Life Care Planning is a holistic approach to the practice of Elder Law that helps older adults and their families prepare for challenges that may arise from aging, illness and/or disability. Not only are seniors and their loved ones faced with the concerns of their current needs, but they have to face the overwhelming preparation and planning for potential future crises. A Life Care Plan is designed to address these immediate and future concerns. Traditionally, elder law firms focus on specific, time limited transactions such as the execution of documents and the protection of assets. In contrast, Life Care Planning is a long term relationship between our firm and our clients consisting of continued guidance, advocacy and support as changes occur in health, finances and lifestyle.

How Does Life Care Planning Work?

The main focus of Life Care Planning is to promote and maintain quality of life for seniors. The first step is a comprehensive assessment by an Elder Care Coordinator. Once this is complete, then our attorneys perform a complete financial and legal assessment resulting in a customized plan that provides a road map to help the seniors and their family plan for current and future needs. Other specialists who may be involved in the process include our Public Benefit Specialists and End of Life Doula, as well as, Financial Planners, Accountants and Insurance Specialists.

The Benefits of a Life Care Plan:

• An individualized plan that addresses your current and future needs and a support team that remains available to assist you.
• For clients, a Life Care Plan can mean preservation of independence, the ability to age with dignity, finding the right care sooner and the security of knowing that you have an advocate dedicated to helping you maximize your quality of life.A life care plan is especially important for solo agers and individuals who are determined to remain in their home.  We will serve as your partner and navigator because no one should go it alone.
• For families, a Life Care Plan provides assistance with the burdens of caregiving, relief from anxiety about paying for care, guidance with legal, healthcare and long-term care decisions and the peace of mind that you have a place to turn for help.

Ten signs that families need help:

1. The primary caregiver is suffering from burnout, health problems, frustration, guilt or confusion.
2. Seniors and families are confused and overwhelmed with care options, what to do next or where to get help.
3. The older adult was recently diagnosed with a chronic, debilitating illness such as Dementia or Parkinson’s disease or has had a major medical problem such as a heart attack or stroke.
4. The individual is aging alone without close family who are able to provide assistance.
5. The senior has experienced a fall or other accident and there are concerns about safety or ability to provide self-care at home.
6. There have been cognitive changes noted in the older adult and there are no existing legal documents such as a power of attorney or the ones that exist are more than 5 years old.
7. One of the spouses has significantly different care needs than the other.
8. The senior is expressing concern about paying for needed care now or in the future.
9. The older adult is hospitalized and the family has been told that returning home is not an option.
10. There are differing opinions between the parents and their children as to the best care option.