Retirement can be a 20, 30 or even 40-year-long chapter of our lives. During that time, a lot of things can change. Many of us will slow down, both physically and mentally as we age. And some of us will be faced with needing care due either to slowing down, physically and mentally or if we have the onset of a medical condition such as a stroke, dementia or Alzheimer’s. Failing to plan for these challenges often leaves family members stressed and frustrated as they try to juggle their busy lives with providing care for their aging spouse or parent. It can also lead to the using retirement income, investments and other assets to pay for care while leaving loved ones without the financial means to support themselves.
As part of our planning process, we go beyond focusing on the first years of retirement and spend significant time discussing and planning for the later years of retirement. As part of this planning, we often discuss how to protect a client’s independence, dignity and hard-earned assets. This can include discussions about asset ownership, Power of Attorney, Medical directives, Medicaid rules, Trusts and Long-Term Care Insurance. Our team is well versed I these topics and we have a large network of estate planning attorneys, home care providers and a long-term care specialist to help address our client’s needs.