Preparing For Aging

We plan for retirement, expecting to enjoy our hobbies in our golden years. But retirement planning is very different than planning for Aging. Most people don’t consider what their care needs will be later in life. Those who are most successful with this difficult chapter in their lives had planned years before actually needing assistance. Since those needing care often don’t have a clear picture of their own personal situation, family members often need to implement the Aging Plan.
In making your Aging Plan, consider where you will receive care as you age. Consider what will happen if you cannot drive, manage bills, cook meals, or if you are very forgetful. Although every senior wants to stay in their home and receive care, I have seen the following scenarios far too often:
Family members are “burned out” and resentful when they must provide the needed care and assistance for their parent, which can go on for years;
Life savings can be exhausted with paid caregiving services;
Hoarding, falling, safety issues, and numerous other factors make it unwise and often unsafe to remain at home.
Consider the options, and how to pay for care. Medicare does NOT pay for long term care. Will your income be sufficient? Do you have investments to help pay for care? If so, for how many years? Do you have a house that can be sold or rented to pay for care? Are you eligible to receive Medi-Cal (Medicaid/State Aid) for long term care? Do you have a well written Estate Plan that includes important Long Term Care language and Medi-Cal asset protection provisions? As with Retirement planning, it is important to Plan for Aging.
For an appointment, please call the McNamara Law Firm at 661-287-3260, or visit www.theMcNamaraLawFirm.com.