Thinking about your long-term care needs can be stressful. It requires you to consider the possibility of being unable to care for yourself, and the potential costs associated with long-term care can be overwhelming. But you don’t want to make the mistake of foregoing...
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Why your 50s are an ideal time to start MassHealth planning
Some might say that planning your long-term care needs at 50 is too early. However, you do not have to wait until a health crisis forces your hand. Your 50s are an ideal time to start planning for your future care needs through MassHealth, Massachusetts' Medicaid...
Understanding dual eligibility: MassHealth and Medicare
Managing the long-term healthcare of your loved ones can be challenging, especially when dealing with MassHealth and Medicare. Determining dual eligibility can help you get the most from your loved ones' benefits and ensure they get comprehensive care. What Is dual...
How can I monitor my mother’s finances without infringing on her rights?
As our parents age, we often worry about their financial well-being. You might want to help your mother manage her money, but you're unsure how to do so without overstepping boundaries. Balancing respect for her independence with the need to protect her interests can...
Why start long-term care planning in your 30s and 40s?
In your 30s or 40s, you are likely juggling a career, a family and perhaps even care for aging parents. With all these responsibilities, long-term care planning for yourself might seem like a distant concern. However, it is during these years that the importance of...
Five pitfalls to avoid when engaging in long-term care planning
As we’ve discussed previously on this blog, the likelihood that you will need long-term care is high, and the costs of it are significant. If you don’t plan to cover the costs associated with this care, then you could wind up using up all your hard-earned assets,...
Health care proxy: How is it different from other legal documents?
A health care proxy is a legal document that allows you to choose someone you trust to make medical decisions for you when you can't do so yourself. It's an important step in planning for your future medical care, regardless of your age or current health status. In...
How much will long-term care cost me?
As they age, most Massachusetts residents will need to pay for some sort of long-term care. Whether an individual needs a nursing home stay, and for how long, depends on many things. That said, over half of all women and about one-third of all men need to stay in a...
The unspoken weight of caregiving: Recognizing when it’s time to reach out
Caring for a loved one is an act of profound love and dedication. However, it can also be an emotionally and physically exhausting journey. As the demands of caregiving increase, it's easy to become overwhelmed, neglecting your own well-being in the process. It's...
What are the early signs of Alzheimer’s, and how can you tell?
Alzheimer's disease is a progressive brain disorder that leads to memory loss, cognitive decline and behavioral changes. Fortunately, it is distinct from normal aging, and it requires special attention for early detection and management. Early signs of Alzheimer’s The...