For years, Bruce Willis captivated audiences with his wit, strength, and undeniable screen presence. So when news broke of his battle with frontotemporal dementia, it was heartbreaking—not just for his family but for the millions who admired him.

His story is a stark reminder that no one is immune to the effects of aging and illness. Cognitive decline doesn’t discriminate. It doesn’t matter how successful, beloved, or independent a person has been—when the mind begins to fade, life changes overnight.

But what if this weren’t a Hollywood headline? What if it were your family—your parent, your spouse, or even you? What would happen if memory, health, or mobility began to falter? Would you be prepared to handle the complexities of long-term care, the staggering costs, and the emotional toll it takes on families?

For many, the answer is no.

The Price of Delay: A Family’s Worst Nightmare

Imagine this: A mother in her early seventies who has always been sharp and independent starts forgetting little things. First, it’s her keys or an appointment. Then, more significant lapses—she forgets how to make her signature lasagna or gets lost driving home from a familiar place. Her children chalk it up to aging, promising to “keep an eye on it.”

By the time they accept the reality—early-onset Alzheimer’s—it’s too late to protect her assets. The family scrambles to apply for Medicaid. They discover the “look-back period” disqualifies her for help, leaving them to shoulder $9,000 per month in care costs. In their rush to act, they make mistakes, losing more of her life savings to penalties and taxes than they ever imagined.

This is not an uncommon story. It happens to families every single day. But it doesn’t have to.

The High Stakes of Long-Term Care

Long-term care can be financially devastating for families without a plan. The national average cost of a private room in a nursing home exceeds $100,000 annually, and even part-time in-home care can stretch a family’s budget to the breaking point. Medicare won’t cover it. Medicaid can, but only if you meet strict qualifications—and failing to prepare can mean losing everything.

Planning isn’t just about money; it’s about control. Who will make decisions if you’re no longer able? What kind of care will you receive? Will your family be left with the burden of figuring it all out while you suffer?

How Estate Planning Protects Your Family’s Future

Estate planning and long-term care planning are your safety nets. These tools protect your assets, and more importantly, they preserve dignity, ensure quality care, and remove the crushing weight of uncertainty from your loved ones.

At Bascom Law, we believe that every family deserves a plan. Whether you’re thinking of your aging parents, a spouse, or even your future self, the right strategies can mean the difference between chaos and peace of mind.

Here’s how we help:

  • Medicaid Planning: Avoid the “look-back period” pitfalls by protecting assets early and legally qualifying for Medicaid.
  • Asset Protection Trusts: Keep what you’ve worked a lifetime to build safe from long-term care costs.
  • Advanced Directives & HIPAA Authorizations: Make sure the right person makes decisions when it matters most.
  • Customized Plans: No two families are the same, and we tailor strategies to fit your unique needs.

The Time to Act is Now

Bruce Willis’ story is tragic, but it also highlights a universal truth: Time waits for no one. The question is, will you be ready when life takes an unexpected turn?

The worst time to make decisions is in a crisis. Start now, while you still have options and control.

Call us today at 770-285-5493 for a consultation. Together, we can create a plan that gives you and your family the security, confidence, and peace of mind you deserve.

Sincerely and Thanks,

Mike

Mike Bascom
Bascom Law, PC
Estate Planning & Elder Law