Common Questions

One of our jobs is to answer your questions. The following is a list of common question families bring when they see us. In addition to answering questions, our goal is to identify problems and solutions to those problems.

• Who pays for nursing home care?
• What happens to Dad's estate if he dies without a will?
• Can Mom give her house to an adult child to keep it from being taken by the state?
• Do I have to pay taxes on the money Mom gave me?
• Is it illegal to give away assets in order to qualify for Medicaid?
• What happens to Mom if Dad has to go into a nursing home?
• What health care, chronic care, and long-term care services are available?
• How can I get the care I need and want, whether in my own home, in a residential community or assisted-living facility, in a child's home, or in a nursing home?
• How will financial and health care decisions be made for me if I can't make them for myself?
• Who can I rely on to make sure that those decisions are the right ones?
• If I can't take care of myself, who will make sure my spouse continues to have a good quality of life?
• If we have a health care crisis, what will we have to do?
• Where do we turn for the help we need?
• How do I know I am getting good care?
• Who will advocate and intervene for me if necessary to ensure my right to quality health care and long-term care?
• How do I assure my financial security as I get older?
• What public benefits am I entitled to and what do I have to do to qualify for them?
• Should I rely on Medicaid or other government benefits to help pay for my care?
• How do I apply for benefits?
• What kinds of insurance do I need?
• Should I buy long-term care insurance?
• Should I join a Medicare HMO?
• How and when should I distribute my assets?
• Can I save taxes and avoid probate?
• Do I have to spend all of my money on my care, whether in my home or in a residential care facility such as a nursing home?
• How can I protect my assets to take care of my spouse, to ensure I get good care, or to leave to my children?
• How do I provide for family members with special needs?
• Do I need a trust?

© 2004, Elder Law Practice of David L. McGuffey, LLC

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