Clearwater Estate Planning: Reviewing Long-Term Care Options

Estate planning in Clearwater involves putting legal documents in place to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your assets in case of unexpected events. For older adults, this includes planning for potential long-term care needs.  Our Clearwater elder law attorney explains long-term care options and estate planning documents to put in place.

Assessing The Need For For Future Long-Term Care

Older adults in Clearwater often lead long, active lives. However, eventually, the impacts of aging catch up with us all. Subtle declines in cognitive processes, reduced mobility, and an increase in chronic health conditions or illnesses often accompany the process. To ensure you are provided for now and in the years to come, it is important to review your future long-term care options.

Florida HealthCharts reports indicate that nursing homes in Pinellas County currently have room to accommodate nearly 8,000 people, with more rooms and facilities added each year. While this helps in addressing needs within the community, a nursing home may not be the best option for you.

Many older adults would prefer to either age in place, remaining in their own homes as long as possible, or stay with friends or family instead of a nursing home facility. If these are options you are considering, give thought to other support services you are also likely to require:

• Transportation to and from doctor appointments;
• Home health visits in cases of limited mobility;
• Help with cooking, cleaning, and other household tasks;
• Assistance with dressing, bathing, and other personal care;
• The need for socialization;
• Temporary in-patient care and rehabilitation in the event of an injury or illness.

Documents Needed As Part of Long-Term Planning In Clearwater

Estate planning in Clearwater plays a major role in preparing for the future and in ensuring your needs are met. It helps in communicating your wishes, maintaining your independence and getting the type of quality care you need. Common estate planning documents needed as part of long-term care planning include:

• A will, which details all property and assets you possess and determines how it is divided among beneficiaries;
• Advance directives, which convey your wishes regarding medical care and end-of-life issues;
• Power of attorney, to ensure your affairs are properly managed in the event you are incapacitated due to an injury or illness;
• A trust, which can play a crucial role in meeting long-term care needs without depleting all of your hard-earned assets.

Creating a trust can help ensure you are eligible for Medicaid services. In addition to covering nursing home care costs, Medicaid also provides access to in-home care providers, medical devices and equipment, transportation, prescriptions, and other items that are often needed.

Contact Our Clearwater Elder Law Attorney Today

Putting estate planning documents in place now helps to ensure you are provided for in the future. William Rambaum, PGA Law has over 40 years of experience helping older adults in our community get the long-term care they need. To request a consultation, call or contact our Clearwater elder law attorney today.