You may wonder how to ensure your long-term care as you get older in Ohio. You are not alone; the majority of the American population is concerned about aging gracefully without becoming a burden on their families. You might also be thinking about how to prepare for late-life or end-of-life care at home, in an independent living center, an assisted-living facility or a nursing home.
Here are a few more questions to consider:
- “How much do you need in savings and investments to retire?
- Will your Social Security and other sources of income cover your living expenses?
- How long will your retirement savings last?
- Can you afford the rising costs of medical care, food, and housing?
- What if you need long term care?
- Do you have enough in income and savings to meet that expense?”
- How will this affect your spouse or others who rely on you?
After reviewing your assets and circumstances, a reputable elder care lawyer can answer these questions. Your elder law attorney can help you determine the best way to manage your assets to live comfortably in your second half of life.
What Questions Should You Ask When Choosing a Long-Term Care Center?
Statistics show that more and more older Americans require long-term care for physical or cognitive incapacity. The reality is that as we grow older, we may need help getting through the day and our family may not be able to provide that care and assistance to us – or we may not want them to. This can be the case after a debilitating event such as a stroke or a fall, or due to the progression of an existing condition such as dementia or Alzheimer’s or mobility-limiting illnesses like Parkinson’s, ALS and others.
When searching for a long-term care facility, consider the following:
- What ratings has this care center received on annual performance surveys, where required, such as in a nursing home or assisted living center?
- Schedule a visit to the care center and observe how the staff interact with the residents. Do they treat them with respect? Do the staff acknowledge the residents in the hallway or other common areas? Do they talk with them as equals or do they talk over or at the residents?
- When you schedule your visit, ask to visit during a meal and ask to take part in the meal. Is the food to your liking? Are there alternatives offered and what are they?
- Ask about pricing. What is included and what is not included? How are things like meals, assistance by the aides or nurses, over-the-counter medications, incontinence supplies or other necessities billed? Are these items provided at no charge or are there additional fees for any or all of these items? Can you provide your own medications or will these need to be switched to a new provider?
- Ask to see the center’s resident and family surveys. What can you learn about the care center, the staff and what it is like to reside there from these surveys?
- Have there been substantiated cases of negligence, malpractice or any type of abuse or exploitation at the facility?
Has there been a failure to notify the family power of attorney (POA) or healthcare POA of account payment problems, health issues, or new medications or treatments for the patient?
Choosing the wrong long-term care provider can be as serious as not having a long-term care provider at all. A reputable elder care lawyer can assist you in identifying the type of care environment and providers of care to meet your needs. Elder care firms often have individuals on their staff who work with the elder care attorney and have experience with long term care service providers as well as the various government benefit programs that may be available to subsidize the cost of that care. These individuals are often called elder care navigators and can help guide you and your family when the time comes.
Paying for Long-Term Care
If you choose to enter a nursing home for care later in life, know that nursing homes are expensive. One year in a nursing home can cost $90,000 or more depending on the care center. Furthermore, Medicare will not pay for chronic care, such as moving into an assisted living facility or nursing home.
Medicare only pays for acute healthcare, such as the time spent in rehab after hip or knee surgery. Additionally, Medicare limits payment for acute care to 100 days with eligibility requirements. Medicare will pay the first 20 days in full, then you or a supplemental provider must pay a significant daily copay for the remaining days.
The time to proactively plan for your care is now, while you’re still young and healthy. Don’t wait until you need long-term care due to age or health. Take control of your late-in-life care. Explore your options with an elder care attorney so you can comfortably afford your long-term care without stressing your finances.
What about Long-Term Care Insurance?
Long-term care insurance is another option for paying for your care if you are in good health and can afford the premiums. Long-term care insurance is also sometimes used in conjunction with Medicaid legal planning to pay for care during any potential period of ineligibility.
You may be unwilling to admit that you may become incapacitated in the future and require costly long-term care. However, denial is not a strategy, and there is no better time to start planning than now. Any of us could be struck by a debilitating illness or injury at any time. Contact us to set up an initial consultation when you’re ready to learn more about your options.
How Do I Find an Elder Care Attorney Near Me?
Now that you’re ready to search for “elder attorneys near me,” consider our team at Jarvis Law Office, P.C., with offices in Lancaster, Dublin, and St. Clairsville, Ohio. We’re proud to call ourselves a high-service firm as we go above and beyond for our clients. Our passion is in protecting seniors and those who love them. Our elder care attorneys can help you explore your options and answer any questions. Our team can also assist you with any estate planning needs to provide you with peace of mind.
Contact us today to see if you qualify for a free or no-cost consultation. We can video-chat with you or meet at one of our office locations: Lancaster (740) 653-3450, Dublin (614) 495-4185, or St. Clairsville (740) 699-2193.
We also provide in-person workshops and live webinars each month for free as a service to the great people of Ohio. Join us as we discuss topics of interest to you.
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The information in this blog post (post) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
Jarvis Law Office, P.C.
904 N. Columbus Street
Lancaster, OH 43130
(740) 653-3450
https://www.jarvisfirm.com
