{"id":355833,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:14","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/planning-long-term-care.html"},"modified":"2022-05-20T15:25:33","modified_gmt":"2022-05-20T20:25:33","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<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n<div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\"><h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">Planning Long Term Care<\/h1>\n\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-mccall-j-d\/\">Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/jordan-walker-j-d\/\">Jordan Walker, J.D.<\/a>\n                | Last reviewed\n        <time>\n                            August 01, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n    <div class=\"fl-callout-text article-blockquote\">\n        <p><i data-redactor-tag=\"i\">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.<\/i><\/p>\n\n    <\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>This FindLaw article provides general information about long-term care planning.<\/p>\n<h2>Understanding What a\u00a0\u00a0Long-Term Care Plan Is<\/h2>\n<p>The purpose of a long-term care plan is to help your or a loved one comprehensively prepare for the future. A long-term care plan is not synonymous with end-of-life care but can include provisions\u00a0for that as well. If you do not have a disability or are elderly, you may have to imagine your potential needs in the future. These include but are not limited to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Assistance with the activities of daily living (ADLs)<\/li>\n<li>Potential medical needs<\/li>\n<li>Financial affairs (how much you may need to live if you enter long-term care)<\/li>\n<li>Legal affairs (do you need a legal representative?)<\/li>\n<li>Identifying potential caregivers<\/li>\n<li>Long-term care insurance policy<\/li>\n<li>Identifying housing needs<\/li>\n<li>End-of-life care<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>These are just a few significant elements to consider when creating a long-term care plan for yourself or a loved one.<\/p>\n<h2>Examples of Long-Term Care<\/h2>\n<p>Everyone has unique needs. The type of long-term care you need depends on your personal situation. Here are a few examples of long-term care options.<\/p>\n<h3>Home Care Services<\/h3>\n<p>Home care services include services provided by licensed individuals who take care of your personal needs in your home. Many people facing long-term care don&#8217;t want to go to a nursing facility because it feels impersonal. With a home health aide, you can stay in the comfort of your home and receive personalized care.<\/p>\n<h3>Skilled Nursing Facilities<\/h3>\n<p>Skilled nursing facilities are geared towards short-term stays. A patient discharged from the hospital but still in need of medical support\u00a0might not be ready to be alone at home yet. The hospital may recommend staying at a skilled nursing home for a few weeks as part of your discharge planning.<\/p>\n<h3>Nursing Homes<\/h3>\n<p>Nursing homes differ from skilled nursing facilities based on the expected time. Patients with short-term needs typically go to skilled nursing facilities, where they can recover and rehabilitate before discharge. Nursing homes are often a more permanent option. Nursing home residents\u00a0have often overwhelmed their\u00a0family members&#8217; ability\u00a0to care for them at\u00a0home.<\/p>\n<p>Nursing homes are an\u00a0attractive option\u00a0because resident care is paramount at these healthcare facilities. Although nursing homes are usually associated with older adults, nursing home care is for anyone who needs round-the-clock quality care. Although nurses and nurse&#8217;s aides run these facilities, they typically have an attending physician on staff.<\/p>\n<h3>Assisted Living Facilities<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncoa.org\/adviser\/local-care\/assisted-living\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Assisted living facilities<\/a>\u00a0are a cross between a nursing home and a skilled nursing facility. Residents in assisted living facilities don&#8217;t need as much care as someone in a nursing home or skilled nursing facility. They need some care, but\u00a0can still handle parts of their day-to-day life.<\/p>\n<p>One advantage of these types of long-term care facilities is that they are regulated by the\u00a0local Department of Health (DOH). Typically, a local DOH has a long-term care\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.usombudsman.org\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ombudsman<\/a>\u00a0who advocates for the residents of these types of facilities. They ensure that resident rights are not abridged. This includes all of their legal rights as identified under state law or federal law.<\/p>\n<p>For more information about your state&#8217;s ombudsman program,\u00a0\u00a0contact your state agency. It will likely be named something similar to:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Department of Health<\/li>\n<li>Department of Human Services<\/li>\n<li>Department of Social Services<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>There are also several legal tools you can use to help you plan for long-term care.<\/p>\n<h2>Planning for Long-Term Care<\/h2>\n<p>It&#8217;s important to note that long-term care will also include financial planning and forecasting. Many people use\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/elder\/what-is-elder-law\/what-are-advance-directives-.html\">advance directives<\/a>, like living wills and powers of attorney, to develop long-term care plans. These tools will help you solidify your plans. These forms are not a substitute for legal counsel. You should speak to an estate planning attorney if you plan to use these forms or have any questions.