Will You Go Broke Paying for Long-Term Care?

The costs of long-term care — whether at home, in assisted living, or in a nursing home — vary widely in the US. However, according to NPR, there isn’t one state where long-term care is affordable for middle-class families. In fact, if paid out of pocket, home care services on average would consume 84% of the income of a typical older middle-income family. For nursing home care, it would consume a whopping 246%.  And these percentages are based on the national averages which are significantly lower than the rates in the DC Metro area.

Whether suffering from the after-effects of a stroke or a debilitating disease such as Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s, long-term care is catastrophically costly  — and the costs keep increasing. The latest 2014 report by Genworth Financial estimates that the national median daily cost of a private room in a nursing home is $87,600 per year, an increase of 2.62 percent over 2013. In the DC Metro area, the survey shows that the average cost of a nursing home in 2014 is $110,595 per year.

Nearly 730,000 Americans live in assisted-living facilities. The average resident of an Assisted Living Facility (ALF) stays only two years, entering at the age of 87. For these residents, who need less care than nursing home residents, the ALF average national cost is $42,000 a year. In the DC metro area, the average rate is almost double at $82,674 per year. Those able to remain in their homes will pay an average national wage of $20 an hour for a licensed home health aide.

What if you were one of the estimated 11 million U.S. adults who will need some type of long-term care in the future? Many don’t realize that neither routine employer-based medical insurance nor Medicare will pay for long-term care (also called “custodial care”). Some seniors purchase long-term care insurance but, according to NPR, “even that option is looking sketchy as more companies are exiting the business. In the past couple of years, insurance giants such as Prudential and MetLife have pulled back from offering long-term-care policies. Others, such as John Hancock and Genworth Financial, have turned to state regulators, seeking permission to dramatically hike premiums. Depending upon the location, the insurers’ requests for higher rates have been for amounts such as 18% or 40% or, in a few cases, 90%.”

With 70% of people over age 65 needing long term care services and support at some point in their lifetime, preparing for the cost of long-term care is a huge and very real concern for seniors. And, as you can see from the amounts cited in this article, for most Americans, money and hard-earned assets would run out quickly if they tried to pay for long-term care out-of-pocket. The Medicaid program is our country’s largest health and long-term care insurer, covering one in six Americans, including two-thirds of nursing home residents and one in five persons under 65 with chronic disabilities. Many seniors don’t consider Medicaid as an option, believing that they “aren’t poor” or “won’t get the same quality of care.” Please read our blog post entitled “Top Ten Medicaid Myths,” which dispels some of these inaccurate perceptions many have about Medicaid.  The truth is that persons who have done Medicaid Asset Protection generally get the best nursing home care.

Do you have a loved one who is in a nursing home or nearing the need for nursing home care? Are you looking to plan ahead for yourself in the event nursing home care is needed in the future? Life Care Planning and Medicaid Asset Protection is the process of protecting assets from having to be spent down in connection with entry into a nursing home, while also helping ensure that you or your loved one get the best possible care and maintain the highest possible quality of life, whether at home, in an assisted living facility, or in a nursing home.  Our firm is dedicated to helping seniors preserve dignity, quality of life, and financial security. If you have not done Long-Term Care Planning, Estate Planning, or Incapacity Planning (or had your Planning documents reviewed in the past several years), or if you have a loved one who is nearing the need for long-term care or already receiving long-term care, call us at our Virginia Elder Law Fairfax office at 703-691-1888 or at our Virginia Elder Law Fredericksburg office at 540-479-1435 to make an appointment for an introductory consultation.

Will an IRA Affect Medicaid Eligibility?

Q. My husband, Chuck, and I are both retired and on Social Security.  Chuck also has a modest employee pension plan and an IRA. We live in Northern Virginia.

Although we are both in relatively good health now, we’re concerned about what will happen to his retirement funds if one of us needs nursing home care and needs to qualify for Medicaid in the future.

I heard that this past week, the Supreme Court held that inherited IRAs are not considered to be retirement funds. Does this mean that they are not exempt for the purposes of Medicaid eligibility?

A. For many Medicaid applicants, individual retirement accounts (IRAs) are among their biggest assets. Your question assumes that regular IRAs are exempt assets for Medicaid, but this in fact is not the case.  IRAs in Virginia, and in many other states, count as available assets with regard to Medicaid eligibility.

