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How to Become a Paid Caregiver for a Family Member in Alabama

How to Become a Paid Caregiver for a Family Member in Alabama

by | Aug 14, 2022 | Caregivers, Elder Law

caregiver standing next to bed with older man laying down

Being a caregiver for a loved one is no easy task. Not only is it a time-consuming and physically demanding job, but it is an emotionally draining job, as well. Caring for the elderly at home may be—and often is—a full-time job. Because caregivers are often unable to work another job, they need to be compensated for their labor.

Luckily, there are multiple ways for people providing senior home care for their loved ones to get paid. These options vary depending on the specific circumstances of your loved one, but all are designed to ease the heavy burden that caregivers shoulder in order to fulfill their duties.

How to Become a Paid Caregiver for a Family Member in Alabama

Below are some of the options for caregivers to get paid in Alabama:

  • Medicaid Waiver Programs: If the person you are caring for receives Medicaid, they may be able to have you named as an official caregiver. Medicaid offers several waiver programs that are designed to prevent older people from being placed in nursing homes and allow you to continue caring for the elderly at home.

    The Alabama Medicaid Waiver for the Elderly and Disabled (E&D Waiver) assigns elderly people and people with disabilities a case manager, who helps them design a person-centered model of care which may include a provision for an at-home caregiver. Another option is the Personal Choices program, which allows elderly or disabled Alabamians more choice and flexibility in the type of care they receive. Other waivers are designed to benefit people with specific disabilities, such as the Technology Assisted Waiver for Adults (TAW), which covers people who are ventilator dependent, or who have a tracheotomy.

  • Veteran Directed Care Program: The Veteran Directed Care Program (VDC) allows eligible veterans to determine the course of their own care. They are given a flexible budget, which allows them to hire and supervise their own caregivers. They also have access to additional resources, including care planning assistance, financial management services, and ongoing counseling support.
  • Alabama Cares Program: The Alabama Cares Program offers caregivers a variety of resources that can help ease the burden of caring for the elderly at home. These services include training, access to information and advice, and support services such as personal care, adult day care, and limited homemaker services. Caregivers providing services for people over the age of 60 qualify for the program, as do caregivers helping patients with dementia, and caregivers who are over the age of 60 themselves, and who are caring for children aged 18 or younger.
  • Sign a Caregiver Agreement: If you are providing caregiving services, you can get paid for those services.  We recommend that you sign an actual caregiver agreement or contract.  In the agreement, you set up the number of hours per week you will provide care and the hourly rate you will charge for that care.  You do not want to get paid “cash” or under the table so to speak.  Caregiving expenses are a proper Medicaid spend down but you must do it the right way.  Otherwise, your loved one risks getting penalized by Medicaid if they ever have to file a Medicaid application for nursing home care.

Hiring an Elder Law Attorney

Registering as a primary caregiver can be a complicated process and is difficult to navigate alone. Hiring an experienced elder law attorney can make the process much easier and can ensure that you are getting qualified for all of the services available to you and your loved ones. We want to make sure your aging parent receives the senior home care they deserve.

At Miller Estate and Elder Law, we are experts in understanding how to become a paid caregiver for a family member in Alabama. Contact us today using the brief form below to find out more about our services for caregivers.



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Providing Care After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: Caring for Aging Parents

Providing Care After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis: Caring for Aging Parents

by | Jul 26, 2022 | Aging Parents, Elder Law, Long-Term Care

When a parent or another loved one receives an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, the news lands like a devastating blow. Knowing that you will soon watch someone you love lose their memory and struggle with daily tasks is emotionally wrenching. In addition, your loved one will eventually need intensive dementia care, which can put heavy strains on a family—both psychologically and financially.

Although it’s unlikely that you will be able to provide all the care necessary for a parent diagnosed with dementia, many children do take on a large share of the burden of looking after their parents. For most people, caring for aging parents or loved ones who have received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis is a whole new experience, and one that is very overwhelming. Knowing a few basics about dementia care can help ease the burden.

