What Is A Life Care Plan?
Estate planning is about a lot more than putting a few legal documents in place. It is about organizing all of your affairs so that you and your family are properly protected—no matter what tomorrow might bring. Life care planning is a specialized sub-category of estate planning focused on those who have—or are expected to have—major medical needs. Here, our Boston estate planning lawyer highlights the key things to know about life care plans in Massachusetts.
Life Care Planning: Know the Basics
Broadly defined, a life care plan is a specialized type of plan that creates a roadmap that outlines the medical, physical, and personal care needs of someone with a chronic illness, long-term disability, or permanent impairment. It can best be understood as a detailed plan that helps to ensure that the affected person can live their absolute highest quality of life.
Key Elements of an Effective Life Care Plan
What goes into a life care plan? It depends, in large part, on the specific needs and goals of the individual. That being said, a truly effective life care plan must be comprehensive. It should address the full scope of a person’s legal, financial, and medical needs. Here are some of the key issues that need to be considered when developing a life care plan for an aging or vulnerable person:
- Medical Care: A life care plan should address immediate and future medical treatments, including things like surgeries, medications, and any other health-related needs.
- Rehabilitation: You may want to consider plans for physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, mental health support, and other support that can improve quality of life.
- Assistive Devices: These are tools and technology that can help the person live more independently, like wheelchairs, walkers, or special computers.
- Personal Care: Personal care involves help with everyday activities that might be challenging, such as bathing, dressing, and eating. As people age, they are more likely to need additional support with activities of daily living (ADLs).
- Home Modifications: Changes to the home—like ramps or special bathroom equipment—can help to make living spaces safer and more accessible. Home modifications should always be considered as part of life care planning.
- Financial Planning: Long-term care costs in Massachusetts can be extremely high. A key aspect of life care planning is developing and implementing strategies to cover costs, secure support, and protect assets.
- Estate Planning: A life care plan should always be created with broader estate planning goals in mind. A Boston, MA estate planning lawyer with experience developing life care plans can help you and your family secure the greatest protection.
Speak to Our Boston, MA Life Care Plan Attorney Today
At Fisher Law LLC, our Boston life care planning lawyers are committed to helping people and families find true peace, stability, and security through careful planning. If you have any specific questions or concerns about life care plans, please do not hesitate to contact our estate planning firm today for a confidential initial consultation. We provide life care planning services throughout the area.
