June 13, 2024, Caring.com
Planning for the future can seem impossible when facing so many unknown variables. From wondering if or when you or a loved one will need caregiving to worrying about affording long-term care, many people find themselves overwhelmed and afraid of the burden these uncertainties may create. By planning for the future, you can protect yourself, your spouse and other loved ones – especially if the plan is written into legally binding documents that guide caregivers and family members when navigating difficult situations and making tough choices about medical care and finances.
According to the Administration for Community Living, there is a 69% chance of seniors over the age of 65 needing long-term care, whether at home, in assisted living or in a nursing home. Seniors transferring into long-term care may qualify for government assistance, and planning can help retain assets for a spouse or loved one. Resources also exist to provide financial assistance for paid family caregiving in many states.
An elder care attorney can be an invaluable resource while planning and will guide you and your loved ones through the laws to protect and preserve a senior’s legal rights. Finding good legal assistance can be difficult, but the information in this guide can help you understand when to speak to an elder care attorney, how they can help and how to choose the right one.
Consulting with an elder law attorney can provide seniors with insight into their rights and how best to protect themselves as they age. They can also provide caregivers with comprehensive information and ensure that a senior’s needs are met.
Here are 15 ways that elder care attorneys can help caregivers, seniors and their loved ones.
- Estate Planning
- Creating a Living Trust
- Transferring and Preserving Assets
- Structuring Personal Care Agreements & Compensation
- Preparing a Durable Power of Attorney
- Applying for Guardianship
- Preventing and Combating Financial Exploitation
- Asserting Grandparents’ Visitation Rights
- Purchasing Long-Term Care Insurance
- Planning for Long-Term Care
- Applying for Medicaid, Medicare and Other Government Assistance
- Applying for Veterans Benefits
- Navigating Complex Family Situations
- Fighting Elder Abuse, Fraud or Neglect
For more detailed information or to learn more about how to select an elder law attorney, go to Caring.com
Reprinted by permission.
Caring.com is a leading senior care resource for family caregivers seeking information and support as they care for aging parents, spouses and other loved ones. We have been featured by AARP, The Administration for Community Living, The National Legal Resource Center, and Forbes, as well as referenced by many governmental agencies and organizations across the Internet.