What Is Pre-Crisis Planning for Seniors in Spokane?
No one likes to think about what kinds of crises might lie ahead – but it always makes sense to be prepared. Seniors who engage in “pre-crisis planning” may find it easier to face uncertain futures with a degree of confidence. These types of plans can help not only seniors, but also their loved ones. Should you create your own “crisis plan” ahead of time in Washington State? Can an elder law attorney in Spokane help with this process?
How Does Pre-Crisis Planning Work?
Pre-crisis planning requires a certain level of creative thinking. More specifically, it requires you to imagine worst-case scenarios. Although this might feel like a daunting prospect, an experienced elder law attorney can help you approach your concerns in a professional, efficient manner.
The first step is to imagine what kind of crises you might face in the future. These crises might occur within the next five years, or they could be decades away. Examples include:
- What happens if you lose the ability to live independently?
- What kind of hazards might cause injuries in your home as you age in place?
- Where is the nearest hospital? How quickly can you get there if something happens?
- Do you have good relationships with your healthcare providers?
- What happens if you lose the ability to make decisions about your finances?
- What if your spouse becomes disabled and needs round-the-clock assistance?
Pre-Crisis Planning vs. Post-Crisis Planning
A proactive approach is always preferable to a reactive approach. While pre-crisis planning is proactive, post-crisis planning is reactive. Although both plans can help address the same issues, post-crisis planning may be more challenging because of urgent time constraints. You can only do so much when you’re in the middle of an emergency, but you have much more time to create effective plans when crises are still many years away. This is why it makes sense to get started with an elder law attorney as soon as possible.
Medicaid Planning vs. Pre-Crisis Planning
Pre-crisis planning refers to the general process of preparing for potential emergencies in the future. In contrast, Medicaid pre-planning refers specifically to a certain aspect of these emergencies: qualifying for Medicaid. By planning ahead with various financial and legal strategies, it may be easier to qualify for Medicaid as soon as an emergency need occurs.
Medicaid pre-planning is important because when an emergency occurs, the last thing you need is to spend months figuring out how you’re going to pay for long-term care or qualify for Medicaid. In an urgent medical crisis, it helps to have a Medicaid strategy already in place.
Can a Spokane Elder Law Attorney Help With Pre-Crisis Planning?
A Spokane elder law attorney may be able to help retirees create effective pre-crisis plans. If you recognize the importance of planning ahead, it’s never too late to schedule a consultation at an established elder law firm. Choose Moulton Law Offices, and continue this important conversation alongside our experienced elder law attorneys today.
Source:
who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/ageing-and-health
