Legal contract to care for your mom or other loved one?

Yes, that is the growing trend now according to the Wall Street Journal article Who will Mind Mom? Check her Contract.

The article states several good reasons in which all parties involved are advantaged, namely, that the caregiver is compensated for his/her time/energy while the care recipient has the security that they will receive the services they need. There have been, unfortunately, too many stories where caring for the care recipient is considered a “burden” by the family member (after all, the caregiving services provided are done gratis) and and thus, have been neglectful. The contract also allows for a reduction of the care recipient’s estate so that they would have a better chance to be eligible for long term care coverage under Medicaid.

We think this will stir some controversy—on the one hand, you have those who believe they are entitled to some sort of compensation for providing care services and their time for their loved ones, be it mom, dad, or Aunt Mae. However, we believe there will be many who will argue about the morality of receiving payment for a service that should be done gladly and not considered to be a burden. After all, wouldn’t you gladly take care of your mom, dad, and beloved Aunt Mae?