It’s not pleasant thinking ahead about what happens if we become incapacitated or die, but since one day we all will take our final breath, and some will need long term care, it’s wise to take a few moments to think ahead about being proactive.
Every day of our lives we perform basic functions that are known as activities of daily living (ADLs). They are dressing, bathing, eating, toileting and making transfers on and off chairs, and in and out of bed. We take these for granted as we go about our daily routines. But when the frailties of age, sickness, or mental capacity become so diminished that someone cannot do these basic needs of living, then outside help is needed. That help typically comes from a spouse, or adult children, but if there is no spouse, or children do not live nearby, or when it is simply not practical for family to help, then homecare agencies must be hired to keep that elder person safe at home. Families then need to pay for that help out of their own resources until they can qualify for government programs. If the elder person cannot do three or more activities of daily living, then the Connecticut Home Care Program for Elders (CHCPE), or Medicaid will pay for help with the things the elder cannot do, if the elder person qualifies financially and functionally.
One of the elder care paralegals at Allaire Law suggested that it would be helpful to aging families to read an article about thinking ahead for what, when and where care might be needed before a decrease in functional abilities forces quick decisions. Let’s face it, no one likes to think they may be heading for long term care, whether at home or in some type of elder care facility. But adults do wills in case they die, no matter their age and health conditions, because they want to take care of their families, taking into account their individual differences. When it comes to thinking about all the physical, financial, and legal issues of long term care, however, that is put off, largely because it is not inevitable, unlike death and taxes.
Most people in Connecticut do not have to worry about estate taxes when they die because the exemptions are $13.61 million, both for federal the state of Connecticut. Those laws can change, but for the average Connecticut resident, inheritance taxes are not a reason to do a simple trust. But there are two big reasons why a simple revocable trust may be a wise thing to do for any married couple.
Many clients come to us searching for the secrets of navigating Medicaid for long term care. Others believe they want to avoid it at all costs. I feel that Medicaid is a misunderstood tool, which if wielded correctly can be very useful to many people. Nothing is appropriate for everyone, but this program is much more versatile than you may think.
Many adult children and their spouses are faced with how to care for very elderly parents. They have also been dedicating all their spare time and more to give help to the parents at home and have learned that giving care full time is not an easy job. The time commitment alone is wearing. Another lesson learned is that it is a big learning curve, which is true. It not only involves the physical, but the financial and legal aspects as well.
