LONG TERM CARE PLANNING
One of the greatest fears of most elders is that they may end up in a nursing home. This not only means a great loss of personal autonomy, but also a tremendous financial cost.

Elder law attorneys are able to analyze options available to clients to pay for care should placement in an assisted living, memory care of skilled nursing facility become necessary. Although there are probably more options with pre-planning in a non-crisis situation, elder law attorneys can still help preserve assets and avoid costly mistakes in crisis situations.

The Florida Medicaid Institutional Care Program (ICP) is a state/federal program that pays most nursing home costs for people who meet three eligibility requirements, including age or disability, medical need, and financial need. In Florida, eligibility for Medicaid is determined by the Department of Children and Families and the program is administered by the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA.)  There are also Home and Community Based Services available.

Individuals who have served in the Armed Forces or Merchant Marines, or their surviving spouses, may be entitled to cash or service benefits from the Veterans Administration which may help with the costs of care. Norma Hand Brill is an accredited attorney with the Veterans' Administration.