If you have ever looked into home health care, you know how costly it can be. According to the AARP, home health care can cost upwards of $69,000 each year if you live in a metropolitan area. Planning for these types of costs can seem intimidating, but even more intimidating is the prospect of finding yourself with poor health care or a bad legal situation on your hands. These tips will help you determine how to create an estate plan that works for your situation.
1. Hire Quality Care Workers through an Agency
Skilled workers paid a fair wage are more likely to provide you with high-quality care. Hiring caregivers online who are unskilled and happy to work for room and board may cause serious legal concerns when it comes to work injuries or termination. For this reason, it is always wise to work through an agency that is licensed and insured. The agency will handle everything from background checks and paying wages to monitoring overtime and finding replacements for your long-term care.
2. Secure Documentation for Everything
Keep every document that will help you along the way, from 1099 forms to credit card statements showing evidence that room and board were provided for. It is also wise to keep a detailed list of the caregiver's daily duties and your own home health care needs. You can also make digital copies to send to your lawyer or family members in case a home health care worker tries to sue you or your estate in the future.
3. Discuss Your Estate Plan with a Lawyer
If you have questions about establishing an estate plan that covers home health care, your estate planning attorney can be your biggest help. Some people do not discover that their estate plan doesn't mention home health care until it is time to consider health options. You certainly don't want this to happen to you.
Do you have questions about planning your estate? Your next step is to speak to an attorney qualified to help you plan an estate that includes plans for home health care. Contact us to learn more about your options.
