If your parents are starting to get up there in years, you may want to have a discussion about living assistance. We are not talking about obvious situations that are going to naturally spawn the need for action right away. The suggestion is to set the stage early on so that everyone is on the same page before the need for care actually arises.
In many cases, an elder will not want to be an imposition so a parent who needs your help may be reluctant to ask when the time comes. As an adult child, if you broach the subject beforehand, a healthy conversation can ensure a rough plan of action can be devised before it is needed.
You can simply let them know that you are aware that most seniors will need a helping hand eventually so there should be no stigma attached to this fact of life.
Aging In Place
There is an architectural concept called “universal design” that involves remodeling a living space to accommodate the mobility needs of seniors. You can proactively embrace this concept to make life easier before some of these modifications become absolutely necessary.
The concept of universal design is built on a number of core principles, including simple and intuitive use, low physical effort, tolerance for error, and flexibility.
Some of the steps you can be take include trading out faucets for blade handles, using levers instead of doorknobs, motion sensor lighting, and walk-in showers. Technology based smart home solutions can be part of the plan as well.
These are a handful of general ideas, but custom modifications can be made to suit any individual. The alterations can be made when it becomes absolutely necessary, or you can choose to make incremental changes that make life easier step by step.
Financial Implications
The financial part of the equation is a sensitive subject to bring up, but if you intend to be there for your parents throughout their lives, you should discuss the finances.
Long-term care expenses definitely loom large. If residential in-home care is ever needed, Medicare does not pay for it, and these facilities are very expensive.
This is one of the reasons why adapting a home to suit the needs of a person with some mobility challenges can be a very good idea. In addition to the monetary reality, most people would prefer to remain in the comfort of their homes.
If a professional caregiver is ever needed, there is a government program that may provide financial help in some circumstances. However, it is funded by Medicaid so there are income and asset limits.
Medicaid will also pay for full-time residence in a nursing home, but it takes careful advance planning for someone with assets to qualify since it is a need-based program. This is something that is best accomplished with the benefit of professional guidance.
Learn More
Our attorneys have prepared a number of in-depth special reports that cover some of the eventualities that seniors and their families often face. They are comprehensive in nature, but they are very easy to understand.
These reports are being offered free of charge, and you can visit the following page to gain access: Elder Law Reports.
We Are Here to Help!
If you would like to discuss any estate planning or elder law matter with a licensed attorney, we would be more than glad to help. Every situation is different so your plan should be custom crafted to ideally suit your needs. We can get an understanding of your objectives and your family dynamic and explain your options so you can make fully informed decisions.
You can schedule a consultation at our offices in Charlotte, North Carolina or Huntersville, North Carolina, if you give us a call at 704-944-3245. Our office in Ashland, Kentucky can be reached at 606-324-5516, and the number for our Florence, Kentucky, location is 859-372-6655.
There is also a contact form on this website use to send us a message through the Internet. If you reach out electronically, you can expect to receive a prompt response.
John’s practice focuses on the use of Wills and Living Trusts in Estate Planning to help individuals protect their families and preserve their legacies after their deaths, but his practice also focuses on the critical issues of protecting individuals with dementia or other diminished capacity, assisting individuals in qualifying for Medicaid and other government benefits to offset the costs of long-term care, and providing special needs planning.
John is admitted to practice law in North Carolina, South Carolina, Kentucky, and Ohio, and he is accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs.
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