Virginia Medicaid Eligibility

In Virginia, for a nursing home resident to qualify for Medicaid, his or her resources cannot exceed $2,000.  Resources include anything that can be converted to cash, including (but not limited to) real property, bank accounts, cash value life insurance. IRAs, 401(k)s, and annuities with cash value also count, despite any penalties that may apply to an early withdrawal.

In some states IRAs and other retirement accounts are “non-countable” resources in Medicaid planning if they are in “pay-out” status, meaning that the owner has reached the age where Required Minimum Distributions are required to be taken, but this is not true in Virginia or most other states.

When it comes to inherited IRA’s, the recent Supreme Court decision that you are asking about held that funds in an inherited IRA are not “retirement funds” under federal law and are therefore not exempt in bankruptcy (Clark v. Rameker), unlike regular IRAs and other “retirement funds” which are exempt in bankruptcy. 

Virginia Medicaid Laws

However, bankruptcy laws and Medicaid laws have nothing to do with each other, and just because an asset is exempt in bankruptcy or exempt from lawsuits does not mean that the asset is exempt in connection with Medicaid.  On the contrary, as stated above, it is important to understand that even though IRA’s and other retirement accounts are exempt from bankruptcy and some other creditors, they are NOT exempt from Medicaid.

The general rule of thumb is this:  if you can cash in the asset, it is a countable resource for Medicaid eligibility. Therefore, IRAs and other retirement funds are countable assets for Medicaid because they can be withdrawn by the applicant at any time.

Virginia Medicaid Complexity

Medicaid laws are the most complex and confusing laws in existence, and impossible to understand without highly experienced legal assistance. Without proper planning and legal advice from an experienced elder law attorney, many people spend much more than they should on long-term care, and unnecessarily jeopardize their future care and well-being, as well as the security of their family. Please read the Medicaid Complexity page on our Website for more details.

Virginia Medicaid Planning

Nursing homes in Northern Virginia cost $10,000-$14,000 a month, which can be catastrophic for most families. If you are nearing the need for nursing home care or are you simply looking to plan ahead in the event nursing home care is needed in the future, the time to start planning is now.  Life Care Planning and Medicaid Asset Protection is the process of protecting your assets from having to be spent down in connection with entry into a nursing home, while also helping ensure that you or your loved one get the best possible care and maintain the highest possible quality of life, whether at home, in an assisted living facility, or in a nursing home. Learn more at The Fairfax and Fredericksburg Elder Law Firm of Evan H. Farr, P.C. website. Call 703-691-1888 in Fairfax or 540-479-1435 in Fredericksburg to make an appointment for an introductory consultation.


Don’t Wait to Make Critical Decisions

Anyone who knew Hal five years ago, when he was 66, would describe him as sharp, clever, and quick-witted. He had a knack for trivia and always answered more questions on Jeopardy than anyone else in the room. He always handled the bills, and made wise decisions when it came to investments and running his business. When it came to estate and incapacity planning, he and his wife, Sarah completed their documents when they turned 50, and they joined our Lifetime Protection Program every year since to ensure they are always up to date.

Lately, Hal, who has been stressed for a variety of reasons for quite some time, has become noticeably forgetful. Last time his daughter visited his home, she was alarmed to find unpaid electric and water bills piled up in his desk drawer. Had she gotten there a week later, he and Sarah would be sitting in the dark with no running water. Sarah already took him to see a specialist to be evaluated for dementia, and the doctor is convinced that it is his stress and getting older that is causing his forgetfulness, but will continue to monitor him.

In the case of Hal (not his real name) and many others over the age of 60, forgetful moments can be the result of growing older and/or chronic stress, sleeplessness, depression, and other ailments. Luckily, minor memory lapses that often occur with age are not always signs of a serious neurological disorder, such as dementia, but rather the result of normal changes in the brain as we age and/or experience the ailments described above.

Memory lapses, whether they are the result of dementia, old age, or something else, can still be worrisome for many reasons. A study at NIH and a recent article in the Wall Street Journal Marketwatch demonstrates how non-dementia memory loss can adversely affect one’s capacity to make sound decisions about important things, including finances.

The NIH study, entitled “The ability to decide advantageously declines prematurely in some normal older persons” tested 80 neurologically and psychiatrically healthy individuals split into two groups, one aged 26-55 and another aged 56-85. The groups were given a simulated real-world decision-making task, involving gambling. The results showed that the older group demonstrated decision-making impairment, in spite of otherwise normal cognitive functioning. According to the NIH researchers, “Our finding has important societal and public policy implications (e.g., choosing medical care, allocating personal wealth), and may also help explain why many older individuals are targeted by and susceptible to fraudulent advertising.”

