If you live in Eastern Washington, it is absolutely essential that you have a plan for long-term care in place. Planning for long-term care allows you to outline what you want later on in life, as well as provide financial resources and options to cover the costs of long-term care services. Before you begin this process, you should hire an elder law lawyer in Eastern Washington who can help you ensure your plan is legal and includes all of the necessary information.
Why is Long-Term Care Planning so Important?
The unfortunate reality is that many Eastern Washington residents fail to plan for long-term care before they start needing it. No matter how old you are or whether or not you have any health concerns, long-term care is most likely something you will need at some point in the future. Anything can happen, and it is always best to have a plan in place that your loved ones can turn to if you start requiring more care as you age.
Here are some of the reasons why planning for long-term care is absolutely necessary for anyone living in Eastern Washington:
- Financial plan: Long-term care is very expensive and often isn’t included in general health insurance plans. You also may not be able to rely on government assistance depending on your situation and how expensive your care needs are. Without a long-term care plan that outlines the financial aspects of your care, your loved ones may be left having to pay out of pocket.
- Peace of mind: Long-term care plans are there for realistic reasons, such as planning out care costs, but they also help to give you peace of mind. These plans outline your wishes regarding where you want to live and the type of care you want to receive. Not only does this ensure you have a voice regarding your care, it allows your loved ones to make decisions that they know you would approve of.
- Problem-solving: One of the goals of a long-term care plan is to provide solutions and options as your care needs change. This allows you to decide what you would want in the future if your health were to change, taking the burden off of your loved ones.
- Legal safety: A long-term care plan includes legally binding documents that clearly state certain things that you may want or do not want. This can protect you from medical treatments that you may not wish to have, as well as safeguard your retirement funds and assets so that they aren’t spent on treatments you haven’t outlined in your plan.
Whether you want to create a long-term care benefit plan for yourself or for an aging loved one, you need to first hire an elder law attorney in Eastern Washington. Care plans can be quite complex as they are composed of many types of documents, and there are various things that you need to consider regarding your situation. An attorney will have experience in this area and can guide you toward the best options for long-term care, as well as ensure your plan is legally sound.
How to Create the Best Long-Term Care Plan
If at all possible, it is always better to begin your plan for long-term care as soon as possible. Long-term care plans aren’t just for those who are elderly; they can also be helpful for anyone who is disabled, somehow incapacitated, or sustains a serious injury. Anything can happen at any time, and a long-term care plan is an essential part of protecting yourself and your loved ones.
You should hire an elder law attorney to help you begin the process of creating your plan as there are certain legal documents you will need to have including a healthcare power of attorney, trusts, and living wills. These documents need to be done correctly to ensure that they are legally binding so that your last wishes are upheld.
A very significant part of any long-term care plan is the financial strategy that will plan out any potential long-term care costs. This can include getting long-term care insurance, ensuring long-term care costs can come out of your retirement fund, or looking into government assistance programs.
There are also additional details that you can outline, such as the type of care you want, whether that be at home care or care within a facility.
The Unique Role of an Elder Law Attorney in Long-Term Care Planning
A mistake many people make when they begin their long-term care plan is failing to hire an elder law attorney. You should never try to create this plan on your own as that will increase the risk of it not being legally sound or missing critical pieces of information about your future care.
An elder law attorney can help you understand what your options are and what your specific plan should include. They can also help you better understand your financial options so that you have resources outlined for any type of care you may need in the future. An attorney can connect you with other professionals who may be able to help as well, such as insurance agents or financial planners.
Part of the role of an elder law attorney is to ensure your long-term care plan stays compliant if certain laws change. Regulation changes regarding estate plans and long-term plans can change year to year, and your attorney will ensure your plan is compliant with both state and federal laws. They can also help you update your plan regularly, depending on your financial situation and your health.
If it becomes necessary for your long-term care plan to take effect later on, an elder law attorney will also be there to assist your loved ones and ensure your last wishes are upheld.
Get in Touch With an Elder Law Attorney Today
If you need long-term care planning services as you navigate your options for long-term care, reach out to an experienced elder law attorney at Legacy Law Group in Eastern Washington. Contact us today at 509-315-8087 to speak with one of our attorneys to get the process started.
