Comprehensive Estate Planning And Probate Advocacy

Understanding the basics of long-term care planning

On Behalf of | Feb 27, 2023 | Estate Planning

Americans need long-term care planning. It may seem like it is a long time away from now, but two-thirds of every American will need elder care. This includes daily living assistance, like assistance with toileting, bathing, walking, etc.

What is long-term care?

Long-term care is many services across the spectrum of living assistance and supports. This includes both health and personal care, and it can be for both the short-term and long-term. And, while long-term care is usually associated with nursing homes, in practice, most long-term care services are provided in your home. This is why most of the programs and services associated with long-term care are provided in your Abington, Pennsylvania, home.

Insurance

Long-term care insurance is an option for some that have not already aged out of this insurance product. It can pay for most, if not all, of the cost associated with long-term in-patient or in-home care, and it can be included in your Abington, Pennsylvania, estate plan.

The Older Americans Act

The OAA is one of the primary programs that provides services through local agencies to those 60 and over. OAA local providers provide a plethora of services, including personal car, transportation, adult daycare, nutrition services, etc. Local providers can be found through 1-800-677-1116, and OAA can be included in your Abington, Pennsylvania, estate plan.

Advanced care planning

In addition to these decisions, there are many advanced care planning items that you need to include now. Specifically, you need to decide now what medical care you want and do not want. This includes medicines, procedures and life-sustaining treatments. It also includes who should make decisions on your behalf.

You can also make decisions now about where you want your long-term care to take place. This can be in an assisted-living facility, nursing home, hospital or home, and you can even specify the facilities you prefer in your estate plan. The key is starting your long-term planning now and including it in your Abington, Pennsylvania, estate plan.