Everyday Care for Those Diagnosed with Dementia

Because people with Alzheimer’s will start to experience changes in memory and their ability to think clearly, they will need help performing many everyday tasks. The inability to perform what used to be simple tasks can prove quite frustrating, and understandably so. Here are some ways you can help support a loved one who is struggling with dementia:

  • Establish a routine. For people with Alzheimer’s, doing the same thing at the same time every day can help them stay focused on and involved in their own lives. Furthermore, certain tasks need to be performed at a time when the patient is most alert, so it’s important to schedule these at that specific time each day.
  • Help your loved one write down tasks and reminders. Writing down the things they need to do and remember will encourage them to take responsibility for their life, and will also help keep their mind sharp.
  • Allow the person to do as much as possible by themselves. Although Alzheimer’s patients will need more and more help as their disease progresses, it’s important to allow them as much independence and autonomy as possible.
  • Provide choices. Providing the person with simple choices, like the choice between two shirts to wear, can help them feel empowered and stay focused.
  • Reduce distractions. Make sure the environment your loved one lives in is free from distractions, particularly during mealtime or conversations. Otherwise, they may get confused.

Safety Considerations for People Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s

As well as helping the person with their daily tasks, providing them with a safe environment is an important part of dementia care. Here are a few things you can do to prevent them from getting injured:

  • Lock away potentially dangerous objects, such as cleaners, medicines, matches, or knives.
  • Remove anything that the person could trip over, such as extensions cords or small rugs. Also, install handrails or grab bars to help the person maintain their balance.
  • Keep the thermostat on a lower setting so that the person won’t accidentally burn themselves.
  • Insert safety plugs into unused electrical outlets.

Legal Concerns

In addition to providing care for a loved one diagnosed with dementia, there are also important legal considerations that come with looking after their affairs. At the first word of an Alzheimer’s diagnosis, you should contact an elder law attorney to ensure the proper legal documents are in place so you can focus on providing care, and not a lengthy and costly legal process. Drafting documents while your loved one is still coherent is essential, though there are limited options for those whose loved ones have already lost significant cognitive function.

At Miller Estate and Elder Law, we have many years of experience helping people whose loved ones have received an Alzheimer’s diagnosis. Use the brief form below to download a copy of our free guide: Caring for Aging Parents or call (256) 251-2137 to speak with a member of our legal team today!



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What is a Trust…and Do I Need One?

What is a Trust…and Do I Need One?

by | Apr 13, 2022 | Avoiding Probate, Elder Law, Estate Planning, trust

Most people know that a will is an important piece of the estate planning puzzle, but there are many misconceptions about trusts. Most people believe that trusts are reserved for the very wealthy. While it’s true that not everyone needs a trust, it is hardly limited to those with multi-million dollar estates. Depending on your estate planning goals, assets, and wishes, a trust may be a very viable option for you—even if your estate is modest.

But, what is a trust…and how do you know if you need one?

What is a trust?

A trust is a legal contract that ensures the proper distribution of assets to the trustor’s beneficiaries. Assets can be distributed in the exact manner you wish them to be. The individual creating the trust—called a ‘trustor’ or ‘grantor’—places title to his or her assets into the ownership of the trust. The process of transferring assets to the trust is called ‘trust funding,’ and is an essential part of successful trust creation. The trustor will also name a person to manage and administer the assets held in the trust, called a ‘trustee.’ A well-organized and regularly maintained trust has the potential to save your loved ones from certain headaches, like probate court, and can offer tax benefits for inheritances, as well as more privacy and control over your assets.

General Guidelines

Generally speaking, trusts may be a viable option for you if you have a net worth of $100,000 or more, a considerable portfolio of real estate and other tangible assets, or detailed instructions for how you’d like your assets to be distributed to your beneficiaries when you pass away. It’s important to note that these recommendations are not set in stone, as each circumstance is highly unique, and even those who don’t meet these guidelines may still benefit from drafting a trust.

