If you or a loved one is advancing in age, it is very possible (and probable) that help with daily activities will be needed. Help may be needed in a simple way, like preparing meals, paying bills, or supervising medications. The needs may be more extensive, and care may be required outside the home in an assisted living facility, board and care, or nursing home. Sometimes a person needs care suddenly. The family is quite shocked that their parent was fiercely independent one day, and needing assistance the next. In contrast, sometimes care needs increase slowly over time. The family notices their parent is aging, slowing down, and needs help. Often the senior resists or refuses the help, which is frustrating, and often dangerous to the health and well being of the senior.
If you or someone you know needs assistance or has care needs, or may require care in the near future, it is a good idea to consider how the senior will pay for that care. Many of our seniors are veterans of World War II or the Korean War. The veteran, or their surviving spouse, may be eligible for VA Aid and Attendance benefits to assist with care costs. I was interviewed recently by The Signal writer Michelle Sathe who wrote an article that was published in The Signal, about VA Aid and Attendance benefits. This article can be viewed on-line at www.the-signal.com/section/68/article/44311, and will provide valuable insight to you or your loved one. You can also visit our website for more information regarding this benefit at vabenefits4seniors.com. If the senior was not a veteran or married to a veteran, other forms of assistance may be available, such as Medi-Cal benefits. It is always wise to plan in advance, know the options available, and make sure legal documents are complete, accurate, and correct for the inevitable issues and unexpected emergencies that arise as one ages.
For an appointment, please call the law office of Jane M. McNamara at 661-287-3260, or visit www.JaneMcNamara.com.