As people age, it becomes even more important to plan ahead for unexpected illnesses and disabilities. While creating an estate plan may seem like enough, a life care plan can help to ease the stress that comes with taking care of an elderly loved one. This is critical because it defines and organizes all aspects of a senior’s care. By establishing a Houston life care plan, a family can be prepared for any future care needs that may arise and feel confident in their decision.
What is a Life Care Plan?
A life care plan is a holistic look at your specific planning options, choices, and decisions. Besides including an estate plan, the life care plan will address the legal, financial, housing, and long-term care issues caused by the loved one’s chronic illness, disability, or even just their aging. Unlike traditional estate planning which focuses on preserving an elderly loved one’s hard-earned money for future generations, life care planning focuses on maximizing their quality of life and independence. Because there are a lot of unexpected situations that arise when a loved one continues to age, developing a life care plan allows families to be prepared for any situation that might arise. Overall, the goal of life care planning is to promote and maintain the health, safety, and well-being of the elder and their family.
When developing a life care plan, there are three essential objectives:
- Ensure the elder receives appropriate care, whether by a loved one at home or at a long-term care facility;
- Find funding for long-term care, whether from public or private sources; and
- Feel content knowing planned decisions will make sure the loved one is safe and receiving the right care.
A successful life care plan anticipates the present and future needs as well as locating appropriate and high-quality care the person requires. Families will not need to immediately react when a crisis occurs; instead, they can rest in comfort knowing they have planned ahead and have secured their loved one’s finances and medical care. This means if the loved one needs to be transferred to a long-term care facility, there will already be a plan in place to access public benefits, if necessary, and a planned payment for care. Because a life care plan is especially important for those with chronic illness or disability, they will typically include provisions for health care and financial decision making, crisis intervention, and care coordination.
Are You Interested in Creating a Life Care Plan for an Elderly Loved One?
Creating a life care plan, while extremely important, can be complex. Because of this, it is critical to consult an experienced Houston estate planning attorney who can develop a plan that prioritizes every aspect of their loved one’s care. If you or a family member is interested in establishing a Houston life care plan, the attorneys at McCulloch & Miller, PLLC can help. By taking the time to explain the process and how we can assist you, our dedicated attorneys will create a plan that takes your individual needs into account. With years of experience, we will ensure your matters are conducted in a careful and compassionate way. Call us at 713-333-8900 to speak to one of our attorneys and schedule a consultation.