Types of Trusts

To further answer the question “what is a trust,” and determine whether a trust will fit your unique needs, it’s important to understand the different types of trusts that exist, and what makes them different. The most common types of trusts include:

  • Revocable (aka ‘Living’) Trust: This flexible trust allows you to cancel, maintain, and make amendments to the trust while you’re still alive. A revocable trust isn’t subject to probate, but doesn’t always protect assets from creditors, as the trustor still legally owns the assets that have been transferred to the trust.
  • Irrevocable Trust: Contrary to a revocable trust, irrevocable trusts are not able to be revoked or amended without the consent of all beneficiaries named in the trust. While this certainly limits the flexibility of the trust, it better protects the trustor from creditors and lawsuits. Additionally, an irrevocable trust can help minimize estate tax liabilities.
  • Testamentary Trust: Also referred to as a ‘will trust’ this type of trust is generated from a last will and testament, becoming effective (and irrevocable) after the trustor passes away. Testamentary trusts ensure that assets are distributed to beneficiaries at a designated time—known as the ‘trust expiration,’—which is prompted by a triggering event, such as the beneficiary turning a certain age. Because this trust is part of a will, it must go through probate before the trust can be created.
  • Charitable Trust: This type of irrevocable trust allows you to leave behind a legacy of giving. Charitable trusts are often established to reduce estate and gift tax liabilities. A charitable remainder trust (CRT) carries the added benefit of providing a source of income to you or your beneficiaries during the trust term. At the time of your passing, all remaining assets will then be distributed to the designated charity.
  • Special Needs Trust: Parents and guardians of children and adults with a disability can use this type of trust to protect a beneficiary’s eligibility for needs-based government programs, like SSI and Medicaid. This allows trustors the ability to provide financially for these beneficiaries when they are no longer around to physically care for them.

While creating a trust isn’t for everyone, it is a valuable part of an estate plan for many, providing an additional layer of protection for your legacy, and the future security of your loved ones. The flexibility, problem-solving, and variety that a trust provides makes it an attractive option for those seeking a well-rounded estate plan.

Educating yourself on trusts is only the first step. When it is time to create your trust, working with an experienced estate planning attorney will ensure that your trust is established and funded properly. Contact usvia the brief form below to get started today, or learn more about protecting your assets by signing up for Miller Estate and Elder Law’s FREE estate planning workshop.



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My Spouse Needs to go to the Nursing Home…Now What?

My Spouse Needs to go to the Nursing Home…Now What?

by | Mar 6, 2022 | Asset Protection, Elder Care Planning, Elder Law, Long-Term Care, Nursing Home

You’ve been married to your spouse for decades. Lately, you’ve noticed that they are losing the ability to look after themselves. You realize that they may soon need nursing home care. You know this requires a lot of planning. Are you prepared?

When a spouse needs nursing home care, most people find that they are ill-prepared for the expenses associated with it. Paying out-of-pocket is expensive. After all, you’ve worked a lifetime to purchase your home and build your nest egg you should be able to pass those down to your children and grandchildren…not lose them to the nursing home. Your other options are to apply for Medicaid, or use long-term care insurance. Sadly, long-term care insurance is often overlooked until it’s too late to get it, leaving Medicaid as the only option. However, Medicaid eligibility can be tricky, and most people wonder how their assets might be impacted.

What Happens to My Income?

If your spouse has to go to a nursing home, all of their income will go to the nursing home.  You can keep all of your income but in many cases that is not going to be enough.  Without proper long-term care planning and a loss of your spouse’s income, your life savings could be drained in a matter of months if you have to pay out-of-pocket. Becoming eligible for Medicaid is challenging, with inhibitive income and asset limitations that may leave your spouse unqualified to receive these benefits. As the spouse who is not going to apply for Medicaid (also known as a “community spouse”), your income will not be factored in to eligibility. However, your spouse’s monthly income (which cannot exceed ~$2,523 per month ) will be used to determine Medicaid eligibility, and to pay for care, if approved. This leaves you at home with just one income to cover all of your expenses.

What About My Other Assets?

The other consideration when determining Medicaid eligibility is the assets that are owned by you and your spouse, regardless of whose name they are held in. The Medicaid applicant cannot own assets valued over $2,000 to qualify, not including your primary home or car. You, as the community spouse, can keep half of your assets, up to a maximum of $137,400.

