Helping Families Deal with the Financial and Emotional Costs of Dementia

While we can’t stop dementia, we can help protect those in its clutches while the medical world continues to seek prevention, treatment and reversal of the condition.

Dementia is not a normal part of aging as the terms “senility" or "senile dementia” infer. Dementia is progressive and typically takes over the mental functions over time. In this way, it provides the individual and the family with time to plan for its disastrous effects.

Cost to the Family

As dementia progresses, so does the need for assistance with daily activities. This assistance often comes in the form of meal preparation, help with grooming and hygiene, transportation assistance, as well as help with many other daily activities. Dementia patients may place themselves in dangerous situations, such as roaming neighborhoods and getting lost. While the individual affected by dementia may need only a few hours of help per week at the beginning of symptoms showing, soon they may need around the clock supervision.

An in-home caretaker may charge up to $27 per hour or higher. Adult day care can run as high as $20,280 per year or more. When an individual can no longer live alone but is not quite ready for a nursing home, Assisted Living facilities are available but may cost as much as $54,000 per year or more. When around the clock care is needed, a nursing home can cost an individual up to $94,900 for a semi-private room or $108,405 for a private room per year, or higher. [1]

Medicaid Crisis and Pre-Planning

When you are facing the financial strain of long-term care, one way to ensure that you are able to cover the cost of quality care for your loved one is to meet with an Elder Law attorney that specializes in Medicaid Planning. There are many misconceptions regarding Long-Term Care Medicaid that can lead people to either “spend down” their assets or choose to not apply because they feel that they have too many assets to qualify. There are many options available that can help you preserve what your loved ones have worked their entire lives to save. If care is needed immediately and pre-planning is not an option for you and your family, an Elder Law attorney can discuss your options for what is referred to as “crisis planning”.

How Can Elder Law of Omaha Help?

Elder law attorneys can guide families to important resources available for  financial and other challenges they will face. They can also ensure that the family’s assets are being used in the most efficient manner considering other available resources and the family’s individual goals. 

Getting an Elder Law attorney involved in planning for the challenges ahead is one of the MOST important steps a family facing the impact of dementia will take. If you or someone you know is affected by dementia, we can help and we welcome the opportunity to do so.  

Call (402) 614-6400 today to set up your FREE 30 minute attorney consultation or visit our website at www.ElderLawOmaha.com.

[1] https://www.genworth.com/aging-and-you/finances/cost-of-care.html 

This article should not be construed as legal advice. Situations are different and it’s impossible to provide legal advice for every situation without knowing the individual facts.