According to the MarketWatch article, entitled “The Biggest Retirement Risk No One Talks About” by Howard Gold, ”A large percentage of people who live into their 80s — and there are more and more of them all the time — will suffer some form of cognitive impairment. I know this is something most of us don’t want to think about. But there are steps you can take earlier — probably in your 60s — to protect yourself, your wealth and your family.”

They say with old age comes wisdom. So, with all of the extra life experience and wisdom acquired through the years, why is decision making so impacted in otherwise healthy seniors who don’t have dementia? When it comes to decisions involving finances, Dr. Joe Verghese, a professor of neurology at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and chief of geriatrics at Einstein and Montefiore Medical Center in New York explains that “[a] lot of the cognitive functions or processes involved in financial decision making are located in the frontal cortex. Because of the cortex’s predominance throughout much of adulthood, we get better and better at investing until we hit our mid-50s, when we begin a slow, inexorable decline. As we age, it becomes more difficult to put complex information into context. “

So, what does this mean for you when it comes to making important decisions involving your health, your well-being, your family, and your finances? Many people delay estate planning, incapacity planning, and long-term care planning partly because it’s unpleasant to contemplate our own mortality, and partly because younger adults believe such paperwork isn’t necessary until they reach old age. However, failing to plan or waiting too long or until your cannot make sound decisions can have catastrophic consequences:

  • Incapacity planning: A common belief is that if we become unable to make decisions for ourselves, our family will decide what is best for us. This can lead to difficult and emotionally charged situations or your wishes not being met if you or a loved one becomes incapacitated and having to go through lifetime probate, which could easily be avoided with proper Incapacity Planning.
  • Estate planning: Estate-planning mistakes can be costly, even among those who are fiscally prudent. Any number of oversights can leave you vulnerable in the event of an untimely death. Others can seriously compromise the amount your heirs will inherit when you die. Read our blog post, entitled “The Five Biggest Estate Planning Mistakes” for more details.
  • Long-Term Care Planning: Nursing homes in Fairfax, Virginia and the rest of Northern Virginia can cost as much as $198,000 per year, while Fredericksburg, Virginia nursing homes and nursing homes in and the rest of Virginia can cost as much as $105,000 per year. It is important to protect yourself and your loved ones from having to go broke to pay for nursing home care, while also helping ensure that you or your loved ones get the best possible care and maintain the highest possible quality of life, whether at home, in an assisted living facility, or in a nursing home.

As you cans see, to ensure your wishes are met, it is important to start your planning while your mind is still sharp and your judgment is sound, so you are prepared in advance if a crisis occurs. If you have not done Incapacity Planning, Estate Planning, or Long-Term Care Planning, or if you have a loved one who is nearing the need for long-term care or already receiving long-term care, please contact The Law Firm of Evan H. Farr, P.C. as soon as possible at our Virginia Elder Law Fairfax office at 703-691-1888 or at our Virginia Elder Law Fredericksburg office at 540-479-1435 to schedule your appointment for an introductory consultation.

 

Can Being Cynical Cause Dementia?

Q. I am in my mid 60’s and I admit that I am generally quite negative-thinking and cynical. I have constant nagging back pain even though the doctors say there’s nothing wrong with my back.  My grandchildren live 1,000 miles away and I never get to see them.  My friends and neighbors call me Mr. Curmudgeon.  I think all politicians are idiots and our world is going to heck in a hand basket.  I’m always worried about running out of money or winding up in a nursing home.  And I have no patience for incompetence – I truly enjoy finding holes in other people’s “logical” arguments.

My neighbor and long-time friend, Joy, is the opposite of me.  She’s always optimistic, and she even finds positivity in things I complain about. She suggested I go to a chiropractor for my pain.  She showed me how to Skype with my grandchildren.  She referred me to your firm to help protect my assets so I don’t run out of money.  

She also says new research indicates that cynicism and negativity can cause dementia, and since I have a history of Alzheimer’s in my family, she says it’s time for me to start looking at the brighter side of things and live life with a more positive attitude.  Do you know anything about this so-called “research”?

She also mentioned that there is scientific proof that life gets better as we age. Hard to believe with all the aches and pains and problems in the world.   Maybe you can help me prove my friend wrong.