You might also wonder which assets are included—and which are excluded—in the Medicaid application process. Typically, liquid assets, like bank accounts, insurance policies valued over $1,500, stocks and bonds, mutual funds, and second homes and cars, are considered countable assets. It should be noted that your home and one car are not included. This is because the community spouse would continue to reside in and otherwise utilize these assets. Additional assets that are exempt from Medicaid include personal effects, burial plots, and life insurance policies valued under $1,500.

So, What Are My Options?

If your spouse needs nursing home care now, and you are faced with either having to pay out-of-pocket or qualify for Medicaid, you still have some options. You may be tempted to spend down or transfer your assets, but Medicaid will look back 5-years from your application date to ensure you did not give away money to become eligible. Medicaid qualification is a confusing area of law, so it is best to plan with an elder care attorney who can take the guesswork out of applying for Medicaid and help you to avoid common mistakes that may cause penalties and delays in approval.

If you expect your spouse will need nursing care in the not-so-distant future, it’s best to start planning immediately. This is also a good time to consult with an elder law attorney about best practices for maximizing retention of assets and nursing home care provisions for your spouse. Your elder law attorney may suggest actions like:

  • Paying down existing bills: Medical bills, car loans, credit cards, etc.
  • Home improvements: Repairing plumbing and heating systems, fixing the landscaping, purchasing household goods and furnishings, and making structural modifications.
  • Funeral trusts: Purchase a pre paid funeral plan which in not countable and while takes care of an inevitable expense.

At this point, you’ve probably determined that paying for long-term nursing home care can be complicated at best, with so many variances and challenges depending on your unique circumstances. Proper planning should be implemented sooner rather than later to prevent costly and stressful consequences. Miller Estate and Elder Law can help you strategize in order to yield optimum benefits for you, your spouse, and—ultimately—your entire family.

Watch our FREE webinar to learn more about Medicaid eligibility and how to get your spouse qualified for the care they need, without sacrificing your life savings.

https://millerestateandelderlaw.com/medicaid-qualification-webinar

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Probate Property: Which Assets Must Go to Probate Court?

Probate Property: Which Assets Must Go to Probate Court?

by | Feb 20, 2022 | Avoiding Probate, Elder Law, Probate

You’ve probably heard horror stories about the nightmare that is probate court. Undoubtedly, friends and neighbors have had to undergo the probate process…and chances are, they don’t have many good things to say about it.

Let us first say, probate isn’t quite as bad as it gets made out to be (though it certainly CAN be for the ill-prepared). Probate is the legal process that authenticates your will in order to properly facilitate the allocation of your assets to your beneficiaries. Upon death, the estate administration process begins, drawing together all the necessary documentation for the distribution and management of your assets, which the probate court then oversees. The most common document utilized is a will.

If an individual passes away without a will—also known as dying ‘intestate’—the estate administration process becomes much more complicated, and a time-consuming, costly probate process is almost inevitable.

Being proactive and drafting a will, as well as understanding which assets must go through probate, can make the probate process much easier, or bypass it altogether.

Which Assets Need to Be Probated?

Whether or not your assets end up in probate is dependent upon how your estate plan is set up. Essentially, any property that does not have a designated beneficiary, or is not set up to pass by operation of law, will inevitably be deemed probate property, and settled in probate court. Some examples of circumstances that lead to probate include:

  • When an individual dies without a will. Without a will present, the estate becomes dependent upon the laws of intestacy, leaving the probate court to adjudicate who will inherit the deceased’s assets.
  • When a person passes away as the single-named owner of titled assets. These assets include items like real estate, investment and bank accounts, vehicles, personal property, collectibles, safety deposit box contents, and other solely titled assets of the deceased.
  • When property does not have a title. If the deceased does not have the compulsory paperwork for assets in their ownership, and the property isn’t clearly named in the will with the deceased’s wishes, the assets become probate property.
  • When the beneficiary predeceases the testator. If your will hasn’t been updated before your named beneficiary passes away, their inheritance will be settled in probate.

Actions You Can Take Now To Avoid Your Assets Being Probated in the Future

As you can see, there are many factors that could land your estate in probate court; however, there are some things you can do now to make a more ironclad estate plan that is specifically designed to keep your assets out of probate, or at least simplify the probate process.

