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K
Kpeterson Asked July 2015

Mom (88) has dementia and her lawyer suggested she get long term health care. Any advice?

He said it's cheaper to pay for that than the 150k a year for a nursing home should mom need it. Any ideas? Mom lives in NY

BarbBrooklyn Jul 2015
I think you need to call the lawyer back and clarify what s/he means. Do they mean that mom should try to get a long term care POLICY? That would be next to impossible. Is s/he suggesting that she go into care at a rest home/assisted living facility? They ARE cheaper than nursing homes, are you looking at facilities like that?

In any event, you need to feel comfortable enough with your lawyer that you can say "can you explain to me what you're talking about?".

Gerrygwilliams Jul 2015
I'd listen to 'freqflyer', check with another attorney (reputable medical care providers will have referral info for assistance, too). I've heard of people in their 50's with 1 moderate health issue being denied LTC insurance (not to mention the rates are significantly higher than 15-20 yrs ago).

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freqflyer Jul 2015
K, do you mean Long Term Care insurance?

Honestly, I am surprised a lawyer would recommend someone in their late 80's to start paying for same as that insurance as it is good if one starts buying it back when they are in their 40's and 50's. Only 12% of applicants in their 80's even get approved for the insurance. I suggest you change attorneys and hire one who is an Elder Law attorney.

Also regarding the long term care insurance, it also depends on your Mom's health, if she has one of a long list of health issues she wouldn't qualify.

pamstegma Jul 2015
Long term health care? Usually that is a Nursing Home. Maybe you are thinking of Assisted Living?

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