By Rick Law, Senior Advocate, Estate Planner, and Elder Law Attorney at Law Elder Law in Aurora, IL Seniors who do need long-term care can face enormous expenses if proper planning is not in place. The cost of receiving care, whether that care takes place in a facility or at home, continues to increase each year. In this day and age, it simply not always possible to use one’s own assets to pay for care.  Many people think that their family will take care of them when the need for care arises.  Yet as much as family and other loved ones intend to care for their elderly relative or friend, it can turn out to be quite difficult when the time comes. Over the past several years, societal changes have made it more difficult for family members to care for a loved one who is in need of long-term care. The economy has forced many families to split up and move apart. There are several public financing options available to pay for certain types of long-term care services but these options should not be relied upon as the sole source of paying for care. There are numerous criteria that a person must meet in order to qualify for financing from these programs. And, even if one qualifies, the benefits received may or may not be sufficient to pay for the entire cost of care that is received. Although they should not be relied upon to pay for all healthcare and long-term care related expenses, the government offers some assistance for these costs — provided that you qualify. It is important to know up front that even though Medicare and Medicaid sound similar, they are very different programs with differing qualification criteria as well. When considering the options to pay for care, you must be sure that you understand what each program may or may not cover, as well as what you will need to do in order to qualify for coverage. Too many families needlessly lose everything they have.  Don’t let that be you.  If you need help paying the overwhelming cost of long term care, give our office a call at 800-310-3100.  Your first consultation is absolutely free.  We’ll let you know what steps you need to take, right now, to protect yourself and your family.  Call now, because when you’re out of money, you’re out of options. Sincerely, Rick L. Law, Attorney, Estate Planner for Retirees