<\/p>\n<p>Living wills are documents that identify your wishes and preferences for medical treatment. You can also use this document to refuse treatment under specific conditions. For example, someone may prefer no life-sustaining treatment if they can no longer breathe.<\/p>\n<p>You can appoint a healthcare proxy in a power of attorney. A healthcare proxy can be authorized to do any of the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Make healthcare decisions on your behalf if you cannot do so yourself<\/li>\n<li>Speak to your healthcare provider about your health status and patient rights<\/li>\n<li>Review your medical records<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>This is not an exhaustive list.<\/p>\n<h2>Paying for Long-Term Care<\/h2>\n<p>Long-term care can pose an additional recurring expense during your retirement years, regardless of the type of care you need. Some people can pay for this type of care out of pocket. Others\u00a0have a healthy retirement savings portfolio to pay for quality care. Health insurance\u00a0can cover some of the costs.<\/p>\n<h3>Long-Term Care Insurance<\/h3>\n<p>Some people opt for long-term care insurance. With this insurance, you pay regular premiums now, and the insurance company will pay for your long-term care according to the terms of your policy.<\/p>\n<h3>Medicare and Medicaid<\/h3>\n<p>Although\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/healthcare\/medicare-medicaid\/medicare-an-overview.html\">Medicare<\/a>\u00a0is health insurance for older adults, it does not cover long-term nursing care. Medicare will cover up to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicare.gov\/what-medicare-covers\/what-part-a-covers\/how-can-i-pay-for-nursing-home-care\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">100 days<\/a>\u00a0in a nursing home, with daily co-pays. After those 100\u00a0days, Medicare patients have to cover the total cost of care. Those eligible for\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/healthcare\/medicare-medicaid\/medicaid.html\">Medicaid<\/a>\u00a0can\u00a0use it\u00a0to pay for long-term care as long as the facility accepts\u00a0it.<\/p>\n<h2>Get Legal Help<\/h2>\n<p>Planning for your long-term care is often overwhelming, and getting help is a good idea. Attorneys who specialize in long-term care\u00a0are experts in estate planning and can review or draft advance directives for you. Consider reaching out\u00a0to a qualified\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate.html?fli=dcta\">estate planning attorney<\/a>\u00a0to make sure you and your loved ones are provided for in the years ahead.<\/p>\n<h2>Long-Term Care Planning Resources<\/h2>\n<p>If you are interested in resources to help you as you plan for long-term care,\u00a0check\u00a0out FindLaw&#8217;s\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms.html\">Legal Forms and Services Section<\/a>.\u00a0Do-it-yourself forms are available\u00a0for the following:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Living wills<\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/estate-planning\/power-of-attorney-form.html\">Powers of attorney<\/a><\/li>\n<li>General\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/forms\/estate-planning.html\">estate planning packages<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Other forms and additional information about long-term care planning is also available.<\/p>\n<h2>Learn About Planning Long Term Care<\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/ltc-insurance-is-long-term-care-insurance-right-for-you.html\">Is Long-Term Care Insurance Right For You?<\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Long-term care insurance (LTC insurance) provides health insurance coverage for an extended period, covering expenses that other insurance providers do not. Learn more\u00a0about the benefits of LTC insurance in FindLaw&#8217;s article.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/home-care-options-for-elders.html\">Home Care Options for Elders<\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Certain elderly individuals benefit from home care instead of living in a nursing facility or other options. Learn about the benefits and downsides of home care and whether it&#8217;s right for you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/ltc-long-term-care-insurance-risks-and-benefits.html\">Long-Term Care Insurance: Risks and Benefits<\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>FindLaw&#8217;s\u00a0guide to the advantages and disadvantages of buying long-term care insurance. This article explains when most people buy LTC insurance, your odds of staying in a care facility, and much more.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><a class=\"editor-rtfLink\" href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/estate\/financial-power-of-attorney\/do-i-need-a-lawyer-to-write-a-durable-power-of-attorney.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Do I Need a Lawyer To Write a Durable Power of Attorney?<\/a><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>A durable power of attorney will allow you to dictate how you want your health care and finances handled if you cannot handle them yourself. Learn about what a durable power of attorney entails.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span class=\"was-this-helpful__button-text fl-text-bold\">Yes<\/span>\n            <i class=\"was-this-helpful__button-icon\">\n                <svg width=\"22\" height=\"22\" viewBox=\"0 0 22 22\" fill=\"none\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\">\n                    <g id=\"thumbs-up\" clip-path=\"url(#clip0_604_3418)\">\n                        <path id=\"Vector\"\n         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class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n        <\/div>\n        <form class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form\">\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--positive\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Easy to understand\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--understandable\"\n                        >Easy to understand<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Solved my problem\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--solved-problem\"\n                        >Solved my problem<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"positive-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback was-this-helpful__feedback--negative\">\n                <fieldset>\n                    <legend class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\" tabindex=\"0\">Why was this not helpful?