) or $3,000 if they are part of a couple.
How can I protect myself from elder financial abuse and exploitation?
Along with establishing a financial power of attorney, you can also consider adding a trusted loved one to your accounts. This would give your loved one the ability to monitor your bank and retirement accounts for suspicious withdrawals and take action promptly on your behalf if you were unable to do so yourself.
Contacting Hill & Watchko, LLC
Our lawyers are available to assist and advise you. Reach our office by calling 770-450-4480 or contacting us online.