ELDER
CARE

You want to protect your assets to ensure that they’re distributed according to your wishes. Unfortunately, unless you protect them with this kind of trust, failing to report these assets when it comes time to apply for Medicaid is illegal— in fact, it’s considered to be fraud. It gives you the protection you want in a legal and fiscally responsible manner.

An elder care lawyer isn’t just familiar with the law; they have an understanding of complex family situations. They’re accustomed to handling inheritance issues, legal issues, divorce, benefits and care that children could lay claim to, incapacitation, and more. Your elder law attorney helps you deal with the many professionals who play a significant role in a senior’s life, including doctors, caregivers, and former employers. Additionally, when your loved one requires more care, whether it’s from an assisted living facility or a nursing home, your legal counsel will walk you through the legal issues that might arise.

Do not wait on hiring a lawyer. Many strategies are immediate, but there are more benefits when you have time to plan. Often, you need at least 61 months to plan. Our team of attorneys is ready to help you throughout Ohio and right here in Columbus. Together, we can help your elder loved one get the care needed without worrying about depletion of assets and savings. Please reach out to our office today to schedule a meeting.

Crisis Planning comes into play where someone has experienced an unexpected accident or health issue which requires a new living arrangement or in-home care, and that care must happen soon. For Crisis Medicaid Planning, assets are rearranged by category, owner or amount, all permitted by Medicaid regulations so that the countable assets claimed on a Medicaid application are below $2,000.

For instance, in many cases, assets and income can be shifted to the healthy spouse. Or exempt assets which actually increase our family’s interests can be purchased, like home improvements or annuities. Immediate gifting may come into the plan. There are many planning options which can be tailored to fit your family’s needs.

Crisis Medicaid Planning for couples can sometimes shield 100% of their lifetime earnings from Medicaid qualification and Medicaid Estate Recovery. With single or widowed persons, 100% may not be possible, however in most instances, anywhere from 50% to 95% of the assets can be shifted to one’s family and still allow for Medicaid qualification.

When you work with an experienced elder law attorney, you can develop a plan for covering the substantial costs of long-term care when the need arises. You may be concerned about your loved one being removed from a facility for non-payment. It can happen. This is why you need to plan.

All of this can be scary for most adult children, especially for those who may not realize how much a parent has declined, what the estate planning status is, what the next steps are, or all of the above! We are here to help. Adult children do not need to shoulder the burden of paying for care and need a trusted resource to guide them through the complicated Medicaid maze. Our office is here to help families and their loved ones. Let us work with you to develop a long-term care planning solution. You do not have to lose your life savings to pay for nursing home care. Contact our office to discuss your long-term care planning options today.