I wrote many times about the need to plan as much as possible for what you have to do to provide excellent elder care.  I also advocated that you get your relatives on board to give you the support you need.

A recent article in a local newspaper describes a service has taken both ideas to a new level.  The author, Ronald Roel, answered a question about elder care planning for the reader’s 83 year old mother.

Roel acknowledged that some elder law attorneys specialize in certain aspects of elder care such as Medicaid application, or estate planning.  He pointed out that some elder care attorneys are now offering Life-Care Plans.  According to Roel, Life-Care Plans “bundle services such as asset protection and Medicaid qualification with care coordination, nursing home advocacy and crisis intervention.’

“The principal goals are to help people obtain appropriate care at home, in an assisted living facility or, if necessary, a nursing home, help make decisions relating to health care, long term care and special needs through later stages in life; and help find the best resources to pay for such care.”

The services that Life-Care Plans provide are paid for on a retainer basis for a specified period of time.

I like this idea.  It is a holistic approach and because relatives have to be involved it puts them on notice.  They cannot escape their responsibilities.