A. Alas, as your friend mentioned, new research does in fact show that those who are cynical and pessimistic are three times more likely to develop dementia as non-cynics. Other studies have also confirmed the benefits of optimism on physical health. A Dutch study in 2004 found the same correlation between pessimism and heart disease and death in elderly people of both sexes. Five years later, a University of Pittsburgh study found that postmenopausal women who were optimistic were less likely to develop heart disease and less likely to die in the next eight years compared to women who were pessimistic.  So in other words, try to be more like your friend!

Some people say that most of life’s happiest, most defining moments occur by the age of 35. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. A recent study published in the Journal of Consumer Research, entitled “Happiness from Ordinary and Extraordinary Experiences” has proven that we’re wrong to think that happiness is correlated with youth.

Researchers who conducted the survey, which consisted of 221 respondents aged 18-79, found that the younger generation associated happiness with extraordinary experiences that happen on occasion, such as traveling to an exotic place, graduating from college, or falling in love. Older respondents, on the other hand, chose ordinary experiences that happen more often, such as enjoying a friend’s company, watching a good movie, or spending a day at the beach, as the things that brought them the most enjoyment and happiness.

Other research, from the book “Life Gets Better: The Unexpected Pleasures of Growing Older” (Tarcher/Penguin, 2011) explains some of the reasons why older adults should experience greater happiness than the younger generation:

  • Increased Self-Knowledge: When we are young, other people’s opinions about the choices we make and our overall sense of what we should do with our lives is important. As we get older, we are more prepared for tricky situations because we know who we are and are better prepared for what to expect.
  • More Authentic Relationships: As we age, we become more open about our weaknesses and try not to repeat the same mistakes we’ve made in the past. We begin to appreciate the loyalty of true friends more and more, having less patience for superficial relationships.
  • More Time for Yourself: Older adults have more time for the things they love, including hobbies and interests, family, and volunteer work. Doing what you choose to do with your time can be a real source of fulfillment and contentment.
  • Improved Decision Making: As we get older, we see where we went wrong earlier on, allowing our past mistakes to inform our present decisions.
  • More Courage: Having gotten through hard times, we are less afraid of adversity. We know that life consists of compromises, mixed with a bit of luck and risk, and there is no time like the present.
  • Enhanced Generosity: As we get older, we become more interested in helping others and contributing to the greater good more than our own self-betterment. We become more sympathetic toward others, having found that we all face the same fundamental predicaments.
  • Deeper Spirituality: The search for meaning goes on throughout the lifespan, but in our later years such questions become more urgent and begin to take precedence. Going through bereavement wakes us up in a manner that shows us what really matters in life.
  • Living Life to the Fullest: When we are young, we look at elders and cannot see the exciting developments going on inside. In reality, the most lively people are those who have death in sight and so are determined to live life to the fullest.

As you can see, there are lots of reasons for seniors to be positive.

Often times, the greatest happiness and stress relief comes in the form of peace of mind.  As you are enjoying your life, it is a good idea to plan for your future and for your loved ones. Our firm is dedicated to helping seniors preserve dignity, quality of life, and financial security. If you have not done Long-Term Care Planning, Estate Planning, or Incapacity Planning (or had your Planning documents reviewed in the past several years), or if you have a loved one who is nearing the need for long-term care or already receiving long-term care, call us at our Virginia Elder Law Fairfax office at 703-691-1888 or at our Virginia Elder Law Fredericksburg office at 540-479-1435 to make an appointment for an introductory consultation.

The First Ladies of Caregiving

  


Nancy Reagan

  

 

 

Rosalynn Carter

 

 

 

My take on D-Day as an Elder Law Attorney

My take on D-Day, as an elder law attorney. I studied this day in history, I watched the movies about it. But until you shake the hand and look into the eyes of a man that was there, that those eyes saw buddies he was just sitting beside on a boat mutilated, you really don’t appreciate what they went through. Almost without fail, they will not talk about it. I have gotten a few comments out of a few of my clients, but not many. I never served in our military and that is one of numerous regrets. I know our guys now are going through some ugly stuff now. There is something special about these VERY brave men that walked off that boat into water and then onto a beach with tremendous amount of death and destruction going on around them. If you know one, please shake his hand and say thank you on any day, but particularly on this day.

