A Life Care Plan offers a powerful way to solve the problems faced by older adults dealing with the challenges of long life, chronic illness, or disability. What is a Life Care Plan? How does a Life
Care Plan come into being? Why is it so valuable for older adults and the family members who love and care for them?
The Life Care Plan: A Complete Solution
According to Barbara McGinnis, a Certified Elder Law Attorney and Johnson McGinnis' managing partner, a Life Care Plan offers a comprehensive solution for the challenges created by failing health. "A Life Care Plan integrates legal care, personal care, and financial planning for the care of an elderly person," she said. "It gives older adults and their families a better way to navigate the challenges that can arise with aging, long-term illness, and disability."
The journey of functional decline is best explained by the Elder Care Continuum, a graphic representation of how functional decline creates housing, financial, legal, and care-related problems that, in most cases, family members must solve.
According to Pati Bedwell, one of Johnson McGinnis' three elder care coordinators, a Life Care Plan includes care coordination, a service many people don't expect to see in a law firm. "We offer a one-stop shop where people can get all the help they need," she said.
Step 1: Choosing a Life Care Plan
When a prospective client or family member calls the office, he or she talks with an intake specialist who determines if the firm can help. Family decision-makers then meet with members of the Johnson McGinnis staff, including an attorney and an elder care coordinator. If paying for long-term care is a concern, a public benefits specialist also attends the initial meeting to discuss the possibility of accessing VA benefits and Medicaid/TennCare to pay for care.
"I walk them through the application, qualification, and renewal process," said Joshua Bey, the public benefits specialist who handles the firm's Medicaid/TennCare applications.
The elder care coordinator plays one of the most important roles in a Life Care Plan.
"During that first meeting, I want to find out where the older adult is in the care journey and what the next steps might be," said Pati. "Are they still able to live at home? Do they need assistance at home? Who is on their care team?"
The scope of the Life Care Plan can vary based on the older adult's situation. Beyond legal services, care coordination, and long-term care planning, a Life Care Plan may include help with long-term care insurance claims, prescription drug plans, and health insurance claims. In nearly every case, the Life Care Plan includes support and resources for family
caregivers, such as guidance during care transitions, answers to questions about care, unbiased opinions about care and providers, and help resolving problems with care providers.
"We review their information, hear their story, and find what their goals are," said Tyler McCullar, the firm's public benefits specialist who focuses on Medicare and VA benefits. "Once we've identified their worries, we create the Life Care Plan, which lays out the roadmap for addressing every concern."
Step 2: Complete the Elder Care Assessment
After a decision is made to retain the firm, the next step is an assessment of the older adult's situation by an elder care coordinator. This typically involves a visit to wherever the older adult is living. The goal is to get to know the client and to see what changes to their living environment might make their situation better.
Throughout the term of the Life Care Plan, the elder care coordinator works closely with the client, care providers, and family members. "It's very difficult to manage care for an aging loved one, so I stay in touch with the family and make sure that they have the resources they need and that they have someone to talk to," said Pati. "As someone ages, their care needs can be
different every day. I am there for those ups and downs and help people get through them as best they can."
Step 3: Create the Legal and Financial Plan
Since failing health can create legal and financial problems, nearly every Life Care Plan involves developing legal documents that protect both the client and their family. Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Healthcare Directives, and Living Wills are just a few examples.
If the client's ability to afford long-term care is an issue, the Life Care Plan will include Medicaid planning, Veterans' benefits, or asset protection services.
"The qualification process starts early," said Joshua Bey, the public benefits specialist who supports clients through the Medicaid/TennCare application process. "When they finally need to access those programs, we've done as much preparation as we can."
Step 4: Navigate Changes in Condition
A Life Care Plan gives older adults and their families an experienced guide throughout the journey on the Elder Care Continuum.
"Things happen along the continuum that cannot be addressed by a legal document or a Medicaid application," Barbara said. "That's why a Life Care Plan is a relationship that occurs over time.
For example, if an elderly person's condition deteriorates and they need to transition to a nursing home, the Life Care Planning team can help facilitate that process, ensuring that it is done smoothly and without financial strain."
After the initial 12-month contract expires, the client can renew the Life Care Plan to ensure uninterrupted representation and support," Barbara added.
Step 5: The Final Meeting
The concluding step in a Life Care Plan comes after the elderly client passes away. This involves a meeting between the family and the elder law attorney to wrap up any remaining affairs. During this meeting, the family receives instructions on how to close accounts, distribute remaining assets, and handle any final legal matters.
If the client was single, the Life Care Plan terminates. If the client was married, the Life Care Plan may continue for the surviving spouse.
A Life Care Plan delivers welcome peace of mind for both the older adult and their family.
Are you looking for guidance, support, and peace of mind during a loved one's long-term care journey? Call Johnson McGinnis at 615.824.2571 to schedule a confidential family consultation.
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