Three Questions To Guide Long-Term Care Planning Conversations
It can be hard to begin long-term care planning conversations, especially given how individualized each older adult’s needs are. However, many families in Minnesota face similar issues, and it can be useful to know the answers to a few common questions before starting long-term care planning for an older loved one, such as a parent.
At Mary Ebb Law, we help clients in Ramsey County determine the best solutions for their loved one’s long-term care needs. Our founding attorney, Mary Ebb, has created a list of three questions that will focus those types of conversations in a productive way.
Question #1: What Planning Has This Person Done Previously?
It is always important to use a loved one’s previous estate, long-term care or other legal documents (such as a power of attorney or health care directive, or a trust) as a foundation for current conversations. If the individual is no longer legally competent, these may provide a strong indication of their wishes. These documents or plans may need to be updated to comply with today’s legal landscape, but they are an excellent starting point.
Question #2: How Do We Balance Safety And Autonomy?
Most older adults prefer “aging in place” and continuing to live in their homes. There are many benefits to this choice, but for many families, concern for their safety may emerge as an issue if they are at risk for falls, or if they are forgetting to take their medications.
This question reminds all parties to consider which long-term care options will preserve the most autonomy for the older adult, while ensuring their safety and health are being looked after.
Question #3: What Assets Does The Loved One Have At Their Disposal?
Determining what level of assets that a loved one has available, and how the assets are held, will provide a family and their lawyer with a clear picture of realistic long-term care options. A conservatorship may be established if a loved one is unable to manage their assets so that their resources may be used appropriately in paying for their care.
We Can Help Guide Difficult Conversations
Mary Ebb Law, located in White Bear Lake, helps Ramsey County families conduct fruitful conversations on long-term care and other elder law topics. Call us at 651-323-2236 or use our convenient online form to start the process.