Protecting Your Loved Ones: Elder Care Planning Made Simple

If something happened tomorrow, would your family know what to do? Who to call? What do you want?

That’s where elder care planning begins—not with paperwork, but with a conversation. At Bassett Murray Law Group in Ann Arbor, we help Michigan families prepare before decisions are rushed or left in someone else’s hands.

Why Elder Care Planning Matters

This kind of planning goes beyond finances. It’s about protecting your preferences—how you want to be cared for, where you want to live, and who you trust to make decisions on your behalf. Without a clear plan, families often face stress, limited choices, and unexpected costs. Acting early gives you more control and helps loved ones avoid confusion during emotional moments.

The Documents That Speak for You

Every adult should have a few basic tools in place:

• A durable power of attorney for health care (also called a patient advocate form)
  
• A living will that explains your medical care preferences
  
• A financial power of attorney to handle bills and accounts
  
• A will or trust to pass assets down smoothly and protect your wishes
  

There are many free documents on the internet, however having a qualified attorney representing you ensures the documents are drafted and signed the right way.  You also receive competent counseling on the options and legal implications of the documents you need.  When more complex needs or family dynamics are involved, working with a legal professional can make all the difference.  You want to rest assured that when the documents are needed, they are the right ones and are legally valid.

Planning for Long-Term Care in Michigan

Long-term care, whether in a facility or at home, can be expensive—and it’s not fully covered by Medicare. Medicaid might help, but there are income and asset rules that can catch families off guard. Michigan programs like PACE and the MI Choice Waiver offer home-based care options, but qualifying requires thoughtful planning. Structuring assets in advance—without jeopardizing eligibility, can preserve savings for spouses or heirs.

Working with a Team Who Knows Michigan Law

Elder care planning isn’t one-size-fits-all. Guardianship, conservatorship, trust creation, and asset protection all require an approach that fits your situation. That’s where we come in. At Bassett Murray Law Group, we’re grounded in Michigan law and focused on real people. We take the time to understand what matters to you and build a plan that reflects it.

Let’s Talk About What Comes Next

Call us today at our Michigan office at 734-930-9200 or our Petoskey office at 231-427-2292. Or visit our website to schedule a consultation. We’ll walk through the process with care—so your family won’t have to figure it out alone.