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Worried About Long-Term Care Costs?

The rising costs of long-term care leave many families uncertain about the future. At Berg Bryant Elder Law Group, we work with Floridians to create strategies that balance quality care with financial protection. Whether you’re planning years ahead or facing decisions sooner than expected, our attorneys provide practical guidance that keeps your priorities and your family’s well-being at the center of every plan.

Long-term care costs can quickly drain your life savings if you don’t plan ahead. At Berg Bryant Elder Law Group, and as your long-term care planning attorney in Florida, we help you create a solid plan to pay for future care needs while protecting your hard-earned assets for yourself and your loved ones.

We work with you to build a personalized plan that gives you more control and better options for your future care.

What Is Long-Term Care Planning?

Long-term care planning means getting ready now for the help you might need later with everyday activities like bathing, dressing, eating, and taking medications. This care can be provided in your home, in an assisted living facility, or a nursing home.

Without a plan, the average $13,000 monthly cost of a Florida nursing home can quickly wipe out your savings. Good planning helps you:

  • Protect your assets from being spent down on care costs
  • Qualify for benefits programs that can help pay for care
  • Maintain your dignity and independence
  • Reduce stress and financial burden on your family
  • Have more choices about where and how you receive care

Many people think Medicare will cover their long-term care needs, but this is a costly mistake. Medicare only pays for limited skilled nursing care after a hospital stay. It does not pay for ongoing assistance with daily activities or custodial care, which make up most long-term care services.

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The True Cost of Long-Term Care in Florida

The price of long-term care in Florida can be shocking. Here’s what you might pay out-of-pocket without proper planning:

  • Part-Time Home health aide: $4,500-$5,000 per month
  • Assisted living facility: $4,000-$5,500 per month
  • Nursing home: $9,000-$13,000 per month

These costs continue to rise each year, outpacing inflation.

Without a proper plan, even substantial savings can disappear quickly, leaving you with fewer choices and possibly dependent on family members for care or financial support.

How to Plan for Long-Term Care in Florida

A good long-term care plan uses several strategies working together:

1. Long-Term Care Insurance

Long-term care insurance policies pay for care when you need help with daily activities. The best time to buy this insurance is in your 50s or early 60s when premiums are lower and you’re more likely to qualify.

We can help you:

  • Determine if long-term care insurance makes sense for your situation
  • Review policy options and benefits
  • Understand what’s covered and what’s not
  • Coordinate insurance with other planning strategies

2. Legal Tools for Asset Protection

Various legal tools can help protect your assets while ensuring you get the care you need:

  • Revocable living trusts: Manage assets during your lifetime and avoid probate
  • Irrevocable trusts: Protect assets from being counted for Medicaid eligibility
  • Asset protection strategies: Convert countable assets to exempt assets
  • Powers of attorney: Ensure someone you trust can manage your affairs if you become unable

3. Medicaid Planning

Medicaid is the primary payer of long-term care in the United States. However, to qualify, you must have limited assets and income. With proper planning, you can qualify for Medicaid without spending all your savings on care.

Effective Medicaid planning might include:

  • Strategic gifting of assets (done well in advance)
  • Creating appropriate trusts
  • Converting countable assets to exempt assets
  • Using Medicaid-compliant annuities
  • Special planning for married couples to protect the healthy spouse

4. Veterans Benefits Planning

If you or your spouse served during wartime, you might qualify for the VA Aid and Attendance benefit, which provides monthly payments to help pay for care. This benefit can be used for home care, assisted living, or nursing home care.

We can help determine if you qualify and guide you through the application process.

When Should You Start Long-Term Care Planning?

The best time to plan for long-term care is now, while you’re healthy. Here’s why:

  • More options: The earlier you plan, the more strategies are available to you
  • Lower costs: Long-term care insurance premiums are lower when you’re younger and healthier
  • Asset protection: Some strategies require a 5-year “lookback period” before they become fully effective
  • Peace of mind: Having a plan in place reduces worry about future care needs

Even if you’re already in your 70s or 80s, it’s not too late to plan. While some options may no longer be available, there are still strategies that can help protect your assets and improve your care options.

