{"id":355833,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:14","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ability-fl-prod.internetbrands.com\/ability-law\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/planning-long-term-care.html"},"modified":"2026-08-27T08:44:00","modified_gmt":"2026-08-27T13:44:00","slug":"planning-long-term-care","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/planning-long-term-care.html","title":{"rendered":"Planning Long Term Care"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Planning Long Term Care<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Jordan Walker, J.D.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n

Planning for long-term care is an important step that everyone, regardless of age or health status, should take to protect themselves from unexpected medical conditions. Future health needs are unpredictable, so developing a medical care plan can safeguard your finances, ensure access to quality care, and provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

As the cost of long-term care continues to rise, navigating long-term care options requires a mix of healthcare choices, financial forecasting, and legal protections. It’s natural to feel overwhelmed.<\/p>\n

From choosing the right residential setting to creating legally sound advance directives, planning ahead for your long-term care helps ensure your wishes are honored if you ever become unable to advocate for yourself.<\/p>\n

This article provides guidance on the essential pieces of long-term care planning. Learn about the legal tools recommended to protect your interests and wishes and practical strategies to fund your future care. If you need legal guidance with long-term care planning or want a legal expert to review a nursing home contract, contact an attorney near you<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Understanding What a Long-Term Care Plan Is<\/h2>\n

The purpose of a long-term care plan is to help you or a loved one comprehensively prepare for the future. A long-term care plan is not synonymous with end-of-life care<\/a> but can include provisions for that as well. If you do not have a disability or are not elderly, you may need to anticipate your potential needs in the future. These include but are not limited to:<\/p>\n