Long-Term Care Planning Lawyer in Needham, MA

Elder Law Assistance in the Greater Boston Area, Cape Cod & Mashpee

As you navigate the later stages of life, one question stands out: How will I pay for the care I need without sacrificing my financial security or the inheritance I wish to leave my family?

Long-term care planning is the essential legal and financial process designed to answer this question. It involves preparing for the costs associated with chronic illness, disability, and age-related decline, covering care in all settings, including your home, an assisted living facility, or a skilled nursing facility.

At Lannik Law, we understand that this planning is about more than just money; it’s about preserving your dignity, comfort, and independence. With over four decades of experience and led by a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA), our firm is dedicated to helping families secure a comfortable future.

Consult our Needham & Mashpee long-term care planning attorney about your needs by contacting us online or at (781) 303-9594. Your consultation can be held virtually for convenience. 

Why Is Long-Term Care Planning Necessary?

The need for long-term care is one of the most significant financial risks facing seniors today, simply because the costs are staggering, and traditional insurance (like Medicare) does not cover it.

The Reality of Care Costs

In-home care: While often preferred, 24/7 in-home care services can be expensive and quickly deplete savings.

Assisted Living: The median annual cost for a private room in an Assisted Living Facility in Massachusetts is approximately $78,000.

Skilled Nursing Facility (nursing home): The median annual cost for a private room in a Skilled Nursing Facility in Massachusetts can exceed $160,000.

Without a proactive plan, these overwhelming costs can rapidly lead to financial ruin, forcing you to use assets intended for a surviving spouse or heirs to cover the care expenses.

Our Three Pillars of Protection

Long-term care planning with Lannik Law focuses on two primary challenges: facilitating your receipt of necessary care and obtaining government benefits to offset costs without compromising your personal assets.

Comprehensive Care Planning

We begin by evaluating your unique situation and potential needs. This includes:

• In-home care planning - Creating a financial roadmap to maximize your time at home, often utilizing MassHealth Home and Community-Based Waivers, which pay for care services in the community.
• Facility planning - If assisted living or skilled nursing care becomes necessary, we help you prepare for the financial transition to enable comfort and quality of life in the new environment.

Strategic Asset Preservation

The most critical step is protecting your hard-earned wealth. We are well-versed in the sophisticated estate planning techniques required to shield assets from long-term care costs:

• Trust creation - We strategically use irrevocable trusts and other Medicaid (MassHealth)-compliant techniques to shelter assets legally. Since these methods must be implemented years in advance of the need for care, timely planning is essential.
• Financial restructuring - We guide you through the complex rules regarding exempt assets (like your primary residence and certain retirement funds) versus countable assets to maximize what the law allows you to keep.