What Every Family Needs to Know About Elder Care.
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Planning for long-term care is something everyone should think about before they get too old or sick. Taking care of elderly family members can be expensive, so it’s smart to prepare early. Elder law experts says that by the age of 55, every adult should have five important documents to help their family if something happens.
These five documents are:
A health care proxy – someone you trust to make medical decisions for you.
Power of attorney – someone to handle legal and money matters.
A living will – to explain what kind of medical care you want at the end of life.
A last will and testament – to decide who gets your money and belongings.
A digital diary – a list of passwords and online accounts your family should know about.
Planning ahead brings peace of mind. It also helps avoid confusion and protects the family’s savings.
Santos Macaya, age 74, got help from an elder care lawyer after his wife was diagnosed with dementia. He didn’t know how to afford care, but the lawyer helped him qualify for Medicaid. That way, the government helped pay for his wife’s care. Santos said having help made it easier and less scary. His wife sadly passed away before Thanksgiving, but Santos was ready. Now, he’s making sure his son, who has special needs, will be taken care of too.
Experts recommend making a list of all your money and property, sharing it with someone you trust, and updating it every five years or when things change. Downsizing your home or moving closer to your kids can also help.
Long-term care insurance is an option, but it can be expensive or hard to get. If you can’t afford a private lawyer, many cities have free or low-cost help. In New York, there are places like:
It’s not fun to think about getting old or sick, but making a plan can protect your family and your future.
