Elder law is a specialized field of law that addresses the needs of the aging population. The legal issues concerning seniors are governed by a complex net of regulations and laws that vary from state to state, and address decisions and situations that occur later in life.
Many believe that elder law is only necessary if you have complex life situations like complicated medical conditions and disabilities or a high estate value, however elder law helps all seniors to ensure that their decisions and assets are protected.
Elder law attorneys can handle a wide range of legal issues affecting older or disabled people, such as: Long-Term Care Planning, Estate Planning and Settlement, Disability and Special Needs Planning, Conservatorship or Guardianship, and Elder Abuse situations.
There are many reasons you may consider reaching out to an elder care attorney. Having documents in place to protect your wishes, as you age, can be important before you become physically or mentally incapacitated. Documents such as durable power of attorney, advance medical directive, and living will can make your decisions known, or appoint a trusted individual to make decisions for you should you be unable to. This also includes disability planning including Medicaid planning and Veteran’s benefits to provide for long-term needs of veterans of the United States Military.
Estate planning assists with deciding how your property will be distributed after you die and who oversees carrying out your wishes after you pass. An estate plan may assist in avoiding probate, minimizing estate taxes, and protecting your beneficiaries in the future.
Should a senior become incapable of making decisions for themselves, either due to illness, injury or cognitive decline, a guardian or conservator may need to be appointed if there’s no power of attorney or advance directive in place. This person will usually be responsible for making day to day decisions, including medical, legal, and financial decisions.
Aging can be a confusing and complicated process, and it can be difficult for families to identify all their options and make decisions about care for their loved ones. Working together with a geriatric care manager and an elder law attorney helps seniors and their families navigate these difficult situations and develop a personalized care plan to help ensure that a senior’s needs are met, and their wishes protected while they are still in control of their abilities.
Based on a comprehensive assessment of your aging loved one’s needs and goals, a care manager will make recommendations to help them age comfortably. As experts in aging, geriatric care managers can help aid in coordinating the care of elderly parents. With extensive local experience and knowledge about resources available for the aging population, a geriatric care manager can ensure that your loved ones get connected with quality housing options, safety and home care services, and referrals to necessary legal and medical professionals.
It can be difficult facing the realities of aging and having a care team in place before complications become too serious can ease the transition for everyone involved. Contact us today by phone at 850-894-6720 or email us at info@gcmsolutions.net to learn how we can help.
