WILL YOU HAVE TO PAY FOR YOUR PARENTS’ CARE?

Do you know what your parents’ plans are to pay for long term care in a nursing home? Do your parents even have plans for the possibility? These are questions that you need to know the answers to. I’m sure you are aware that you can be forced by law to pay for the care for your children. What you might not know is that 29 states have laws that can force you to pay for the long term care of your parents, even if you do not live in those states.

Known as Filial Support laws, these laws have provisions that allow nursing homes to seek reimbursement from relatives of those in the nursing homes’ care. Some courts have ruled that nursing homes can recover from relatives who live out of state. The important thing is where the nursing home is located, not where the relatives live.

Long term care in a nursing home is exceedingly expensive. Make sure that your parents have a plan in place to afford the care. If they do not then you could be responsible. While you are at it, make sure that you have a plan to pay for your long term care, if you ever need it. Do not stick your children with your nursing home bills.