Long-Term Care Planning Resources
We have reached the final installment in our long-term care series. We hope you have found this information valuable. As a recap, in week 1, we learned what long-term care encompasses and who might need it. In the second installment we learned that for the most part, Medicare does not pay for long-term care. In part 3, we learned about Medicaid and how to qualify without spending your entire nest egg. Week 4 looked at long-term care insurance. Last week we looked at the timing of planning. This week we provide you with some information and resources to help with your planning.
What legal documents should I have in place to help plan for long-term care?
Good question! Advance directives, such as the Health Care Proxy and Power of Attorney, are critical for long-term care planning as these documents allow a trusted loved one to step in and make important medical and financial decisions for you. Remember that not all Powers of Attorney are the same. Having a well-drafted and comprehensive Power of Attorney with the necessary powers to allow the agent to engage in long-term care planning on your behalf is very important.
Where can I learn more about long-term care planning in New York?
There are a number of places where you can begin your search:
- New York State Office for the Aging – There is a local office in every New York county.
- New York State Department of Health – Long Term Care page provides a wealth of resources.
- New York Medicaid Choice – provides a list of long-term care plans available by area.
- New York State Department of Financial Services – Long-term care page contains many useful links.
The last word
Planning ahead can save you and your loved ones a great deal of pain. Everyone’s situation is different, and long-term planning is not one size fits all. That’s why it is important to seek the assistance and advice of experienced and understanding attorneys to help with navigating this complicated aspect of life. When you are ready, we are happy to help.
