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.

When elderly parents physical condition declines to the point where they cannot stay at home without some kind of help, there are many ways to provide that help, either at their long time home or elsewhere. In some cases the adult children may be very willing to have the parent live with them, as it may be easier than constantly running back and forth to the parents home, and keeping up the parents home. There is no single answer for everyone, but if the decision is to have a parent live with an adult child, there are federal and state programs that can help pay for assistance, that can include paying the child giving the care.

We are just past the holiday season, and the New Year gives us the emotional permission needed to just relax. After the travel, the baking, the wrapping, the cleanup, and all the many thoughtful things we do for one another during this special time, it’s time for you.