Our firm regularly assists clients with obtaining benefits available from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for assistance in paying for long term care benefits. The VA requires that attorneys be accredited by the VA in order to represent veterans before the VA relative to their benefits. This author is so accredited. In helping our veteran clients and their surviving spouses, we have learned that there is much confusion about VA benefits and their availability. In this Primer … [Read more...] about Veterans Benefits: A Primer – Part 1 of 7
Long Term Care Planning
Assisting Family and Friends During These Trying Times
Before the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic, many of our clients were already assisting elderly or disabled family member and friends with such things as meals, medications, medical visits and shopping. Regular visits just to check in were also part of many folks’ normal routines. COVID-19 restrictions have had a large negative impact on many of these activities. So, how can you continue to assist under these new circumstances? Here are a few thoughts: Medical Issues Under a federal … [Read more...] about Assisting Family and Friends During These Trying Times
Projecting Lifespan Is Part Of Long-Term Budgeting
Exactly how long you are going to have to pay your way after you stop working is going to have a lot to do with how much money you need to accumulate before you retire. We all know that there are no guarantees regarding how long you will live, but there are averages that we can draw from. Of course the figure changes all the time but as of this writing the average lifespan in the United States is 78.1 years for people of all genders and ages. However, the older you get the more likely it is … [Read more...] about Projecting Lifespan Is Part Of Long-Term Budgeting
Why Is Nursing Home Planning Important?
Your estate plan should focus on more than just the distribution of your assets after you are gone. Which additional goals you include in your plan will depend on your unique needs and wishes. One component you may want to consider including in your estate plan, however, is nursing home planning. The staff at the Northern California Center for Estate Planning & Elder Law discuss why nursing home planning is important. Will You Need Nursing Home Care? The average life expectancy in the … [Read more...] about Why Is Nursing Home Planning Important?
Caring For a Distant Elder Family Member
In today’s society, family members are often scattered throughout the country and even abroad. This phenomenon can cause much stress and worry when an elder family member who is not nearby now needs additional assistance in managing his or her affairs. The first step to long-distance caregiving is to understand your loved one's situation and needs. Schedule a visit with your relative or friend spanning several days to observe how they make decisions, solve problems and complete daily tasks, … [Read more...] about Caring For a Distant Elder Family Member
Qualifying for Medi-Cal
If you are concerned about the future of an elderly loved one, you are not alone. As we watch our elderly loved ones age, we can’t help but be concerned about the care they will need and how to finance it. Health care in America is among the most costly in the world, with costs continuing to rise. As a result, the average American is unable to pay for a lengthy stay in a long-term care facility or for the costs of a serious, long-term illness. While we all hope that our elderly loved ones are … [Read more...] about Qualifying for Medi-Cal
Deciding if Some You Love Needs a Care Facility
It can be heart wrenching to decide if a family member or friend you love can no longer safely live in their own home. It can be scary for that loved one to think about his or her care needs and possible new living environments. If you have concerns about a loved one , consider the following questions when determining care needs. If you need help, consult with an experienced and qualified estate and elder care attorney. Does your loved one have medical needs that require special … [Read more...] about Deciding if Some You Love Needs a Care Facility
What is a POLST and Do I Need One?
In every estate plan we prepare in our office, we include an Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) and a form that authorizes disclosure of medical information to designated individuals you have appointed to positions in your estate plan. This latter form is done to comply with the so-called HIPAA law. An advance health care directive is a legal document you use to provide guidance about what types of treatments you may want to receive in case of a future, unknown medical emergency. It also … [Read more...] about What is a POLST and Do I Need One?
Choosing a Nursing Home
Do you or a loved one need nursing home care? If so, you will likely want to make sure that your loved one becomes a resident in a home that fits his or her many needs. There are many features to take into consideration when choosing the best nursing home. Take a look at the following guide to help make the best choice. Choose a nursing home that isn’t too far away. You may want to be able to visit your loved one often. Choosing a nursing home that is relatively close to your home … [Read more...] about Choosing a Nursing Home
Ways to Pay for Long Term Care
Paying for long term care is a scary thing for most families. In California, the annual costs of a semi-private room (one roommate) is over $100,000 and a private room is even more. Double these numbers if spouses or partners need care at the same time and there are additional expenses as well. How to Pay for Long Term Care Private Pay Long Term Care Insurance Veterans Benefits Medicare Medi-Cal Private Pay Some folks can self insure because they can afford to private … [Read more...] about Ways to Pay for Long Term Care
