While Covid-19 may be changing many things throughout America, it has not changed the fact that many of our senior loved ones need some form of extra care. They need to be able to access good health care that will allow them to stay healthier longer, and perhaps even age in place, even in the midst of uncertain circumstances. We understand these challenges, and especially their increased importance, as we help Ohio residents manage them on a daily basis.
On any given day, we meet with families to address concerns that include, but are not limited to, the following:
- How will I get my loved one the long-term care that he or she needs?
- How can I ensure that my loved one is protected as he or she faces a debilitating illness?
- Does my aging loved one have the correct estate planning documents in place?
- Do I have the legal authority to act for my loved one if he or she is incapacited?
- Do I have the ability to make decisions on health care treatment?
- Will I be able to afford the care he or she needs?
We understand these challenges. We also know how important it is to be able to access long-term care benefits such as Ohio Medicaid to help you pay for the cost of care each month. Let us share a few key tips to help you better understand what you are facing if a loved one needs to enter into a skilled nursing facility.
1. Estate planning needs to be current. You cannot act for your loved ones in a nursing home unless you have the legal authority to do so. You need health care decision making power to make healthcare decisions as well as financial decision making power, through documents such as the durable power of attorney, to be able to act for your loved ones. Unfortunately, many Americans have not completed their estate plan timely. This means when a crisis arrives, they have no one able to make key decisions addressing what they need. We encourage you to check in with senior loved ones and ensure that they have the planning in place that will allow you to act before you need it.
2. Finding the right care. Not all seniors will need the same support as they age. For example, your aging mother may need help preparing food, while your father may need help ambulating. While these are two solutions that a long-term care facility can provide, there are many other benefits as well. Before you choose a skilled nursing facility, or any form of long-term care facility, first meet with the provider and obtain a comprehensive list of services it provides.
3. Find a way to pay for long-term care. Long-term care can be expensive under any circumstance, not just during a health care crisis. In fact, in almost all instances, the cost for private pay of a semi-private room in a skilled nursing facility will be over $8,000 per month. Very few Americans have either the income or assets to support these payments each month and will need some form of assistance. We can help you find a way to pay for this much needed care. Do not hesitate to contact our office so that we can schedule an appointment.
We know this article may raise more questions than it answers. These can be challenging times filled with often confusing information. Do not wait to contact our office to schedule a meeting so that we can get you the support you need now, or at any point in the future.