Elder Law

PROTECT YOUR FLORIDA LEGACY WITH OUR JACKSONVILLE ELDER LAW ATTORNEYS

Asset protection planning for your nest egg for when, not if, a long-term care event strikes your family may make all the difference in the world when leaving a legacy. Our Jacksonville attorneys at Legacy Planning Law Group know that the best way to help our clients is to understand their planning needs. If you’re interested in learning more about our Jacksonville elder law services, please book your free 15-minute phone call with our law office today!

OUR JACKSONVILLE ELDER LAW LAWYERS HELP PROTECT SENIORS IN FLORIDA

Elder law is another aspect of estate planning, focusing primarily on the needs of families and individuals as they age. Aging issues include senior housing and home care, long-term (assisted living or nursing home) care, guardianships, health care documents, and Florida Medicaid.

WHY YOU NEED FLORIDA LONG-TERM CARE

The Long-Term Care Dilemma in Jacksonville, Florida

As our population ages, more and more of us confront elder law-related issues, whether for ourselves or our parents. One of the most pressing issues is the cost of Florida long-term nursing home care, which usually is not covered by traditional health insurance. Depending on where you live and the level of care needed, the nursing home care expenses can vary greatly. Most people end up paying for Jacksonville nursing home care until their personal (or family) assets are depleted, then they may qualify for Medicaid to pick up the cost of long-term care options.

FLORIDA ANNUAL MEDIAN COST OF CARE (2022)

IN-HOME CARE	COMMUNITY/ASSISTED LIVING	NURSING HOME FACILITY
Homemaker Services $61,273	Adult Day Health Care $20,888	Semi-Private Room $97,747
Home Health Aide $63,629	Assisted Living Facility $55,620	Private Room $111,657

Resource: https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care.html

However, careful Florida long-term care planning can help protect your assets for your spouse or children. Elder law attorneys in Jacksonville, FL, can help you or a loved one understand options for long-term care in Florida.

UNDERSTANDING FLORIDA MEDICAID

Medicaid is a joint federal-state program. While subject to specific federal requirements, each state implements its regulations on managing the Medicaid program. Medicaid is not an entitlement program like Medicare but rather a form of welfare. Medicaid eligibility is determined after the proper application is submitted to the state. Many statewide Medicaid-managed care programs are available in Florida, from basic medical coverage to Florida nursing home care programs.

Our elder law attorneys in Jacksonville, FL, assist seniors and their families in making the tough decisions regarding long-term care planning, including whether Florida Medicaid eligibility may be an option.

SENIOR HOUSING OPTIONS IN JACKSONVILLE

Helping a parent move to senior housing can be overwhelming. The death of a spouse, declining health, or safety concerns can trigger the need to move. The realization that what has been home is no longer suitable means overcoming some emotional ties. Finding a new home that is appealing and appropriate is no easy task, and neither is going through a lifetime of accumulated personal belongings.

Here are some tips to help make the transition easier:

• Plan ahead. Don’t wait for a health crisis to start the process. The smoothest transitions occur when the person moving is in the driver’s seat.
• Assess the current situation. Start by evaluating physical care needs and financial resources. Consider the costs of staying in place, including renovation and ongoing maintenance. Add the cost of rising utility bills and taxes, and don’t forget transportation and food. Make a list and decide whether it’s cheaper to stay or move to a community designed for seniors.
• Take a multi-phase approach. Seniors often take longer than a year to make a move.
• Fully explore new housing options. Senior living offers a broader range of options than ever before.

Our experienced elder law attorneys in Jacksonville, FL, can help you preserve your legacy as you age. If you’re interested in learning more about elder law in Florida and your options, please don’t hesitate to contact our Jacksonville law firm by booking a call today. We look forward to speaking with you. Our elder law services include:

• Medicaid Planning
• Guardianship
• Veteran Pension Planning