Learn What an Elder Law Attorney Can Do for You

 

According to the US Census Bureau, more than 51 million Americans are currently aged 65 or older, and the number is steadily increasing while medical and technological advancements are allowing seniors to live longer and better lives than ever before. The expanding needs of the US aging population are contributing to an increase in federal government senior assistance programs complexity and availability. Every senior has a unique set of circumstances that set parameters to navigate a successful aging plan, and the best way to determine what your plan should be is to retain the counsel of an elder law attorney. Below are three primary ways an elder law attorney can assist you.

1. Coordinate Planning and Care Decisions

An elder law attorney provides overarching coordination for the financial, legal and health care decisions that seniors face. Finding and paying for long term care is something that many seniors and their family members fail to plan for, which can result in running out of money or not being able to secure appropriate care. Seniors or their families should seek legal assistance well before there is a need for long-term care of a loved one to plan for what type of long-term care is desired and how it will be paid for. While an elder law attorney cannot be a specialist in all facets of a senior’s plan for aging, they work in conjunction with other specialists when specific expertise is required.

Elder law attorneys can facilitate the establishment of a medical power of attorney, advanced health care directives in the case of dementia, or aiding in the selection process of the right long-term care facility and assisting in structuring the financial resources that cover the cost of that care. Those resources may include maintaining eligibility for Medicaid or Veterans’ benefits while protecting the senior’s assets for themselves and their legacy.

2. Establish Guardianships

Elder law attorneys often assist with guardianships if a senior is no longer capable of making responsible and informed decisions regarding their health, living, and financial affairs, and no one has been designated to do so. Guardianships are normally a last resort, as they are costly, require court involvement for the lifetime of the incapacitated person, and a stranger could be appointed to oversee the incapacitated person’s finances. Ideally, a senior will have proper legal documents in place to avoid a guardianship, but unfortunately this isn’t always the case.

3. Create Estate and Long-Term Care Plans

A properly drafted estate or long-term care plan can help avoid a guardianship, as the estate planning documents make sure there are proper agents named to handle financial and medical decisions in the event you or a loved one can no longer make those decisions. A properly drafted estate or long-term care plan will also address how long-term care will be paid for, and whether assistance with government benefits is necessary.

Retaining an elder law attorney is essential for a senior, their future, and the future of their legacy.  Start well in advance of the time you or your family anticipates the need for your long-term care. Typical practice areas to consider include specialty areas such as veteran’s benefits, Medicaid, estate planning or probate expertise.  At Nugen Law, we stay informed of the latest rule changes and are able to provide a significant impact on your plan for successful aging.  Contact  our office in Auburn, IN at 260-925-3738 to schedule an appointment.