Nine Things NOT to Say to a Parent of a Special Needs Child

Q. Recently, my friend Anna called and informed me that her 6-year-old son, Jeremy, was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She told me about some of his symptoms, including temper tantrums, outbursts, and the challenges he faces socially and academically.

Since I had never experienced it, I honestly didn’t know how to react or the right things to say, and I really wanted to be helpful and not hurtful. However, she seemed even more upset at the end of our conversation. In retrospect, I think I may have said certain things that came across the wrong way, in asking her if ASD was genetic, suggesting she eliminate certain foods from Jeremy’s diet, and telling her that he is a great piano player, for a disabled child. Luckily, we are very close and she forgave me.

Since you work with special needs families, I was wondering if you could educate me and others about how to talk to a parent of a child with special needs with empathy and sensitivity. Also, Anna mentioned to me that she doesn’t know which way to turn when it comes to planning for Jeremy’s future. He could need help for his entire life, but right now, it’s too soon to tell. Thanks very much for your help!

A. As a parent of a child with autism or any other special need or disability, many concerns come to mind including: What does it mean to have a child with special needs? What will the future hold? If something happens to me, who will be there for my child and how can I ensure that his or her needs are met? Many friends and family members want to show their support, but are unaware of the best way to show that they care and are listening, without asking the wrong questions and seeming insensitive or judgmental.

Below are examples of how to phrase sensitive questions so they come across the right way, from a member of our staff who has a special needs child and has heard it all (and is very forgiving!):

1. What not to say: “I didn’t know anything was wrong with him.”

What to say instead:  A comment like “I didn’t know he had those difficulties, he looks great” might go over better.

2. What not to say: “Is it genetic?”

What to say instead: It is better to avoid this question, but if you really want to know, you could say, “do they know what caused his challenges?”

3. What not to say: “He’s going to grow out of it, right?”

What to say instead: Children don’t grow out of permanent disabilities or medical conditions. Most parents have had to let go of the denial and accept this fact. A better way to phrase this question is “how’s he doing now?” or “has he learned any new skills lately?” Give your friend an opening to brag a little about her son. Parents love to talk about their children and their accomplishments!

4. What not to say: “My friend from college has a son with autism, so I know what it’s like” or “my friend from college has son with autism, too. He’s really good at algebra. What’s your son gifted in?”

What to say instead: People want to connect with other people and they often try to do this through shared experiences. My recommendation is a comment such as: “I know another child who has autism and he’s really into trains. Does your son have any interesting hobbies?”

5. What not to say: “Why didn’t you stop having kids after the first one?”

What to say instead: It’s not your place to judge anyone else or the decisions they make. I would suggest making a comment such as: “I didn’t realize you had 4 kids! I bet they keep you busy.”

6. What not to say: “Have you tried eliminating red dye from his diet?” or “did you see the Dr. Oz episode about the curing power of Omega-3?”

What to say instead: Be cautious not to phrase a question about natural remedies as a suggestion to cure the special needs child. Maybe a good alternative would be, “have you seen the research they’ve been doing on food dyes with children who have certain allergies? It looks really interesting.”

7. What not to say: “He’s one of God’s special angels.”

What to say instead: The above statement may be heard as condescending when it’s reserved only for children who have special needs. A better option might be: “what a cute child, he’s got a great smile.”

8. What not to say: “I don’t know how you do it. You are a great mom”

What to say instead: It feels awkward if you compliment a mother for taking care of her child’s basic needs, because that is what parents do. A better way to say this is, “you’re such a great mom; your kids are so polite!” or “you must be so proud of him, he’s a great kid.”

9. What not to say: “Your son has such a lovely voice for a disabled child.”

What to say instead: Parents of children with special needs like to hear the same things as most parents, such as “what lovely manners your little ones have,” or “you must be so proud of your daughter” or “your son has a lovely singing voice” are nice things to say. Note the absence of a reference to the child’s challenges.

Hope these are helpful and that you feel more comfortable talking to your friend about sensitive subjects in a manner that shows compassion and empathy.

Special Needs Planning

You asked about how your friend can plan for the future. Parents of those with special needs are tasked with planning for their children throughout their lifetime, as many of them will outlive their parents but might not be able to support themselves and live independently. Nothing is more comforting than knowing your child will be taken care of should something happen to you. Meet with a Certified Elder Law Attorney who specializes in Special Needs, such as myself, to discuss options for your family.

