Why Do I Need a Long Term Care Plan?

Do you know if your older loved ones have put in place a long term care plan? While it’s not the most pleasant topic of conversation, it’s an essential one, because many seniors fail to plan for long term care. Life can change for any one of us in the blink of an eye – whether it’s illness, injury, or suddenly developing a medical condition, but it’s simply not in our nature to walk around thinking about what might happen. We only tend to give things serious consideration after they do happen.

For older adults, the desire to remain in good health and remain independent in their own home is strong. It’s scary to think that an accident or an illness can upend their entire world, but unfortunately it does happen, and any elder law attorney will tell you that it’s best to have a plan in place for when the unexpected happens. Here’s why.

When you’ll need a long term care plan

• You develop a chronic illness or medical condition that results in you needing around the clock care. Whether this means moving into an assisted living facility or hiring in-home help, you’ll need to be able to budget for your care and other related expenses.
• You develop mobility issues and can no longer safely live alone at home. Many older adults develop mobility issues that can result in serious falls, and being home alone becomes dangerous.
• You become incapacitated. Accidents and serious illnesses can happen to anyone, and if you’re not able to make your own medical or financial decisions, you need a plan in place so your family knows what to do.

A big part of growing older is understanding that having a long term care plan not only protects you, but also your family. If you were suddenly to become incapacitated, will your family know how to make decisions on your behalf? And if you pass away, will they know how  you want to be laid to rest or how to distribute your assets? Creating a clear plan ensures they have guidance during a very difficult time.

For more information about how to create a long term care plan that protects both you and your family, or if you have any questions, please contact our team at SCC Legal today. Discover why so many people in New Jersey choose us as their trusted elder law attorneys. We look forward to hearing from you.

This blog was originally posted at https://www.scclegal.com/why-do-i-need-a-long-term-care-plan/