The prospect of living assistance can seem foreign when you have been fully capable of handling all of your own day-to-day tasks throughout your life. Without question, this is not a pleasant subject, but you should be aware of the facts when you are devising a plan for aging. In this article, our elder law attorneys will discuss some of the most important issues relating to nursing home care.
How likely is it that I will need long-term care?
In reality, most senior citizens will need long-term care of some kind, and many will ultimately require nursing home care. According to government reports, nearly seven out of every 10 senior citizens will someday need living assistance. This number is huge — most seniors will need help with their activities of daily living at some point.
Be careful not to overestimate Medicare coverage
These statistics may get your attention, but you may not be concerned because you know that you will be qualified for Medicare. Medicare will certainly provide important health insurance, but Medicare does not pay for long-term nursing home care. The program pays for convalescent care after an injury or illness, but it does not pay for custodial care.
Medicaid may provide assistance to cover the cost of nursing home care
Many people end up relying on Medicaid. This government health insurance program does pay for long-term care. However, qualifying can be difficult because the program limits eligibility to people with significant financial need. To qualify at the ideal time, you must plan ahead in a careful and informed manner. If you would like to discuss Medicaid planning strategies, our elder law attorneys can help.
Home sharing as a long-term care alternative
If you’re taking a look at long-term care options, you may not immediately think of home sharing for seniors. Think, “Golden Girls.” Blanche, Rose, Sophia, and Dorothy shared a home in Miami. They shared expenses and household duties and provided a support system for one another. They became a family.
You may decide that home sharing is the best fit for your loved one. Home sharing can provide needed day-to-day support while providing the social aspect of living with other seniors.
Choosing a great housemate will allow your loved one not only to be safe but can also make day-to-day life more enjoyable.
Home Sharing Match-Up Programs
You likely will be relieved to know that there are match-up programs available. These programs make selecting a housemate easier, reducing the stress and time involved. A match-up program provides these services: collection and analysis of applications, checking recommendations, interviewing to make sure the housemate is a good match, and drafting a home share agreement.
Household Duties
You want to make sure that you not only find a great fit but that your loved one and the housemate both understand their individual and joint responsibilities. Both seniors should also get along well and have similar interests so socialization can come naturally and disagreements are limited.
How can I get more information about house sharing arrangements
If you’re having trouble searching for a housemate on your own, or if you’re unable to find a great match-up program, contact an elder law attorney. Many elder law attorneys are able to recommend great resources that can make it easier to learn about house sharing, or choose the best long term care option.
If you have questions regarding nursing homes or any other elder law matters, please contact the experienced attorneys at The Potter Law Firm for a consultation. You can contact us either online or by calling us at (704) 944-3245 (Charlotte, NC, area) or for individuals in Kentucky at (606) 324-5516 (Ashland, KY) or at (859) 372-6655 (Florence, KY).
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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