Louisiana Elder Law

Many families are shocked to learn that Medicare does not cover long-term nursing home care — only short-term rehabilitation stays of up to 100 days. For ongoing care, families must pay privately or qualify for Medicaid, which in Louisiana limits countable assets to $2,000 for an individual.

Protecting Assets While Qualifying for Medicaid

The family home is often exempt from asset limits, though proper planning is essential to protect it from estate recovery. A community spouse can typically retain significant assets under Louisiana's Community Spouse Resource Allowance, and irrevocable trusts can protect assets for future generations when established with enough advance planning.

The key is working with attorneys who understand Louisiana Medicaid's specific rules and can protect what your family has worked to build.

Louisiana is home to thousands of veterans and surviving spouses who may qualify for VA Aid & Attendance benefits — yet many never apply because they don't know these benefits exist. This pension program can provide over $2,000 per month to help cover in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home costs.

To qualify, a veteran must have served at least 90 days of active duty with at least one day during a wartime period, been discharged under other than dishonorable conditions, and need assistance with daily living activities. Surviving spouses of qualifying veterans may also be eligible.

Our attorneys help veterans and families navigate the application process, gather the necessary documentation, and coordinate VA benefits with Medicaid planning when appropriate.

Long-term care planning goes beyond just paying for care — it's about ensuring your loved one receives quality care in the right setting while protecting family assets and relationships. This includes evaluating care options (in-home care, assisted living, or nursing home), understanding the true costs of care in Louisiana, coordinating benefits from multiple sources (Medicare, Medicaid, VA, long-term care insurance), protecting the family home and other assets, and ensuring proper legal documents are in place.

Every senior should have key legal documents in place before a health crisis occurs — without them, families may face costly court proceedings, including interdiction, just to make basic decisions for a loved one. A Durable Power of Attorney allows a trusted person to manage financial affairs, a Healthcare Power of Attorney designates someone to make medical decisions, and a Living Will expresses your wishes about end-of-life care. When properly prepared under Louisiana law, these documents provide everything a family needs to act quickly and confidently, without the time, expense, and emotional difficulty of going to court.