By: Maria Williams
As people age, the importance of forward planning becomes even more apparent. Yet, many individuals delay or neglect this preeminent task, which ultimately leads to significant financial and emotional burdens for themselves and their families. Sonja Kobrin, M.P.S., President of V.I.P. Care Management, Inc. in Florida, has seen this firsthand and emphasizes the essential role of care managers in proactive planning. With Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Psychology and an extensive background in counseling and advocacy, she has expert knowledge in the areas of geriatric care management, guardianship, Medicaid programs, nursing home and assisted living placement and local community resources such as home health care.
One of the primary reasons people avoid planning for elderly care, according to Sonja, is the belief that none of their children or potential caregivers are qualified according to them. Sonja explains, “Parents often feel their children are too emotional or anxious to make the best decisions, or they may not trust them due to issues like financial mismanagement or personal problems.” This fear leads to a dangerous postponement of appointing a responsible party.
In some cases, individuals simply do not have anyone to appoint. They may have outlived their family and friends, or they might have lost a child. For example, while appointing a spouse may seem like a logical choice, it can become a problem if your spouse becomes physically or cognitively impaired. In such scenarios, the absence of a designated caregiver leaves them vulnerable. Additionally, some people out of superstition avoid pre-planning because they are afraid it will bring upon them the circumstance that they are trying to avoid, unaware of the severe ramifications of their failure to act.
The cost of elderly care in the United States is staggering. In 2023, the annual home health aide services cost roughly 75,500 U.S. dollars. Moreover, in 2024, the cost of home health care has risen exponentially. Sonja even shares a personal example to highlight this issue: “My husband and I calculated that it would cost us 5 million U.S. dollars over ten years to live in our house with around-the-clock care.” This figure underscores the immense financial strain that can be avoided through proper planning. For the average person, failing to plan can result in unmanageable expenses and reliance on government assistance, which often comes with limitations and delays.
In Florida, there is a unique option, for if an individual is not comfortable with any of their family members as their guardian, the judge will assign a professional. If a person does not want a professional, they can include a voluntary guardianship designation in their estate planning documents. This means that if they are in a situation, they can simply appoint a person they want to be their guardian. Many people believe that a professional is better than their family members because of the complex family dynamics involved.
However, estate planning should include not only asset protection but also considerations for Medicaid, veterans’ benefits, and other government assistance programs. Kobrin advises working with specialized attorneys who understand these nuances to prevent future legal and financial challenges.
Sonja further suggests hiring the right attorney. “Not all attorneys are aware of the full scope of elderly care.” In her experience, many individuals who have, probably, a real estate lawyer are under the impression that this will take care of the rest, which is not true. These attorneys are unfamiliar with Medicaid, government benefits, veterans’ benefits, and this whole other piece that actually funds these individual’s care.
Sonja’s own journey began with personal hardship, losing both parents at a young age and managing their care. This experience, coupled with mentorship from industry experts, has made her adept at handling the multifaceted challenges of elderly care. Her financial acumen, bolstered by her real estate background, adds a unique dimension to her approach.
A key aspect of successful elderly care planning is assembling a multidisciplinary team. Sonja Kobrin advocates for this approach, stating, “No single person can be an expert in everything. Having a network of professionals, from attorneys to healthcare specialists, ensures that all aspects of care are covered.” This collaborative effort enables families to make informed decisions and avoid common pitfalls.
One of the most critical steps in forward planning is ensuring the right legal documents are in place. Sonja highlights the dangers of using generic online forms: “Documents not meeting legal standards can lead to severe complications, including the risk of legal guardianship where a court assigns a stranger to make decisions for you.”
This Care Manager, who has been in this industry for over 30 years, underscores the importance of empowering family members to make tough decisions. She recounts a tragic example: “A daughter, trying to honor her mother’s wish to avoid hospitalization, delayed medical intervention until it was too late. Sometimes, a third party like me can provide the necessary authority to make critical decisions.”
Forward planning for elderly care is essential to avoid financial strain and ensure quality of life. Experts like Sonja Kobrin can aid in taking proactive measures and professional guidance. Her call to action is clear: “Know what you cannot do on your own. Seek help from a multidisciplinary team and plan ahead to protect your future and your family’s well-being.”
“Many adult children have confided in me that their biggest fear is making the wrong decision at this critical time, a decision that they will have to live with long after their parents are gone. A fear of making ‘wrong’ decisions can lead to families making no decisions at all,” shares Sonja. The consequences of not planning can be dire, but with the right support and preparation, families can navigate the complexities of elderly care with confidence and security.
Published by: Nelly Chavez
