In 2005, 35 million Americans were over the age of 65.  That number is expected to increase to 62 million in the next fifteen years.  One in four of those individuals will have to spend some time – whether short-term, after an injury or illness, or for a longer, indefinite period – in  a skilled nursing or assisted living facility.

The fastest growing segment of this population are individuals over the age of 85, half of whom need some help with their personal care.

At least one person in 20% of all households is involved in providing informal care to one or more elderly friends or family members.

My own experience with parents and grandparents made me aware that it can be challenging to identify and evaluate all the resources that may be available to help answer these questions:

• What is the best living situation for my elderly friend or family member?
• What about home care and community resources?
• Is there help available for family caregivers?
• How are we going  to pay for the help we need?

Marsha Goodman, Attorney, PLLC is a Life Care Planning Law Firm.  Our team of legal and human services professionals will help you clarify your concerns about elder loved ones and develop an action plan to address both immediate and longer-term issues.  Solutions might include:

• Assuring that your loved ones’ intentions regarding financial, healthcare and end-of-life decisions are defined and documented;
• Finding home healthcare now, with a plan for residential care if circumstances change in the future;
• Navigating the maze of public and private benefits, and
• Implementing plans to pay for needed care with personal or, if necessary, public resources.

Once we have developed a strategy and put it into place, our Life Care Planning firm uses periodic monitoring and appropriate adjustments to assure that it continues to meet your needs.

We will help you address the challenges of finding and paying for the best care for your elderly loved ones, so you  can focus on giving the love and family support that can only come from you.

Marsha Goodman, Attorney