<\/legend>\n                    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message\" role=\"status\">\n                        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__choose-option-message-text\"><\/p>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Missing Information\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--missing-info\"\n                        >Missing the information I need<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Too complicated\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--complicated\"\n                        >Too complicated \/ too many steps<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Out of date\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--dated\"\n                        >Out of date<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                    <div class=\"fl-radio-button-field fl-flex was-this-helpful__feedback-form-title\">\n                        <input\n                                id=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-input\"\n                                type=\"radio\"\n                                name=\"negative-feedback\"\n                                value=\"Other\"\n                        >\n                        <label\n                                class=\"fl-radio-button-field-label fl-text-sm was-this-helpful__radio-label\"\n                                for=\"was-this-helpful__radio-button--negative-other\"\n                        >Other<\/label>\n                    <\/div>\n                <\/fieldset>\n            <\/div>\n            <div class=\"was-this-helpful__form-buttons-container\">\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--positive at-feedback-submit fl-button secondary\"\n                    type=\"submit\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Submit<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n                <button\n                    class=\"was-this-helpful__feedback-button was-this-helpful__feedback-button--cancel fl-button primary disabled\"\n                    type=\"reset\"\n                >\n                    <span class=\"fl-button-content\">Cancel<\/span>\n                    <i\n                        class=\"fa fa-times-circle medium\"\n                        aria-hidden=\"true\"\n                    ><\/i>\n                <\/button>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/form>\n    <\/div>\n    <div class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message\" role=\"status\">\n        <i class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-icon fa fa-check\"><\/i>\n        <p class=\"was-this-helpful__thank-you-message-text\" aria-live=\"polite\"><\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"fl-section-sidebar\"><div class=\"fl-editors-summary\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content\">\n                    <h2>Can I Solve This on My Own or Do I Need an Attorney?<\/h2>\n                <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-main\">\n            \n        <\/div>\n        <ul class=\"fl-list-style-none\">\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Medicare and Medicaid issues can often be handled on your own\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Attorneys are helpful when the health care system is complex\n\n                <\/li>\n                            <li data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-item\">\n                    <i class=\"fa fa-check medium fl-editors-summary-content-item-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                    Complex heath care cases (such as medical malpractice, bioethics, or health advocacy) may need the support of an attorney\n\n                <\/li>\n                    <\/ul>\n                    <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-description\">\n                <p>Protect your patient rights with an attorney at your side. An attorney can offer tailored advice and help prevent common mistakes.<\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n                            <div class=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link fl-flex\" data-testid=\"fl-editors-summary-content-link\">\n                <i class=\"fa fa-angle-right medium\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n                <p class=\"find-attorney\"><a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/health-health-care-law\/#USER_GEO\/?fli=esum:FL28\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Find a local attorney<\/a><\/p>\n\n            <\/div>\n            <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"email-subscription fl-mb30\">\n    <div class=\"email-subscription-header\">\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-content\">\n            <h3 class=\"fl-callout-sm fl-no-margin\">Stay Up-to-Date With How the Law Affects Your Life<\/h3>\n        <\/div>\n        <div class=\"email-subscription-header-image fl-flex fl-items-end\">\n            <img decoding=\"async\"\n                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<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>No one lives forever; and as the population ages, the need for long-term care options has increased substantially. 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