At Elder Care Alliance, we know how important it is to have a long-term plan for whenever you need it. Creating such a plan will relieve much of the burden from your family members if something should happen to you.
Sometimes, family members may need to create long-term care plans for their loved ones if they cannot do it themselves. Ideally, this type of plan should be drafted well before it is needed. But even if you’re working on it at the last minute, it’s better to generate such a plan late than never. Here’s how to create a long-term care plan so you don’t have to make the hard decisions at the last minute.
Assign Guardianship/Power of Attorney
When you can no longer handle critical healthcare or financial decisions, it is essential to have someone you trust to do it for you. That’s where guardianship or a Power of Attorney comes into play.
Many people confuse guardianship with a Power of Attorney. The two may be similar in some ways, but they are not the same thing. You need to be able to distinguish between them so you can decide which option to pursue. A guardian is appointed by the court and given authority to manage health care and finances for a person incapable of making those decisions on their behalf. Guardianship can only be sought after the person of interest has become incapacitated.
A person with a Power of Attorney is granted documented authority by someone else to make decisions on their behalf. An older adult may grant someone else a Power of Attorney to handle their finances, medical issues, or both. A Power of Attorney can be set up well before it’s needed, making it an important aspect of any long-term care plan.
Arrange Supported Housing or Home Modifications
As people age, they often lose some of their mobility over time. To prepare for this, it’s a good idea to include plans for supported housing or home modifications in your long-term care plan. Elder Care Alliance can help you arrange tours of our assisted living communities if you opt for the former.
If you decide to make home modifications, set up a savings account to help pay for the changes you’ll need as you age. Examples of things to consider include wheelchair ramp installation, safety bars by toilets and in showers, and walk-in bathtub installation.
Figure Out How You’ll Pay for Medical Expenses
Long-term care can cost significant money. Therefore, it’s essential to figure out what sources of money you’ll use to cover associated costs. Don’t forget to check with your insurance policy to see how much of your long-term care costs they’ll cover.
Creating a long-term care plan may seem overwhelming, but take it one step at a time. Before you know it, you’ll have a detailed plan and peace of mind worth all the effort.
