Many families, children, individuals do not work with elder care attorneys until their parent(s) or they themselves face “a crisis” spurred by the need to move into nursing care. Until that crisis –which typically happens late in the elder’s life– the responsibility and effort of the research, coordination and delivery of care for the elder falls completely on the primary caregiver. This may be the first time they have dealt with the problems that come with aging, disability or chronic illness. Often, persons feel confused and burnt out by trying to coordinate and deliver care over a period of months or even years. When it all becomes too much -there is a crisis!
Long term care is the necessity by which to protect a loved one’s health and safety. With planning careful consideration of all available options can be pursued such as costs and how to pay for the needed care without going broke. Or determining whether a loved one is eligible for and/or how to apply for Medicaid, Veterans benefits or other entitlement programs.