Practice area
Planning for long-term care
Care later in life can be expensive and arrive suddenly. Planning helps your family understand the options and put the right papers in place before a crisis.
Who it's for
Older adults thinking ahead, couples where one spouse may need care, and adult children whose parent is moving to assisted living or a nursing home.
It helps to come early, but it's never too late to ask. Even when care has already started, there are often decisions worth talking through.
What the work involves
- A conversation about health, family, income and what you own
- An explanation of how care is usually paid for, including Medicare, Medicaid and private funds
- Making sure powers of attorney and directives are in place and up to date
- Talking through how Medicaid looks at income, property and past gifts
- Help with paperwork when an application is made
What to bring
- Recent bank, retirement and investment statements
- Information about income, such as Social Security and pensions
- Deeds, and any long-term care insurance policy
- Existing wills, trusts and powers of attorney
- Information about current or expected care, if you have it
Fees
Long-term care planning is usually a flat fee, quoted in writing after the first meeting. If an application or other work follows, we'll explain how that's billed before it starts.
Questions about this
Will Medicare pay for a nursing home?
Medicare usually covers only a limited stay after a hospital visit, not long-term care. We'll explain the difference between Medicare and Medicaid and what might apply to your family.
Can I just give my house to my children?
It's not that simple. Gifts can affect eligibility for help with care costs and may have tax effects. Please talk with us before giving away property.
My parent is already in care. Is it too late?
Not necessarily. There may still be steps worth taking, and the right papers can make day-to-day decisions much easier.
Is a parent's care on your mind?
Call or send a short note. We'll explain what's usually involved and find a time for a first meeting.