FAMILY ISSUES
Posted by recep on March 26th, 2009As a family ages, the physician should recommend that members seek legal planning, so that sufficient funds are available for adequate health care or long-term care. Someone, preferably a person who is close and available, must have a durable power of attorney over finances, so that in the event of disability, bills can be paid.
In the event of dementia, the affected person and family should be aware of Medicaid regulations that would deny benefits if a transfer of assets has been made within a specific period of time (usually .2 yr) before the Medicaid application. For many families, denial of Medicaid benefits puts the spouse living in the community at risk of impoverishment. If possible, arrangements should be made for the care of adult dependent or retarded children by appointment of a legal guardian. If any assets are at stake, the person should execute a will and, if the person has strong feelings about the use of life-sustaining care, a living will. For those with substantial assets, trust funds permit the allocation and protection of property.
Tags: FAMILY ISSUES
