Hospice Care and Estate Planning
As an estate planning attorney, I focus on the importance of comprehensive end-of-life planning, which includes considerations for hospice care. While my primary focus lies in helping individuals and families navigate the complexities of estate planning, I recognize the critical role that hospice care can play in providing comfort, dignity, and support during life’s final stages.
Estate planning attorneys serve a critical role for individuals and families involved in hospice care. Even if end-of-life planning wasn’t done beforehand, it may not be too late to address important matters like estate planning and Medicaid eligibility.
Consulting with an estate planning attorney remains essential to address financial and legal matters, regardless of the stage of hospice care. By working together, we can help ensure your loved one’s wishes are respected and their legal rights protected, providing peace of mind for all involved.
Besides for the benefit of drafting and executing estate planning documents such as Wills, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Proxies, and Living Wills. We can help you outline your preferences for medical treatment in clear, unambiguous terms and assist you in appointing trusted individuals to decide on your behalf if you become incapacitated. Additionally, a Medicaid application may be necessary to cover care expenses outside the scope of hospice, which is a Medicare-covered service.
Hospice care gets national attention
Former President Jimmy Carter and his late wife, former First Lady, experienced the complexities of hospice care firsthand. President Carter, the longest-living former U.S. president, is currently in hospice and has been for over a year now. His beloved wife, Rosalynn Carter, also received hospice care in their home until she passed away in November 2023.
Their journey highlights the importance of proper planning and support early on so that when people reach this stage, they are prepared to enter hospice care, and they and their loved ones understand what it means and how it works.
By enlisting a knowledgeable attorney’s help, you can confidently navigate the legal complexities of end-of-life care and estate planning and ensure that you protect your loved ones before you are no longer able to help them.