WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT
LONG-TERM CARE? ROBERT N. NASH ESTATE PLANNING AND ELDER LAW ATTORNEY
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Persons of any age may require long term care. However, as we age the potential need for some form of long term care increases. Several factors contribute to this need. First, we are living longer than previous generations. Secondly, the debilitating effects of chronic health conditions such as diabetes, hypertension or obesity, will advance as we age. At the same time, our families are also older and may no longer have the capability to provide for all of our needs. About 70 % of those over age 65 require some form of long term care with just over one third requiring care in an assisted living community or nursing home. Care is needed when you can no longer perform activities of daily living such as bathing yourself, eating, dressing or moving about on your own. You may also need help with instrumental activities of daily living such as housework, preparing and cleaning up after meals, paying bills or remembering to take your medications.
WHAT SHOULD I LOOK FOR IN A LONG TERM CARE FACILITY? If you require residential care, it is one of your major life decisions and should be approached as you would any other big decision. You will be entering into contracts and need to be of sound mind and body to legally do so. You would not purchase a car without some knowledge of its performance. Research is very important to this process. Most individuals choose facilities near their existing residences. There are many reasons this occurs. You want to be accessible to family and friends who are concerned with your well-being. Also you have established relationships with
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your primary care physician and specialists in your area that you have already trusted with your care. For some patients, it can take years to develop a comfort level with doctors. It is generally recommended to visit more than one long term care facility, and by all means ask questions. When you first contact a facility, you will get the tour, which is where the staff knows you are coming and you will see their best showing. You want to follow up an initial visit, preferably when you are not expected, to more honestly assess what you will really experience. The staff available to assist you at any given time of day will vary even day to day at any location. Preference should be given to any center that has more registered nurses providing care. This is particularly true during off-peak hours, holidays or weekends. Some consideration should also be given to the physical
The cost for a stay in a nursing home facility or other long-term care facility can be high enough to put a serious dent in even a well thought out retirement plan.
layout. Often states will mandate that hallways be capable of wheelchair access, and wider halls offer greater safety. Lighting is important to safety and to the general ambience of a care center. Other features such as the view from a room, or the type of food generally served will also influence your decision.
WHAT ARE THE COSTS OF LONG TERM CARE IN MY AREA? Costs of course depend on what service is needed and where it is delivered. Care provided in your home will be less expensive. Housekeepers are paid $20 per
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hour in the state of Illinois on average. You can expect to pay roughly $21 per hour for a visiting home health aide. Adult day services allow you to still live in your home, but you will travel to their location for care services. The Illinois state average cost is $65 per day. Residential care is your most expensive option at $3451 per month for an assisted living facility. Nursing homes are $167 per day for semi private rooms, $216 per day for private accommodations. Costs will vary from these averages.
WILL MY INSURANCE COVER THE COSTS OF LONG TERM CARE? Medicare and most private health insurances do not cover long term care except in very specific circumstances. If you have purchased long term care insurance, you may have greater coverage. Many LTC plans will cover room and board, but may limit or exclude additional services.
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By all means, review any existing policies to better understand what costs will ultimately be your responsibility. Your insurance agent can explain how your current benefits will coordinate. Many individuals who have not planned ahead regret their indecision when long term care becomes an urgent need.
WHAT ABOUT MEDICAID COVERAGE? Medicaid is an insurer of last resort. To qualify for Medicaid coverage, you must meet income and asset limitations. In most states, your home, auto and personal possessions are exempt from the asset requirement. States also are currently using a five year look back period with regard to transfers of asserts. There are very specific guidelines with regard to how and when you have given up your assets.
CONCLUSION Consultation with an elder law attorney is highly recommended for individuals who have recently disposed of assets or plan to do so shortly. There are state sanctions that limit Medicaid coverage for those who have relinquished control of assets simply to qualify for Medicaid. Your elder law attorney will gladly answer these questions, along with any other issues regarding wills, trusts or estate planning.
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REFERENCES http://www.longtermcare.gov/LTC/Main_Site/Planning/Index.aspx http://www2.illinois.gov/hfs/Pages/default.aspx http://www.medicare.gov/
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About the Author Robert N. Nash Robert N. Nash is a partner in the law firm of Nash Nash Bean & Ford, LLP. The law firm has offices in Geneseo and Moline, Illinois and conference facilities available throughout Northwestern Illinois. Mr. Nash chose the estate and business planning arena because he believes it provides a positive force in his clients’ lives. He practices preventative, rather than remedial law. Robert Nash focuses on all aspects of estate planning, including estate, gift and income taxes, trust and probate administration, real estate, and business.
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