Navigating Elder Care and Special Needs Planning with Juliana Malis

It was great to sit down in conversation with attorney Juliana,  who shared that 85% of individuals in their 40s and 50s are aiding their aging parents right now.

"The most rewarding and helpful service I provide is Elder Care and Special Needs Planning."

[caption id="attachment_5162" align="alignnone" width="300"] "The most rewarding and helpful service I provide is Elder Care and Special Needs Planning" Julianna Malis, Attorney at Law, LL.M (Taxation-Estate Planning)[/caption]

Here's a concise breakdown of key insights and questions to ask parents and loved ones - including the one in the mirror:

• *** Medi-Cal Asset Protection - New since January 2024: Recent legislative changes have eliminated asset limits for Medi-Cal eligibility, presenting new avenues for covering elder care expenses.

• Expertise in Action: Malis emphasizes the distinction between estate planning and elder law, underscoring her tailored approach to address unique challenges.
• Critical Conversations: From health assessments to end-of-life preferences, Malis guides families through essential discussions, ensuring clarity on documents like powers of attorney and family trust arrangements.

What are your wishes?

It's important to have difficult conversations.  Otherwise what you or your parents want, might not happen.  Here are some questions to ask your parents -- or think about yourself.

• How long can they live independently, what are the options for aging in place in home, how will everything be paid for?
• How will they pay for higher level of care?
• Do they have a recent family trust for their home? Who is the executor? Beneficiaries? If it has been since the 1990s, where is it, and are any changes needed?
• What happens if they become incapacitated, who has power of attorney?
• Who is your doctor, what  medications are you taking, who should be contacted in emergency?
• Where are important documents regarding your finances, life insurance, is there anything you want a loved one to know if something happens to you?
• What would you want to do if you had a terminal diagnosis, would you want to come home?

Juliana Malis's approach epitomizes a blend of legal proficiency and compassionate guidance, offering families peace of mind amidst the complexities of elder care and special needs planning.

For more information: https://www.sbelderlaw.com/

PS - all home owners  - no matter your age - make a point in the next month to set up your family trust and put your home in the trust, so when you die, your home does not go to probate. It can be done inexpensively and updated later if needed.

I'm always happy to connect you with valuable Santa Barbara people and resources!

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