As a parent or guardian, you want to ensure that your child with special needs will remain financially secure even when you are no longer there to provide support.  A Special Needs Trust is a vehicle that provides assets from which a disabled person can maintain his or her quality of life, while still remaining eligible for needs-based programs that will cover basic health and living expenses.

If you have a special needs child who will likely need care for life, it’s important to provide legal protections for your child. The Fairfax and Fredericksburg Special Needs Law Firm of Evan H. Farr, P.C. can guide you through this process. Be sure to check out our dedicated Virginia Special Needs Website at http://VirginiaSpecialNeeds.com. If you have a loved one with special needs, call 703-691-1888 in Fairfax or 540-479-1435 in Fredericksburg to make an appointment for an introductory consultation.

Better Care Coordination Will Save Tax Payers Billions

After experiencing discomfort, 75-year-old Stan visited his doctor and was ultimately rushed to the hospital and into surgery to remove a blockage from his large intestine. After a short time, he was transferred to a nearby rehabilitation facility for short-term rehabilitation covered by Medicare. During the first week of his stay, he developed a urinary tract infection and pneumonia and was readmitted to the hospital. Weak and uncomfortable, Stan hung in there with the support of his family and thoughts of his grandchildren to keep him going. His daughter, who is a nurse in another state, knew that the infection and the readmission to the hospital could have been prevented with better care coordination and transitional planning for Stan as he was moved from the hospital to the rehabilitation facility.

Evidence has long shown that poorly coordinated transitions and hospital readmissions are both excessively costly and risky. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) Website, nearly one in five Medicare patients (approximately 2.6 million seniors) discharged from a hospital are readmitted within 30 days at a cost of over $26 billion to tax payers every year. Researchers with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) estimated that 75% of chronically ill patients who leave the hospital wouldn’t need a return trip if they had a plan for follow-up care, including support and encouragement to take their medications, follow proper diets, show up for follow-up appointments, and otherwise follow the regimens that doctors have prescribed during their hospitals stays.

Given the risk to patients and the cost to tax payers, there is certainly a need to provide greater support for Medicare patients as they transition from the hospital back home or to a skilled nursing care facility. To support people coming out of the hospital so they don’t wind up right back in, CMS introduced the Community-based Care Transitions Program (CCTP) as part of the Partnership for Patients initiative. CCTP is a nationwide public-private partnership that was mandated by Section 3026 of the Affordable Care Act, in an effort to reduce preventative errors in hospitals by 40% and reduce hospital readmissions by 20%. There are currently 102 participating sites involved in CCTP.

Sites that participate in the CCTP program aim to:

  • improve assessment, planning, medications management, movement between care levels, and coordination of support services such as meals and medical equipment;
  • enhance quality of care;
  • ease transitions of beneficiaries from the inpatient hospital setting to other care settings;
  • reduce readmissions for high-risk beneficiaries;
  • document measureable savings to the Medicare program.

According to CMS, patient and family engagement is also a key part of keeping patients from getting injured or sicker in the hospital, improving transitions across health care settings, and reducing readmissions. Learn more about the importance of patient engagement on the CMS Website.

What if Stan in our example needs long-term care down the road? It is important to understand that Medicare, the public health insurance system for seniors over 65 and disabled adults, does not pay one penny for long-term care. Medicare only pays for medical care delivered by doctors and hospitals, and in certain cases short-term rehabilitation which might take place in a nursing home.  To get the government to help you pay for long-term care, you need Medicaid, but when it comes to Medicaid, it gets very complicated to complete and file the application and, in most cases, it takes an experienced Elder Law firm such as the Farr Law Firm, to help protect your assets first and then file for Medicaid.

Nursing homes in Fairfax, Virginia and the rest of Northern Virginia can cost as much as $198,000 per year, while Fredericksburg, Virginia nursing homes and nursing homes in and the rest of Virginia can cost as much as $105,000 per year. Generally, the earlier someone plans for long-term care needs, the better.  But it is never too late to begin preparing.  Even if a loved one was already in a nursing home receiving long-term care, it would not be too late to do Long-term Care Planning, also called Lifecare Planning and Medicaid Asset Protection Planning.

If you have a loved one who is nearing the need for long-term care or already receiving long-term care or if you have not done Long-Term Care Planning, Estate Planning or Incapacity Planning (or had your Planning documents reviewed in the past several years), please call The Fairfax and Fredericksburg Long-Term Care Planning Law Firm of Evan H. Farr, P.C. at 703-691-1888 to make an appointment for an introductory consultation.