Second Chances at Successful Planning

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It’s Never Too Late: Getting Your Long-Term Care Plan Right

Many families procrastinate when it comes to long-term care planning, often waiting until a crisis hits to take action. Others may have tried to plan ahead using online forms or a general practice attorney, only to find that their documents are insufficient when they are needed most. The good news is that it’s almost never too late to get a second chance at successful planning with the help of an experienced elder law attorney.

Why Generic Estate Plans Fail in a Crisis

The most common mistake we see is relying on generic estate planning documents that were not designed for a long-term care crisis. Seniors need a different type of plan than younger individuals. Your documents must do more than just distribute assets after death; they must provide the legal authority for your family to protect your assets during your lifetime.

A standard will or power of attorney often lacks the specific, robust language required to engage in the asset protection strategies necessary to qualify for government benefits. This is a critical failure that can cost a family their entire life savings.

Correcting Past Mistakes

A significant portion of our work involves helping families fix problems created by prior planning or a lack of planning. It is a common scenario for a family to come to us after a Medicaid application has been denied or after being told they have too many assets to qualify for the VA Pension. A past denial does not mean you cannot succeed. We have a high track record of correcting mistakes and successfully securing benefits for families where others have failed.

Educate Yourself on the Options

The best planning is proactive and informed. It’s essential to understand the resources available to you. Government assistance programs can be a lifeline for middle-class families facing a long-term care crisis, but you must understand the rules.

  • The VA Pension with Aid & Attendance can provide a tax-free monthly benefit to wartime veterans or their surviving spouses.
  • Special Assistance is a North Carolina program designed to help pay for care in an assisted living facility.
  • Medicaid is the primary source of funding for nursing home care.

The fact that you’ve been unsuccessful in the past does not mean you can’t achieve your goals today. A strategic approach to your asset protection can make all the difference. Call our office at (919) 256-7000 to schedule a consultation.