After the active retirement years start to wane, life for seniors will take on a different complexion. Living assistance may be necessary, and there is a concept called “aging in place” that you should understand when you are looking ahead toward the future.
Modification of Living Spaces
It can be difficult to process the limitations that elders face, but it is simply part of life. If you accept the inevitability and embrace it, you can use aging in place concepts to maximize your comfort.
From an interior design perspective, there are various modifications that can be made to facilitate aging in place. There is no one universal approach because people have different limitations. Your spaces will be custom-crafted to suit your specific needs.
Obviously, the initial design will be based on the way you feel when the modifications are being made, and it will anticipate future needs. Designers use techniques that allow for the integration of ongoing adjustments to adapt to changing circumstances, so this is a fluid approach.
You may be surprised when you see all the different ways that relatively simple but intelligent upgrades can make your life a whole lot easier.
Hands-On Assistance
Aging in place is best accomplished with total family cooperation. If you are going to be receiving help from your children, you should get together and have some honest discussions.
In some cases, friends and extended relatives will be willing to lend a hand as well. You should open up about the areas where you need help and everyone that is involved can evaluate their ability to pitch in.
Of course, there are in-home health aides who can be engaged as well, and professional assistance may be needed at some point. You can expect to pay somewhere in the vicinity of $65,000 a year for a full-time home health aide, so these expenses are significant.
Unfortunately, Medicare will not pay for this type of care, and the program does not cover a stay in an assisted living community or a nursing home.
Medicaid Waivers
Medicaid is another government health insurance program that will pay for custodial care for seniors. It is a need-based program, so you cannot qualify if you have more than $2,000 in countable assets.
As an elder law firm, we have a thorough understanding of all the rules and regulations. We help people position their assets with future Medicaid eligibility in mind.
Aside from the traditional Medicaid coverage, there is a Home and Community-Based Services Waiver program in New Jersey. These waivers assist with in-home care costs, so this can be the ideal solution for those who can get the care that they need in their own homes.
Attend a Free Seminar!
We go the extra mile to provide educational opportunities to our neighbors through the seminars that we offer on an ongoing basis.
There is no charge to attend our events, but we ask that you register in advance so we can reserve your spot. You can visit our seminar schedule page to see the dates and learn more.
Need Help Now?
If you have already learned enough to know that it is time for you to work with an attorney to put a plan in place, we are here to help. We can gain an understanding of your situation and your legacy goals and create a personalized plan that is ideal for you and your family.
You can set up an appointment at our Warren, NJ elder law office if you call us at 908-222-8803, and you can use our contact form if you would prefer to send us a message.
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