St. Augustine Long-Term Care Planning Lawyer

Secure Your Future with Compassionate, Strategic Planning

As you or your loved ones age, thinking about the future becomes more than just a good idea—it becomes essential. Long-term care can be emotionally and financially overwhelming without a proper plan in place. At Owenby Law, P.A., our experienced St. Augustine long-term care planning attorney is here to help Florida families prepare for the road ahead with tailored legal strategies that ensure peace of mind and financial security.

Contact us today at (904) 674-8779 to schedule your free initial consultation.

What is Long-Term Care?

Long-term care refers to a range of services designed to meet the medical and non-medical needs of individuals with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or cognitive impairments such as dementia. These services help people perform essential daily activities, including bathing, dressing, and eating.

Unlike acute medical care, which treats temporary health problems, long-term care focuses on maintaining the quality of life over time. Services can be provided at home, in assisted living facilities, or in nursing homes—and they are often needed for months or years.

In Florida, especially in retirement communities like St. Augustine, planning for long-term care is a necessity for aging individuals and their families. With the cost of care continually rising, having a sound legal and financial plan is crucial to avoid depleting one’s savings or burdening family members.

Common Forms of Long-Term Care

There are various types of long-term care services available depending on a person’s health condition, preferences, and budget. Common forms of long-term care include:

In-Home Care

Care delivered in the comfort of one’s home, including help with household tasks, personal hygiene, and basic health monitoring. Home care can be informal (provided by family) or formal (delivered by licensed professionals).

Assisted Living Facilities

These residential communities offer a combination of housing, personal care, and some healthcare services. They are ideal for seniors who need help with daily activities but don’t require round-the-clock medical supervision.

Skilled Nursing Facilities

Also known as nursing homes, these facilities provide 24/7 medical care, rehabilitation, and support for individuals with complex medical needs or recovering from hospitalization.

Adult Day Care Services

These programs offer social activities, meals, and limited health services during the day, allowing family caregivers to work or take a break while ensuring their loved one is safe and engaged.

Memory Care

A specialized form of long-term care for individuals suffering from Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia. Memory care units are typically housed within assisted living or nursing home facilities and offer heightened supervision and cognitive therapies.

Benefits of Long-Term Care Planning

Proactive long-term care planning with the help of a knowledgeable lawyer offers a range of benefits that can help secure your health, finances, and dignity as you age.

• Asset Protection: Long-term care is expensive. Planning ahead can help preserve your assets from being spent entirely on care costs. Our attorney can guide you through strategies such as Medicaid planning, long-term care insurance options, and irrevocable trusts.
• Medicaid Eligibility: Medicaid can help cover long-term care costs, but eligibility requires meeting strict income and asset limits. We help clients legally structure their finances to qualify for Medicaid benefits without jeopardizing their estate.
• Peace of Mind: Knowing that a plan is in place reduces stress for both you and your family. Your loved ones won’t have to scramble to make decisions during a crisis, and your preferences will be respected.
• Legal Documentation: We help you prepare vital documents such as powers of attorney, advance healthcare directives, living wills, and long-term care directives. These tools ensure your wishes are honored and that someone you trust can make decisions on your behalf.
• Avoiding Guardianship: Proper planning can help avoid the need for court-appointed guardianship. Instead, your legal documents will designate who should manage your care and financial affairs if you become incapacitated.

Long-Term Care Planning FAQs

When should I start planning for long-term care?

The best time to begin is before you need care—ideally in your 50s or early 60s. Early planning gives you more options for financing care and qualifying for benefits like Medicaid.

Is long-term care covered by Medicare?

No. Medicare only covers limited short-term care (e.g., rehabilitation after surgery). Long-term custodial care, which includes help with daily activities, is not covered.

What is the average cost of long-term care in Florida?

As of recent estimates, nursing home care in Florida can cost over $100,000 per year. Assisted living facilities average around $48,000 annually, while in-home care can cost $20-$30 per hour.

Can I give away assets to qualify for Medicaid?

You can, but Medicaid imposes a five-year look-back period. If you give away assets during that time, you could face penalties or delays in qualifying for coverage. Strategic Medicaid planning by a lawyer is key.

How can a lawyer help with long-term care planning?

A St. Augustine long-term care planning attorney can help protect your finances, draft essential legal documents, and guide you through Medicaid eligibility, ensuring you or your loved one receives quality care without financial ruin.

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

Don't wait until a medical crisis forces your hand. Start your long-term care planning now with a trusted legal advocate by your side. 

Contact us today at (904) 674-8779 to schedule a free consultation with a skilled St. Augustine long-term care planning lawyer who can help you safeguard your future.