Long-term care planning for our aging family members is not simple. All of us, including our parents, hope to “age in place.” To “age in place” means that we want to live in our own home until we die. My mother often jokes that if I find her unresponsive on the kitchen floor, I need to make sure she is “really dead” before I call for help. A sick joke, I agree, but she wants to make sure I understand her point. Some people have the good fortune to age in place and die peacefully, but most do not. Instead, many fall victim to Alzheimer’s disease, suffer a disabling stroke, or have other life-altering illnesses. My mother cared for the “seniors” of our family (her parents, her in-laws, and my father) for years before they all finally succumbed to their various illnesses. My mother has seen the horrible effects of dementia, cancer, and advanced ageing. Now, she is experiencing her own forgetfulness and disorientation. She is slowly acknowledging that she is declining, and may soon require long-term care, just as those before her did.
When considering long-term care options, we must take into consideration all factors affecting the senior. What housing options should we consider? What community resources can we utilize for the benefit of the senior? What additional resources or income can we generate to pay for the additional care needs?
Maybe our loved ones need assistance at home. Perhaps they would enjoy the benefits of utilizing the local adult day care, or having meals delivered to their home. Other living arrangements may have to be considered such as an assisted living facility, “board and care,” or even a skilled nursing facility? Are there other sources of income we should pursue, such as Veterans benefits? Should we consider Medi-Cal, or should the home be rented to generate income for a residential care facility? How can we maximize income, minimize taxes, and legally allow trusted family members to be involved?
Elder law attorneys consider the situation and the assistance needed, evaluate and consider the various options and resources available, make recommendations, and advocate for quality of life and quality of care. By the way, my mother will “age in place” as long as possible. When it is no longer possible due to her increasing care needs, I will make sure we have evaluated all the options and services available, and made appropriate choices that will provide the best quality of life possible, always maintaining her dignity. And I want my children to do the same for me.
For more information, please contact the Law Office of Jane M. McNamara at 661-287-3260.