Experienced Long-Term Care Planning Lawyer Serving Essex County
As we age, the likelihood of needing assistance with daily activities or specialized medical care increases significantly. Long-term care planning involves making important legal, financial and health care decisions before a crisis occurs. Without proper planning, families often face difficult choices during emotionally challenging times, potentially depleting life savings or compromising on quality of care.
I am attorney Nelson Chang, and as an estate planning lawyer at Law Offices of Nelson Chang, I have been helping individuals and families throughout Saugus and Essex County prepare for long-term care needs for more than 40 years. My approach focuses on preserving your assets while making sure you receive the care you need. I work closely with each client to develop comprehensive strategies tailored to their unique circumstances and goals.
Creating Essential Legal Instruments With A Long-Term Care Planning Lawyer
Proper planning requires several important legal documents to make sure your health care and financial wishes are respected:
- Durable powers of attorney: Designates someone to make financial decisions if you become unable to do so
- Health care proxies: Appoints a trusted individual to make medical decisions on your behalf
- Living wills: Outlines your preferences for medical treatment in specific circumstances
- HIPAA authorizations: Allows designated individuals to access your medical information
These documents form the foundation of effective long-term care planning, providing peace of mind that your wishes will be followed. My office assists with all aspects of these important documents, including wills and trusts that complement your long-term care strategy.
Planning For Long-Term Care Expenses
The cost of long-term care facilities in Massachusetts can exceed $12,000 monthly. Understanding your options for covering these expenses is crucial:
- Long-term care insurance: Provides coverage specifically for nursing home or home health care
- Medicaid planning: Strategic asset protection to qualify for Medicaid while preserving wealth
- Veterans benefits: Additional support options for qualifying veterans and their spouses
- Personal savings: Structured approaches to maximize existing resources
For many families, Medicaid planning represents an essential strategy for managing care costs. This complex process may involve careful property transfers and other asset protection strategies to secure your financial future while qualifying for needed benefits.
Exploring Aging In Place Options
Many seniors prefer to remain in their homes while receiving necessary care. This approach, known as aging in place, requires thoughtful planning:
- Home modification assessments to improve safety and accessibility
- Coordination of in-home care services and support systems
- Technology solutions for remote monitoring and assistance
- Community resource identification and integration
As your long-term care planning lawyer, I can help evaluate whether aging in place is feasible based on your health needs, available support systems and financial resources. Protecting your assets remains a priority regardless of whether care is received at home or in a facility.
Begin Planning Today
The earlier you start long-term care planning, the more options you will have available. Contact Law Offices of Nelson Chang to schedule a free initial consultation. Call 781-816-8877 or contact me online to arrange an appointment. From my office in Saugus, I provide guidance to clients throughout Essex County and the North Shore, including Beverly.