Elder Law

Senior Housing & Long-Term Care Options in Jacksonville

The Long-Term Care Dilemma

As our population ages, more and more of us confront elder law-related issues, whether for ourselves or our parents. One of the most pressing issues is long-term nursing home care, which usually is not covered by traditional health insurance. Depending on where you live and the level of care needed, nursing home care costs can vary greatly. In 2019, the national annual median cost for a private room in a skilled nursing facility was $102,200. The average stay is slightly more than two years. Most people end up paying for nursing home care until their personal (or family) assets are depleted, then they may qualify for Medicaid to pick up the cost.

Careful planning, however, can help protect your assets, whether for your spouse or for your children. The belt-and-suspenders approach is to purchase long-term care insurance while you are healthy enough to qualify, and to make sure you receive the benefits to which you are entitled under Medicaid.

Florida Medicaid

Medicaid Is a joint federal-state program. While subject to certain federal requirements, each state implements its own regulations on how their Medicaid program is managed. Medicaid is not an entitlement program like Medicare, but rather a form of welfare. Medicaid eligibility is determined after the proper application is submitted to the state. There are many Medicaid insurance programs available in Florida, from basic medical coverage to nursing home programs.

Our Jacksonville elder planning firm assists seniors and their families in making the tough decisions regarding long-term care planning, including whether Medicaid eligibility may be an option.

Senior Housing Options in Jacksonville

Helping a parent move to senior housing can seem more intimidating than orchestrating a rocket launch. The death of a spouse, declining health or safety concerns can trigger the need to move. The first phase comes with the realization that what has been home is no longer suitable. Emotional ties to a place are hard to overcome. Finding a new home that is appealing and appropriate is no easy task, and neither is culling through a lifetime’s accumulation of “stuff.”

Here are some tips to help make the transition easier:

• Plan ahead. Don’t wait for a health crisis to start the process. The smoothest transitions occur when the person moving is in the driver’s seat.
• Get a full assessment of the current situation. Physical care needs and financial resources are where to start. Consider the costs of staying in place, including renovation and ongoing maintenance. Add the cost of rising utility bills and taxes, and don’t forget transportation and food. Make a list and decide whether it’s cheaper to stay or move to a community designed for seniors.
• Take a multi-phase approach. Seniors often take longer than a year to actually make the move.
• Fully explore new housing options. Senior living offers a broader range of options than ever before.

If you’re interested in learning more about elder law in Florida and your options, please don’t hesitate to contact us by Booking a Call Today. We look forward to speaking with you.