Fun Times at Deaton Creek

The Kimbrough Law staff loves a good time, and we certainly found one at The Village at Deaton Creek, an active 55+ community in Hoschton, Georgia. Kimbrough Law Life Care Coordinators Mary Jo Johnson and Robin Lacrimosa, and Paralegal Donna Rotella had a blast interacting with the 250+ residents who attended Deaton Creek's Spring Vendor Fair on April 2.

Kimbrough Law was one of more than 50 companies who participated in this year's event. The vendor roster included financial advisors, healthcare firms, home care providers, support groups, resource networks, providers of wellness, skincare and nutrition products, mobility and durable medical equipment sellers, technology device companies, home improvement firms, pet care companies, and more. There were also more than a few artisans selling everything from fine art to jewelry. So many freebies were available that some people referred to the event as "adult trick or treating."

We enjoy events like the one at Deaton Creek because it gives us the chance to interact with attendees and answer questions about topics like elder law, estate planning, Medicaid benefits, VA Pension Aid and Attendance, and asset protection. It's a chance for us to talk about how Kimbrough Law's approach to elder law differs from traditional elder law firms that focus qualifying older adults for public benefits. It's also an opportunity to correct common misconceptions about the legal, financial, and personal realities of growing older.

Here's a recap of some of the most common misconceptions we heard from attendees.

Lots of people talked to us about their Wills, but not everyone realized that a Will isn't the only estate planning document you need. Documents like Powers of Attorney and Advance Directives are every bit as important.

Among people who already had all the essential estate planning documents, not everyone was aware of the importance of asset protection. People don't realize that the cost of long-term care can bankrupt all but the wealthiest families. All it takes is one catastrophic event and everything you've worked a lifetime to accumulate could be gone.

Many people we spoke with told us they hadn't planned for long-term care costs because they are convinced they will never need nursing home care. Most people want to die in their sleep, but that won't be how it goes for most of us. Statistically speaking, the majority of people over age 65 will need some sort of long-term care.

One gentleman told us that he didn't need to worry about asset protection because he had long-term care insurance that pays $100/day for nursing home care. He was shocked when we told him how much he might have to pay out of pocket.

Many couples had never considered the financial implications if one spouse needs nursing home care and the other one doesn't. Without the right planning, the well spouse (the "community spouse" in long-term care lingo) can end up impoverished.

Most veterans have never heard of VA Pension Aid and Attendance, a benefit that can help certain veterans and surviving spouses pay for long-term care.

Kudos to the crew at The Village at Deaton Creek for putting on a fabulous Spring Vendor Fair! We enjoyed meeting everyone and look forward to next year's event.