Long-term care planning
Plan ahead while you can still choose.
Overview
The best time to plan for long-term care is before a health scare forces the question.
We help older adults and couples look at how care might be paid for, put the right papers in place, and make choices that keep options open later.
Is this for you?
Families usually call us about long-term care planning when:
- You are in your 60s or 70s and want a plan before anything happens
- A diagnosis like Parkinson's or early memory loss means care may be needed in a few years
- You want to stay at home as long as possible and want to know what that takes
- You own a home and want to understand how care costs could affect it
What we help with
- Paying for care at home, in assisted living or a nursing home
- Planning that respects the look-back
- Trusts, only when they truly fit
- Working with your financial adviser
How it works
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Step 1: Talk about wishes
Where would you want to live if you needed help? Who would you want making decisions? We start with what matters to you, not with forms.
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Step 2: Look at the money
We review income, savings, the home and any long-term care insurance, and show how care costs could play out over time.
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Step 3: Put papers in place
Powers of attorney, a health care directive, and a trust only if it fits. Everything is explained before you sign.
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Step 4: Check in over time
We suggest a short review every few years, or after a big change like a move, a diagnosis or the death of a spouse.
What it costs
Example flat fees and ranges for this sample firm. Your fee is written down before any work starts.
| Service and example fee | Example fee |
|---|---|
| Plan for one person, including powers of attorney and a health care directive $3,500 to $5,000 | $3,500 to $5,000 |
| Plan for a couple $4,500 to $6,500 | $4,500 to $6,500 |
| Plan with an asset-protection trust, when it fits From $6,500 | From $6,500 |
| Plan review after a life change $450 to $900 | $450 to $900 |
What we cannot promise
No plan can promise that someone will qualify for Medicaid or any benefit in the future. Laws change, and so do health and money. We build plans that leave room to adjust, and we tell you which parts are firm and which are not.
Questions families ask
Do we need a trust?
Many families do not. A trust can help in some cases, but it has costs and it means giving up some control. We explain whether it fits your goals or whether simpler papers will do.
What about long-term care insurance?
If you have a policy, it is part of the picture. We look at what it pays and for how long, and plan around it. We do not sell insurance or investments.
Can we plan if one of us already has a diagnosis?
Yes. Planning is still useful after a diagnosis, as long as the person can understand and sign documents. Acting sooner gives more choices.
Who you will work with
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Margaret Stillwell
Founding attorney
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Ben Hartley
Client care coordinator
Related practice areas
Talk to us about long-term care planning.
Book a consultation online in about three minutes, or call and a real person will answer. We return every call within one business day.