Elder Care and Medicaid Planning in Upper Marlboro, MD | Haskell & Dyer
If you’re caring for an aging parent in Upper Marlboro or you’re approaching retirement yourself, now is the time to make a plan.
Elder care is about more than choosing a nursing home.
It’s about protecting what you’ve built, preparing for long-term health needs, and making sure someone you trust can act on your behalf if you ever can’t.
In my practice, I help families in Upper Marlboro navigate the complex mix of legal, medical, and financial decisions that come with aging.
Whether you’re just getting started or already facing tough choices, I’ll walk you through the key tools that can protect your future and reduce the burden on your loved ones.
Why Planning Matters
In Maryland, if you become unable to make decisions and don’t have legal documents in place, the court may appoint someone to do it for you.
That person may not be the one you would have chosen.
Without a plan, your assets could be lost to long-term care costs, your family could face probate delays, and decisions about your care might not reflect your wishes.
But with the proper documents in place, you remain in control, even if your health changes.
Key Tools for Elder Care Planning
Power of Attorney (POA)
A POA allows someone you trust to manage your finances if you become incapacitated.
This includes paying bills, managing bank accounts, and handling real estate.
I recommend having both a general durable POA and a limited POA for specific tasks.
Without one, your family may need to petition the court for guardianship, which takes time and money.
Advance Medical Directive
Also known as a health care proxy or living will, this document outlines your medical wishes and appoints someone to make decisions if you cannot speak for yourself.
We talk through end-of-life care, feeding tubes, resuscitation preferences, and hospital visitation rights, so your care reflects your values.
Guardianship Planning
If a person becomes mentally or physically unable to manage their life and has no legal documents in place, the court may appoint a guardian.
This is a public and sometimes contested process.
To avoid guardianship court, I help Upper Marlboro residents create documents that let their families step in without court interference.
Medicaid and Asset Protection
The cost of long-term care in Maryland can exceed $10,000 per month.
Medicaid may help, but only if you qualify and the rules are strict.
Without planning, you may be forced to spend down your savings or even sell your home before qualifying.
I help families use legal strategies like:
- Asset repositioning
- Irrevocable Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts
- Spousal protection planning
- Five-year lookback analysis
Our goal is to protect your home, your savings, and your dignity while making sure you receive the care you need.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Urgent
I’ve worked with too many families in Upper Marlboro who waited until it was too late when a parent was already hospitalized, or the family was already fighting in court.
Elder care planning is not just about preparing for death. It’s about ensuring quality of life and peace of mind during the years when you need it most.
Let’s put the right protections in place today, so you and your family can focus on what matters tomorrow.
👉 Book your consultation online now or call us directly at 301-627-5844.
Matthew J. Dyer, Esq.
Estate Attorney | Haskell & Dyer, Upper Marlboro, MD
