Estate planning in Florida isn’t just about dividing up your belongings. It’s also about making health care decisions that allow you to take care of yourself years or decades from now. While you don’t know exactly what’s going to happen, you can weigh your options to decide what sounds best for you. Here are some of the options for long-term care.
What are the options for people who need long-term care?
At the very least, when you start health care planning, think about ways you can get in touch with emergency services if you fall or need assistance. Many companies offer a monthly subscription service where you can press a button to get in touch with emergency officials. This is especially beneficial for people who live by themselves.
If you’re unable to live by yourself, you might qualify for home health care services. This could involve a nurse visiting you in your home to provide physical therapy and other forms of medical care. You might also qualify for homemaking services that include cooking meals, doing laundry, helping you get dressed and performing other tasks that you have trouble doing yourself.
If you need to leave the house but are unable to drive, you could also take advantage of senior transportation services. Some transportation services are free while others require a fee. These services can take you to grocery stores, senior centers, medical appointments and other events and locations.
Overall, it’s important to make these types of decisions while you’re still healthy and mentally fit. Start thinking about what kind of services you might need and how you’ll pay for them. You might qualify for certain benefits from your employer or military service. Many people also qualify for Medicaid once they reach the age of 65.
How can you start planning ahead?
Planning for the future might seem difficult because you don’t know what’s going to happen. An attorney can’t predict the future, but they could help you make health care decisions today that will pay off decades later. They could also help you protect your assets and figure out how to maximize your benefits.