Aging In Place: What To Consider And How Our Clearwater Elder Law Attorney Can Help
For older adults in Clearwater, aging in place rather than moving into a nursing home provides a greater sense of freedom and the comfort of being in familiar surroundings.
However, aging in place successfully also requires careful planning to ensure your safety, financial security, and access to essential care. Our Clearwater elder law attorney explains some of the factors to consider when choosing to age in place and how we can help achieve your goals.
Is Aging in Place Right For You?
For many older adults, aging in place is a top priority. The Florida Health Care Association reports that nursing home care can cost up to $100,000 or more yearly. In addition to avoiding these costs, remaining in your home can provide a sense of comfort, independence, and connection to the local community.
While aging in place may sound appealing, protecting your health and safety is the top priority. If you are an older adult in Clearwater who wants to age in place, consider the following:
- Accessibility: Is your home currently safe and accessible? If needed, can you make modifications, such as installing grab bars and stairlifts?
- Health and Personal Care: Do you need help cooking, cleaning, and other tasks? Do you have medical conditions that may require home health care?
- Transportation: Are you able to drive? If not, are buses, cabs, and other transportation options available?
- Support Systems: Do you have family, friends, or others nearby to support and help in emergencies?
- Financial Resources: Do you have the resources to cover daily expenses, in-home care, and other costs?
Support For Older Adults In Clearwater Who Prefer To Age In Place
Aging in place in Clearwater requires careful planning and the right support network. In addition to help from friends and family, Florida’s Department of Elder Affairs provides information on disaster planning, caregiver assistance programs, and other resources in local communities.
Having an experienced Clearwater elder law attorney on your side plays a vital role in ensuring older adults who choose to age in place maintain their independence and financial security. Ways we can help include:
- Drafting a Will, trust, and other documents that protect you, your assets and those you love;
- Assisting you with advance directives, outlining your wishes regarding medical care;
- Creating Powers of Attorney, authorizing someone you trust to manage your affairs if you are unable to;
- Medical planning, which can help offset the high costs of medical care;
- Protecting against guardianships, elder abuse, financial exploitation, and other potential problems that jeopardize your health, safety, and economic security.
- Providing information and counseling on various alternatives such as Adult Day Care, assisted living, memory care, and the various costs associated with the various arrangements and the availability of financial assistance.
Schedule A Consultation Today With Our Clearwater Elder Law Attorney
If you or someone you care about is considering aging in place, Clearwater elder law attorney William Rambaum can help protect your safety, independence, and financial security. Board-certified by the Florida Bar and the National Elder Law Foundation, he has over 40 years of experience helping clients in these cases. We can help create a plan tailored to your specific needs. Call or contact us online today to schedule a consultation.
Source:
fhca.org/media_center/long_term_health_care_facts
