Most people do not like to think about long-term care. It is often pushed aside as something to worry about later—after retirement, after the kids are settled, after “life slows down.”
But here is the truth: waiting too long to plan can be a costly mistake.
The reality is that nearly 70% of people over age 65 will need some form of long-term care. For many families in Wilmington, NC, those needs come suddenly—after a stroke, a fall, or a diagnosis that changes everything.
Planning for long term care is not just about finances. It is about preserving independence, protecting your life savings, and making sure your family is not left scrambling when care becomes necessary.
At Johnson Legal, PLLC, we help individuals and families in Wilmington navigate this sensitive process with clarity, strategy, and compassion. Whether you are planning for yourself or for an aging parent, here is what you need to know.
Long-term care refers to a wide range of services that help people with daily activities over an extended period of time. This includes:
Contrary to popular belief, long-term care is not covered by Medicare (except in limited, short-term situations). And the average cost in North Carolina ranges from $50,000 to over $100,000 per year, depending on the type of care and location.
Without a plan in place, these costs can quickly drain a lifetime of savings—and force difficult choices about housing, family support, and quality of care.
There are three main reasons to start planning now:
Many people assume their home, savings, or retirement accounts will be passed to loved ones. But without proper planning, those assets can be consumed by nursing home bills or private care costs.
When you plan in advance, you decide how and where care is delivered. You can choose to remain at home, select preferred facilities, or appoint trusted people to manage finances and healthcare.
Crisis decisions lead to confusion and guilt. With a long-term care plan, your loved ones do not have to guess what you want or struggle to afford care. You have already provided the roadmap.
Every long-term care plan is unique, but here are the most important components to consider:
Start with a solid foundation of legal protections:
These documents allow your wishes to be honored and prevent unnecessary delays, disputes, or guardianship proceedings.
The goal is not to hide money—it is to structure your assets in a way that makes you eligible for long-term care assistance programs without losing everything you have built.
This may include:
This is where working with a qualified Wilmington elder law attorney becomes essential. The rules are complex, but the right strategy can save your family hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Medicaid is the primary government program that pays for long-term care, but the eligibility rules in North Carolina are strict. You cannot simply transfer all your assets today and expect coverage tomorrow.
Medicaid looks back five years from the date you apply. Any gifts or transfers during that time can trigger penalties and delay benefits.
That is why planning early is critical. Even if you are healthy now, pre-crisis Medicaid planning can help you qualify in the future—while still preserving your home and life savings for your family.
The best time to plan is before you need care.
Ideally, you should start in your 50s or 60s—but it is never too late to take action. Even if a loved one is already receiving care or entering a facility, there may still be options to protect assets and access support.
At Johnson Legal, we meet people at every stage:
No matter your age or situation, there are steps you can take now to secure a better outcome.
New Hanover County has seen a rise in demand for senior services over the past decade. Wilmington is a retirement destination—but that also means long-term care facilities are often full, and costs continue to rise.
Knowing your local options—home care agencies, assisted living communities, skilled nursing facilities—is an important part of planning.
We help clients evaluate providers, review contracts, and ensure that any agreements align with their legal and financial plans.
When it comes to planning for long term care, some mistakes can be costly. Here are a few we see often:
Avoiding these pitfalls requires experienced, thoughtful planning—not quick fixes or one-size-fits-all solutions.
Long-term care planning is not just legal work. It is family work. Emotional work. Financial work.
At Johnson Legal, we take the time to understand your concerns, explain your options in plain language, and develop a plan that protects you and the people you love.
We focus on:
This is not just about documents. It is about building a plan that works when your family needs it most.
The hardest part is starting the conversation. But once you take that first step, everything gets easier.
If you are ready to explore your options, we invite you to schedule a consultation. We will walk you through the process, answer your questions, and create a personalized strategy that puts your values first.
Planning for long term care does not have to feel overwhelming. With the right guidance, it becomes a gift—one that protects your dignity, safeguards your legacy, and gives your family peace of mind.
Contact Johnson Legal, PLLC in Wilmington, NC today to start the conversation.
Shane T. Johnson is the CEO and Managing Partner of Johnson Legal, an estate planning and business law firm in Wilmington, NC. With years of experience in estate and business law, he has zealously represented clients in various legal matters, including small business formation and purchasing, estate planning, probate, domestic violence, and other legal cases.
Shane received his Juris Doctor from the University of Wyoming and is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association. He has received numerous accolades for her work, including being named among the Best Probate Lawyers in Wilmington by Expertise.com.
