Elder law is about more than finding a way to pay for nursing home care. The Life Care Plan is an elder-centered approach that helps families respond to challenges caused by the chronic illness or disability of a loved one. That's why the Estate Planning and Asset Protection Law Center of Dennis Sullivan and Associates now offers an innovative approach to elder law that helps families respond to all of the challenges presented by long life, illness and disability. 

Life Care Planning is about being an advocate for your loved one in every long term care setting and assisting the family with those overwhelming decisions.

Benefits for the Family

• We offer guidance with every legal, health care and long-term care decision
• You have relief from the strains of caregiving and the anxiety about paying for care
• You will have the confidence that comes from having a plan for ongoing care as the elder’s condition progresses
• We will work with you to locate public and private sources to help pay for long-term care while resolving issues created by the high cost of care
• You will have the security of knowing your spouse and dependents are provided for
• You will feel relief knowing that you have an advocate on your side

Benefits for the Elder

• Getting the right care when you need it
• Independence for as long as possible
• Aging with dignity

Is a Life Care Plan Right for You?

If any of the following statements describe your situation with a spouse or parent, a Life Care Plan can help you breathe easier.

1. The primary caregiver is suffering from burnout, ill health, frustration or guilt
2. Family members are confused about what to do next or where to get help
3. He/she was recently diagnosed with cancer, Alzheimer’s disease or other chronic condition
4. He/she has recently suffered a medication mistake, fall in the home or other accident
5. You recently discovered your loved one wandering, malnourished, dehydrated or unable to provide self care
6. Your loved one recently had a stroke, heart attack or other health emergency
7. Your loved one is currently hospitalized and you’ve been told that returning home is not an option

A Life Care Plan includes the following:

• Consultations to help draft and impliment a comprehensive and effective Life Care Plan
• All necessary legal documents including wills, trusts, powers of attorney and advanced directives; Medicaid planning; guardianships; and protection of the elder's right to safe and effective care for which he or she is entitled.
• Care Coordination, which includes locating in-home help and services, coordinating home health care and long-term care, family education and decision-making support - for the rest of your loved-one's life.

Get the Ball Rolling…

Important topics to address with your loved one when considering a life car plan include:

1. Where and with whom will you live?
2. What activities will you participate in?
3. Where will you travel?
4. How will you fund your late life plans?
5. When and how will you complete all necessary legal transactions, such as a Last Will and Testatement, Health Care Proxy and HIPAA Authorization?
6. Who do you want managing your finances? your medical decision? your legal decisions? if you no longer able?
7. Do you wish to protect your life savings from being "spent down" by Medicaid laws?

Statistics show that 1 in 2 people will require long-term care due to disability or illness.  Many people prefer to receive long-term care assictance at home.  Other options include adult day services, assisted living facilities, and skilled nursing facilities.  An effective Life Care Plan will put you in the best possible position to get the care you need.

For more information, call the Estate Planning and Asset Protection Law Center at (781) 237-2815 or register for a free educational workshop by clicking here.