I was recently listening to a podcast from Mel Robbins, and it mentioned Caregiver Stress. She noted that it is believed that 7.1 million people care for their aging parents and that there is a correlation between increased health issues, like depression, in those people suffering from Caregiver Stress.
Caregiver stress is not just emotional — it has legal and practical implications as well. The majority of caregivers are family members who take on the responsibility out of love, and over time, this commitment can impact their health, finances, careers, and legal well-being. That’s why having proper estate planning in place — for both the caregiver and the loved one receiving care — can make a tremendous difference. Taking on everything yourself is a major burden, and unfortunately, burnout can lead to mistakes, family conflict, and poor decision-making, both personally and on behalf of loved ones.
As an attorney, I often advise caregivers to consider the following:
- Create a care plan – Make sure that you know where all important legal and health care paperwork is for the person that you are caring for. I also advise my estate planning clients that we, too, need to put together this important paperwork and have it in a place that is easily located by those who will be assisting you down the road, and that we keep that information updated. At MCV Law, our Estate Planning attorneys help families organize and update essential documents like Health Care Proxies, Powers of Attorney, and Wills. Having these in place can help caregivers act with confidence when supporting their loved ones.
- Formalize compensation if the caregiver is providing regular care. A written agreement can avoid misunderstandings between non-caregiving family members and may help protect Medicaid eligibility.
- Establish a support system. That may include hiring outside help, seeking respite care, or involving other family members more intentionally. It should also include conversations about advanced care, should the person no longer be able to care for themselves and need skilled nursing care.
- Don’t delay your own planning. Caregivers need their own estate plans, health directives, and long-term care strategies as well.
Caregivers Deserve Support
Legal planning can be a powerful form of self-care. It can help reduce the emotional and financial strain of caregiving because caregivers are doing one of the hardest jobs there is — and they need care, too. And that’s where MCV Law can come in.
If you’re a caregiver or know someone who is, remember you don’t have to do this alone. The Estate Planning Attorneys at MCV Law can help you prepare for the future and ease the burden on your family. Call us today for a free consultation.
“Paula Highers is very knowledgeable and helpful in the area of Estate Planning. She provided many scenarios for me to consider and promptly answered any questions or concerns that I had. I do not hesitate to recommend her and her staff.”
-Linda M., a satisfied MCV Law client