Long-term care planning often involves more than determining how care will be paid for. It can require coordination of estate planning, asset protection, Medicaid eligibility, income, housing, and family responsibilities.

Levesque Estate Planning & Elder Law assists individuals and families with planning before a long-term care crisis and with situations in which a family member is already receiving or needs nursing-home or other long-term care.

Our elder law practice includes Medicaid and long-term care planning, asset protection and irrevocable trust planning, planning for married couples when one spouse requires long-term care, powers of attorney and incapacity planning, supplemental and special needs planning, and coordination of estate planning with long-term care objectives.

Veterans pension benefits may also be considered when appropriate as part of a broader long-term care plan. Eligibility depends on several factors, including military service, age or disability, income, net worth, and care needs.

For VA pension purposes, the Department of Veterans Affairs currently recognizes the following wartime periods:

* World War II: December 7, 1941 – December 31, 1946

* Korean Conflict: June 27, 1950 – January 31, 1955

* Vietnam War era: November 1, 1955 – May 7, 1975 for veterans who served in the Republic of Vietnam; August 5, 1964 – May 7, 1975 for veterans who served outside the Republic of Vietnam

* Gulf War: August 2, 1990 – through a future date to be set by law or presidential proclamation

Wartime service is only one part of eligibility. Service requirements, financial requirements, and other eligibility rules also apply and should be reviewed based on the veteran’s individual circumstances.

The earlier long-term care planning begins, the more options may be available. However, planning opportunities can also exist after care is needed.

Each situation is different. The appropriate strategy depends on the individual’s assets, income, family circumstances, care needs, and planning objectives.