  • Ensure your will is detailed. While having a will isn’t enough to avoid probate (all wills must go through probate), when a will clearly defines your wishes, it simplifies the process, and makes authorization to distribute your property much less laborious.
  • Establish a living trust. A living trust prevents probate because the trust takes ownership of the assets placed within it and, upon your passing, a named trustee will distribute your estate as stipulated in the trust – without the need/input of the probate court.
  • Title property jointly. Property owned in joint ownership with right of survivorship automatically passes the property to the surviving owner(s), without probate.
  • Name a beneficiary. Assets that have a named beneficiary—for example, your retirement plan, life insurance policy, or transfer-on-death or payable-on-death bank accounts—escape probate by sending items directly to beneficiaries.
  • Give assets away while you’re still alive. Although this is a no-brainer, it deserves an honorable mention. Simply put, if the property is no longer owned by you at the time of death, it doesn’t go to probate. This, however, can cause issues with qualifying for Medicaid if long-term care is needed, so we encourage you to speak with an elder law attorney before giving away money or assets.

At Miller Estate and Elder Law, we pride ourselves on providing clients with a high level of attention to detail that takes all of the guesswork out of estate planning. We create tailored solutions that are based on your specific goals and objectives. Our educational resources and unique programs keep you and your estate plan up-to-date, giving you the confidence needed to be secure in knowing your estate is in good hands.

Contact us today, register for a free workshop, or browse our resources, which address many common questions. With our guidance, you’ll gain peace of mind knowing your estate will be ready for smooth sailing after you’re gone.

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bill@millerestateandelderlaw.com

What Does Medicaid Cover…and What Does Medicaid NOT Cover?

What Does Medicaid Cover…and What Does Medicaid NOT Cover?

by | Jan 11, 2022 | Elder Law, Medicaid, Medicaid Planning, Medicaid Qualification

what does medicaid cover

Medicaid is a government-administered health insurance program that provides coverage to low-income Americans during all stages of life, from birth to age 65+. Given the massive breadth of this program, it should not come as a shock that it’s an incredibly complex system, governed by a confusing set of rules. This article aims to answer the questions, what does Medicaid cover, and what does Medicaid NOT cover?

While Medicaid can support individuals of any age, it’s an especially excellent resource for seniors. Long-term nursing care costs in Alabama average $78,000 per year, and that is for a shared room. However, qualifying for Medicaid can be a challenge. Applicants must meet certain financial and medical eligibility requirements. There are strict income and asset limits, with policies designed to prevent individuals from giving away their assets in order to qualify. A qualified elder law attorney can help you navigate the Medicaid maze, and avoid unsuspecting mistakes that could leave you or a loved one without the coverage they need.

For seniors who qualify, Medicaid is a wonderful program that works in collaboration with Medicare to cover a variety of healthcare needs

What Does Medicaid Cover?

Medicaid covers mandatory healthcare services, including:

  • Hospital care
  • Skilled nursing
  • Home healthcare
  • Doctor’s appointments 
  • Preventative care & wellness screening
  • Transportation to and from medical appointments
  • Diagnostics

Optional benefits include hospice care, case management, prescription drugs, physical or occupational therapy, rehabilitation, dental, vision, and more.

However, Medicaid does have some limitations…

What Does Medicaid NOT Cover?

In most circumstances, Medicaid will not cover medical care provided outside of the United States, though certain circumstances—such as if a foreign hospital is closer than a domestic hospital—may be covered. Like with private health insurances, Medicaid will also not cover services deemed unnecessary, or services paid for by another insurance provider. 

Some other services that Medicaid will not cover include:

  • Free health screening or medical devices that are given away
  • Cosmetic surgery or complications that result from cosmetic surgery
  • Personal comfort items or beauty services

Every state has slightly different Medicaid qualifications and coverage, so the best way to gain comprehensive (and accurate) understanding is to speak with a qualified elder law attorney in your home state.

Miller Estate and Elder Law is happy to offer a number of free resources to help you better understand how Medicaid planning works, and how to avoid going broke paying for long-term care. Gain access to our brief 20-minute webinar about how to get you or a loved one qualified for Medicaid by completing the brief form below, or download one of our free guides.

Contact Miller Estate & Elder Law

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