Planning for long-term care before you need it: a discussion of options
Planning for long-term care in advance provides peace of mind and ensures you have control over your future. By preparing early, you can explore all your options, protect your assets, and make informed decisions without the pressure of a crisis. It also allows you to secure the best possible care, reduce financial strain on loved ones, and avoid legal or logistical complications. Ultimately, early planning gives you the confidence that your needs will be met with dignity and compassion when the time comes.
“Planning for long-term care can be an important addition to estate planning for many individuals as they age. While the need for long-term care can come upon a person suddenly, such as when someone suffers a major stroke or heart attack, for most individuals this need becomes gradually greater over time. This is why creating a plan is a great option because it is hard to pinpoint when someone will need extra help.” (Stephen J. Lacey, JD, LLM)
Long-term care can quickly become expensive, but strategic Medicaid planning can make Medicaid a viable option for covering costs. Even if you think you might not qualify, a Medicaid planning attorney can help you navigate the rules and potentially meet the requirements. Medicaid planning often involves restructuring assets to meet eligibility criteria.
Certified Medicaid planner vs. an elder law attorney
Using a Medicaid professional is always the best option, but choosing the right one depends on the situation. Certified Medicaid planners specialize in long-term care planning, handling tasks like filing documents, calculating spend-down amounts, and submitting applications. However, they can't assist with legal matters. For those with complex finances or legal issues, an attorney is essential. Attorneys can help with the Medicaid process, create estate plans, set up trusts, and designate powers of attorney and healthcare surrogates. These legal steps ensure comprehensive long-term care planning for individuals should they become unable to make decisions for themselves, to ensure their care and continuity of life quality is maintained.
Planning now can make all the difference in the future. So what are your options?
An article originally appeared in Florida Today, and has been posted (with ads from the supplying source) on MSN. It gives a very succinct overview of what to think about now, to prepare for long term care, and what your options are as well as explaining how to get started.
Home Care — Stay in the comfort and familiarity of your own home, with the independence you’re accustomed to, with a little extra helping hand from a certified, skilled HHA (Home Health Aide). Perhaps you need a little light housekeeping assistance, laundry, changing bed linens, or meal prep. Perhaps transportation to appointments and cultural events is helpful. Perhaps after a surgery or accident, bathing assistance or even full hands-on care is required to keep you safely at home. Perhaps assistance with ADL’s (activities of daily life) is not a concern, but companionship or medication reminders is what you need. Perhaps you have a family caregiver who needs a break, or has travel plans and you require temporary assistance in their absence.
Finnish-American Village offers temporary, part-time, full-time, even live-in and overnight Home Care services from 4 - 24 hour care, 1-7 days per week, 365 days per year! Contact us today for your complimentary consultation; we develop each care plan based on the individual needs and requirements of each client.
Assisted Living — Perhaps you need Short-Term or Long-Term Rehabilitation, or it’s time to join the family at the Rest Home. Our Assisted Living Facility received a deficiency-free certificate from FALA (FL Assisted Living Association) in 2024, a testament to the dedication of the entire staff to ensure the highest quality care is provided for those who need a little extra hands-on assistance. With private and semi-private rooms, an onsite Finnish Sauna, 3 home-cooked meals per day plus coffee time twice per day, a beautifully landscaped patio, and a full and varied calendar of social, cultural, and religious activities every week are enjoyed by residents.
“If you have a loved one, who is in need of assisted living, you will not do better than Finnish-American. These are the most caring and compassionate people. ”
Long-Term Care — When full care is finally necessary, find home in the Skilled Nursing Facility at Finnish-American Village, where in 2024 CMS (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) gave us a 5-star rating. From the beginning, a place to call home, where the quality of care was the highest priority, and the quality of life in sunset years is often neglected, at FAV’s SNF, you’ll find individualized activities, excursions to local events and activities, and again, 3 home-cooked meals and twice daily coffee breaks a staple of daily life.
We chose Finnish American Village because of the friendly, family environment and it is a smaller facility, so it is not so overwhelming. The room sizes are fine for what she needs. The value for the money here is great. The people are very friendly and accommodating and when you walk in everyone you see is smiling. I would recommend to others looking, it is a home away from home.
We chose Finnish American Village because of the friendly, family environment and it is a smaller facility, so it is not so overwhelming. The room sizes are fine for what she needs. The value for the money here is great. The people are very friendly and accommodating and when you walk in everyone you see is smiling. I would recommend to others looking, it is a home away from home.
We chose Finnish American Village because of the friendly, family environment and it is a smaller facility, so it is not so overwhelming. The room sizes are fine for what she needs. The value for the money here is great. The people are very friendly and accommodating and when you walk in everyone you see is smiling. I would recommend to others looking, it is a home away from home.
We chose Finnish American Village because of the friendly, family environment and it is a smaller facility, so it is not so overwhelming. The room sizes are fine for what she needs. The value for the money here is great. The people are very friendly and accommodating and when you walk in everyone you see is smiling. I would recommend to others looking, it is a home away from home.
We chose Finnish American Village because of the friendly, family environment and it is a smaller facility, so it is not so overwhelming. The room sizes are fine for what she needs. The value for the money here is great. The people are very friendly and accommodating and when you walk in everyone you see is smiling. I would recommend to others looking, it is a home away from home. We chose Finnish American Village because of the friendly, family environment and it is a smaller facility, so it is not so overwhelming. The room sizes are fine for what she needs. The value for the money here is great. The people are very friendly and accommodating and when you walk in everyone you see is smiling. I would recommend to others looking, it is a home away from home. We chose Finnish American Village because of the friendly, family environment and it is a smaller facility, so it is not so overwhelming. The room sizes are fine for what she needs. The value for the money here is great. The people are very friendly and accommodating and when you walk in everyone you see is smiling. I would recommend to others looking, it is a home away from home. We chose Finnish American Village because of the friendly, family environment and it is a smaller facility, so it is not so overwhelming. The room sizes are fine for what she needs. The value for the money here is great. The people are very friendly and accommodating and when you walk in everyone you see is smiling. I would recommend to others looking, it is a home away from home.
No matter where you are on life's journey and whatever lies ahead of you, Finnish-American Village is here to offer the care, comfort, and support you deserve, helping you age with grace, dignity, and peace of mind. Contact us today to discuss your options as you plan for Home Care, Assisted Living, and Long-Term Care.
The information provided by Finnish-American Village is for thought-provoking and informational purposes only. It is not intended as medical, legal, or financial advice or as a substitute for professional healthcare, or legal or financial expertise. Please consult your physician or a qualified healthcare provider, legal advisor, and/or financial advisor to discuss your personal needs, requirements, and any medical, financial, or legal concerns you may have. Always seek the advice of a healthcare, legal, and financial provider(s) before making any decisions related to your health and well-being, legal, financial.