I am frequently asked what I do as a “Life Care Planning” attorney. To answer these questions and help people understand the complexities that often arise when dealing with the elderly, a new video has been placed on our law firm’s website to address this.
One such challenge involved a woman who became a client a short time ago.
She was working full time, yet trying desperately to take care of her 74 year-old husband. Her husband had Alzheimer’s disease, was incontinent, and required constant supervision. The adult children tried to help, but they had their own lives and busy schedules.
This woman was physically and emotionally exhausted, as well as depressed. She feared for her own health, knowing that as a caregiver spouse she was at a high risk for stroke, and other debilitating diseases. She explained that she could never afford the $7,500 monthly nursing home cost for her husband, and private care was just too expensive. She felt trapped, and hoped our law firm could help.
This woman never understood the importance of a Power of Attorney or other legal documents, and now, her husband could not legally sign documents as he now lacked mental capacity. He could not sign deeds, deal with his IRA account or other bank accounts and she could not get information or make any needed changes to his accounts.
We developed a plan to restructure their assets, which involved going to court. With the court’s approval, the family home was transferred to the wife. The court also approved our other requests, and as a result, her husband was able to obtain Medi-Cal benefits at a skilled nursing facility. She was able to keep the income of both spouses through the court order, as well as the assets. Now, her husband is receiving appropriate 24-hour care, and she is no longer required to be a full time caregiver. Life has changed for the better, her health has improved, and her husband is getting excellent care. She was shocked that options were available.
For more information about Life Care Planning and Elder Law, please watch our new short video on the website: www.janemcnamara.com. We can also be reached at the Law Offices of Jane McNamara at 661-287-3260, or visit www.Abenefits4seniors.com. We are also on Facebook!