What You Have HeardAsk yourself, was the info you heard from a Certified Medicaid Planner?Medicaid Misconception #1 - You can only have $2,000.FACTSSingle applicants have a resource limit of $2,000. (in 2024) A married applicant has a resource limit of about $150,000. (in 2024)Medicaid Misconception #2 - Your home will be taken from you if you are on Medicaid.FACTSAll applicants are allowed to have 1 home and 1 car. There are ways to avoid Medicaid estate recovery, an applicant can receive Medicaid and keep their home.Medicaid Misconception #3 - You make too much money.FACTS If you are over the income limit, Beneficent can provide the legal steps using the Medicaid code to bypass being over the income limit.Medicaid Misconception #4 - You must spend down to $2,000 to qualify for Medicaid.FACTSThis is an option, however not your only option. If you want to preserve the hard-earned assets you or your loved one has worked their entire life, you can!Medicaid Misconception #5 - Why doesnt everyone apply for Long-term Care Medicaid if the other outcome statements are true?FACTSMany are deceived by misinformation and preconceived notions. There's a game-changer you need to know about - Certified Medicaid Planners (CMP) - we know the rules and regulations.You can find all the CMPs in the United States here, (https://cmpboard.org/locate-a-cmp/)  there arent too many of us! Need to schedule an appointment with one of our Certified Medicaid Planners at Beneficent? Book here (https://calendly.com/doinggoodforothers) or call our office (719.645.8350) for more appointment times.

In the heart of every family caregivers journey lies the challenge of making difficult decisions that are in the best interest of their loved ones, especially when it involves introducing new routines such as adult day.The initial resistance encapsulated in sentiments like My dad or my husband wouldnt like adult day care. Its just not for him. He wouldnt like something like that, is a common obstacle many families face.Yet, overcoming this hesitation is not just possible; it can open doors to enriching experiences that enhance the quality of life for both caregivers and their loved ones. Heres how to gently navigate these waters and turn reluctance into acceptance.Understanding the ResistanceFirst, its crucial to understand why there might be resistance to adult day care. For many older adults, the idea of adult day may conjure feelings of lossloss of independence, familiarity, and control over their daily lives. Its also possible that misconceptions about what adult day is might be at the heart of their resistance.Educating and ReassuringEducation is a powerful tool in overcoming objections. Begin by gathering information about local adult day programs, focusing on aspects that align with your loved ones interests and needs.Many centers offer a variety of activities, including physical exercises, art classes, music therapy, and social events that can be highly beneficial and enjoyable for members. This may even include woodworking, racing RC cars, playing poker or other fun activities that cater to different individual needs.Share stories and testimonials from other families who have had positive experiences with adult day care. Hearing about others who had similar reservations but ended up thriving can be incredibly reassuring.Its also helpful to emphasize the benefits that come with adult day, such as social interaction, enhanced mental stimulation, and the opportunity to maintain or even improve cognitive and physical abilities.Personalization and InvolvementPersonalize the approach by involving your loved one in the process as much as possible. Discuss what activities they might enjoy and select a club that offers these options. Some centers may allow you to customize a schedule or participate in free trial days, which can help ease the transition.Address Emotional ConcernsAcknowledge and validate your loved ones feelings about adult day care. Its important to have open and honest conversations about their fears and concerns. Reassure them of your support and the positive aspects of adult day, highlighting how it can enhance their independence rather than diminish it.Gradual IntroductionConsider a gradual introduction to adult day. Starting with a few half-days a week can help ease the transition and reduce anxiety. This approach allows your loved one to slowly adjust to the new environment and routine while giving them the opportunity to see the benefits firsthand.Emphasize FlexibilityRemind your loved one (and yourself) that decisions arent set in stone. Emphasizing the flexibility to change plans or adjust schedules can help alleviate some of the pressure and make the idea of adult day care less daunting. Overcoming the objection to adult day care requires patience, understanding, and a gentle approach. By educating, reassuring, and involving your loved one in the decision-making process, you can help them see adult day care not as a loss, but as an opportunity to enhance their life.Remember, the goal is to support their well-being and independence in a way that respects their preferences and needs. With the right approach, adult day care can become a positive experience that enriches the lives of all involved. Caring for a loved one? We are here to help, whether you need help at home or need a little break during the day! Take a break and enjoy peace of mind knowing your loved one is having the time of their life! ActivAge Senior Care, offers Daytime Senior Care and In-Home Care. To learn more, please call (941) 205-7722 or visit ActivAgeCare.com. Port Charlotte: 3626 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952, Sarasota: 3801 Bee Ridge Road, Sarasota, FL 34233. Home Care:  Serving Charlotte & Sarasota County

What about those greedy relatives?Remember the Baudelaire children from our previous Legal Brief about Lemony Snickets A Series of Unfortunate Events? Lets look at another way parents with children of any age can protect their legacy.In Lemony Snickets tale the Baudelaire children are left with a significant family fortune when their parents die. Their uncle hopes to gain access to this vast fortune by taking in the children. When that does not work he tries to marry Violet, the oldest daughter, so he can access the family wealth. Hopefully your relatives are not awful like Count Olaf; yet, sometimes you only find out who people truly are after someone passes away. So, what is the estate planning remedy for greedy relatives or even your childs questionable spouse?Trust planning.Trust planning ensures your family fortune, no matter the amount, stays with your children; not in the hands of a greedy relative, in-law, creditor, or even used in an unintended manner by your children.There are many ways to write trusts to ensure your wishes are met. The general starting point for trust planning is a revocable living trust. When properly funded, this type of trust allows trust assets to pass directly to beneficiaries bypassing the probate process. Bypassing probate also keeps your wishes private. Additionally, if a surviving spouse remarries a revocable living trust can be built to keep existing family assets within the family. The surviving spouse can access assets but when they pass away trust assets continue down to your children and grandchildren instead of going to an unintended beneficiary.More specific concerns?Maybe you have a child with a disability? Consider a special needs trust. A special needs trust prevents a large lump sum from an inheritance going directly to a beneficiary. Instead, a trustee manages the trust and assets. Money is given on an as needed basis for anything not provided through other benefits or programs. This can be especially useful when needs based programming covers only the minimum services. This specialized trust allows you to protect and provide for your loved ones with special needs and circumstances when you are no longer able to do so, while still allowing them to maintain their other benefits.Is one of your children caught up in drugs or debt? Consider a heritage trust. A heritage trust could help in Violets situation with her uncle or if some other gold-digger comes along and tries to marry her for the family fortune. How? Heritage trust planning allows you to name a trustee who can manage trust assets. This person or institution provides the beneficiary with funds for reasonable requests (e.g., housing, education, etc.). The trustee acts as a gatekeeper. Trust assets pass from your child to grandchildren or other beneficiaries. This shelters trust assets, keeping them within your family or named beneficiaries for multiple generations. Trust assets are also protected from creditors, lawsuits, and from spouses or others not directly named as beneficiaries.What exactly is a trustee?Your trustee is the person who manages and distributes trust assets after your passing. As with any decision regarding finances, choose your trustee carefully. Appoint someone to this role who you will take their responsibility seriously. Someone you trust to carry out your wishes and manage trust assets wisely. Allowing assets to grow and benefit your family members for years to come.Remember: trusts do not go through the probate process like a will, so your decisions remain private. Give yourself peace of mind today by taking care of your estate planning with Stone Law! Make your guardianship wishes known in your will and put together trust planning to ensure your assets go where you want them to.