If you or a loved one are facing the possibility of nursing home care, you might be feeling overwhelmed by the costs. In Cincinnati and across Ohio, long-term care expenses continue to rise, and many families worry about how to afford quality care without losing everything they’ve worked for. This is where an elder law attorney in Cincinnati can make a real difference. With the right legal strategies, you can protect your assets, qualify for Medicaid, and ensure the best possible care for yourself or your loved one.
How Much Does a Nursing Home Cost in Cincinnati?
Let’s talk numbers. In Ohio, the average cost of a nursing home is anywhere from $8,000 to $15,000 per month, depending on the level of care needed. That adds up to $96,000–$180,000 per year—an amount that can quickly drain savings if you’re paying out of pocket.
Many people assume Medicare will cover nursing home expenses, but here’s the reality:
•Medicare only covers up to 100 days of skilled nursing care after a hospital stay, if you qualify for skilled care. The average skilled stay in a nursing facility is 7-30 days.
•Medicaid, on the other hand, does pay for long-term nursing home care—but you have to qualify under strict financial rules.
That’s where early planning with an elder law attorney in Cincinnati becomes essential.
How an Elder Law Attorney Can Help Protect Your Assets
A big fear for many families is losing their home or life savings to nursing home costs. The good news? There are legal ways to protect what you’ve built while still qualifying for Medicaid.
1. Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts (MAPTs)
One of the best ways to safeguard assets is by creating a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust. This allows you to transfer assets into a trust while still ensuring they are protected from nursing home costs. The key is planning ahead—Medicaid has a five-year look-back rule, meaning assets must be moved at least five years before applying for benefits to avoid penalties.
2. Spousal Protections
If one spouse needs nursing home care but the other remains at home, Medicaid rules allow certain protections so the healthy spouse doesn’t become financially devastated. These protections include:
•Allowing the healthy spouse to keep a portion of the couple’s income.
•Protecting the family home under certain conditions.
•Retaining assets up to specific state limits.
An elder law attorney can help ensure the spouse at home has financial security while the other receives care.
What If You Need Nursing Home Care Right Now?
If you didn’t plan ahead, don’t panic. There are still strategies to help protect your assets, even if nursing home care is needed immediately.
1. Crisis Medicaid Planning
Even if you haven’t done any pre-planning, an elder law attorney can help you:
•Use legal asset transfers to qualify for Medicaid without unnecessary penalties.
•Spend down assets wisely by paying for exempt expenses instead of simply giving money away.
•Apply for exemptions that allow you to preserve certain assets.
2. Help with the Medicaid Application Process
Medicaid applications are notoriously complicated, and even a small mistake can result in a denial or delays. An elder law attorney can:
•Review financial documents to ensure you meet Medicaid qualifications.
•Avoid common mistakes that could trigger penalties.
•Handle appeals if Medicaid denies the initial application.
Other Ways an Elder Law Attorney in Cincinnati Can Help
Long-term care planning isn’t just about Medicaid. A well-rounded plan should also include legal documents that protect you in case of illness, incapacity, or unexpected costs.
1. Power of Attorney & Healthcare Directives
Having a durable power of attorney and healthcare directives in place ensures that someone you trust can make decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so. Without these documents, your family may have to go through a costly and time-consuming court process to get the authority to manage your affairs.
2. Veterans Benefits for Long-Term Care
If you or your spouse served in the military, you may be eligible for VA Aid & Attendance benefits, which can help cover nursing home or assisted living costs. Many families don’t realize they qualify, and an elder law attorney can help navigate the application process.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
The reality is that long-term care planning is something every family should think about—but most people don’t until a crisis happens. By working with an elder law attorney in Cincinnati, you can protect your assets, ensure the best care, and take the burden off your family.
Whether you’re planning years in advance or facing an urgent need, we can help you create a plan that fits your situation. The sooner you take action, the more options you have. Schedule a consultation today.