Areas Served

Duval County

  • Jacksonville
  • Atlantic Beach
  • Jacksonville Beach
  • Neptune Beach
  • Baldwin

Clay County

  • Green Cove Springs
  • Orange Park
  • Middleburg
  • Lakeside
  • Fleming Island
  • Oakleaf Plantation
  • Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace
  • Keystone Heights
  • Penney Farms

St. Johns County

  • St. Augustine
  • Hastings
  • Vilano Beach
  • St. Augustine Beach
  • Ponte Vedra / Ponte Vedra Beach
  • Fruit Cove
  • Palm Valley
  • Nocatee
  • World Golf Village
  • St. Augustine Shores
  • St. Augustine South
  • Sawgrass

Common Long-Term Care Planning Mistakes to Avoid

Many Florida seniors make costly mistakes when planning for long-term care:

Relying on Medicare

Medicare only pays for limited skilled nursing care after a hospital stay. It does not cover custodial care or assistance with daily activities, which make up most long-term care services.

Giving Away Assets Too Late

Giving away assets within five years of applying for Medicaid can trigger penalties that delay your eligibility. Proper planning must be done well in advance.

Failing to Update Legal Documents

Outdated powers of attorney or healthcare directives may not work when you need them most. These documents should be reviewed and updated regularly.

DIY Planning

Long-term care laws are complex and change frequently. Do-it-yourself planning often misses important strategies or creates unintended consequences.

A small investment in professional planning now can save your family tens of thousands of dollars later.

Jacksonville Office (Main)
Orange Park Office
St. Augustine Office

How We Help With Long-Term Care Planning

At Berg Bryant Elder Law Group, we help Florida seniors and their families create comprehensive long-term care plans that protect assets while ensuring access to quality care. Our approach is practical, straightforward, and focused on your specific needs and goals.

Don’t wait until a health crisis forces rushed decisions about your care and finances. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward securing your future.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Long-Term Care Planning

When is the right time to start planning for long-term care?

The best time is now, especially if you’re in your 40s, 50s, or 60s. Earlier planning gives you more options and can significantly reduce costs. However, it’s never too late to plan—there are strategies available even if you’re already facing a care need.

Will my health insurance or Medicare cover long-term care?

No. Regular health insurance and Medicare do not cover most long-term care services. Medicare only covers limited skilled nursing care after a hospital stay, not ongoing assistance with daily activities.

Can I give my assets to my children to qualify for Medicaid?

Simply giving assets to children within five years of needing Medicaid can trigger significant penalties. However, there are legal ways to transfer assets that may avoid or reduce these penalties when done properly and with sufficient advance planning.

What if I'm already in a nursing home or need care soon?

Even in a crisis, there are still strategies to protect a portion of your assets. While your options may be more limited, “crisis planning” can still save significant resources. Contact us immediately to discuss your situation.

Can I create my own estate plan using online forms?

While DIY estate planning tools exist, they often fail to address Florida’s unique laws and your specific circumstances. Seemingly minor mistakes can lead to major problems after you’re gone, potentially costing your loved ones far more than the cost of proper planning with an experienced attorney.

Serving clients throughout Duval, St. Johns, Clay, and Nassau Counties including Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach, Neptune Beach, Atlantic Beach, Ponte Vedra Beach, Orange Park, Fleming Island, St. Augustine, and surrounding areas.

Jacksonville Office (Main)
  • 7545 Centurion Parkway, Suite 108
    Jacksonville, FL 32256
    Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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Orange Park Office
  • 1929 Park Avenue
    Orange Park, FL 32073
    Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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St. Augustine Office
  • 145 Land Grant Ste 6
    St. Augustine, FL 32092
    Monday-Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM
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