an elder law attorney near me who specializes in nursing home care and funds for spouse

by Filomena Bradtke 5 min read

Do elder law attorneys provide Medicaid planning services?

Find the best Elder Law Attorneys near you on Yelp - see all Elder Law Attorneys open now.Explore other popular Professional Services near you from over 7 million businesses with over 142 million reviews and opinions from Yelpers.

How much does it cost to hire an elder law attorney?

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What do you need to know about a nursing home attorney?

Mar 22, 2022 · Cost of Elder Law Attorneys and Medicaid Planning. There isn’t a clear-cut answer as to the cost of hiring an elder care attorney for Medicaid planning purposes. Some Medicaid lawyers offer free consultations, while others charge an initial consultation fee or offer Medicaid planning conferences that range in cost from approximately $175 ...

How do I find an elder law attorney?

The Peck Law Group has offices throughout California to help victims of elder abuse bring their abusers to justice. For your free case evaluation or for more information, the Peck Law Group can be reached by using the contact form on this website, or by calling 866-999-9085. About the Author Attorney Steven Peck has been practicing law since 1981.

What is elder law in California?

“Elder Law” in California In California, Elder Law is: The Federal and State laws put in place to protect California citizens as they age. (Some laws also extend to protecting those who become incapacitated.) Knowing how to best access the services available to Californians.

Does Medi-cal cover board and care?

Does Medi-Cal Pay for Residential Care/Assisted Living? Residential Care Facilities for the Elderly (RCFEs), sometimes called “Assisted Living” or “Board and Care,” are not licensed as medical facilities. Accordingly, neither Medicare nor Medi–Cal pay directly for care in RCFEs .Jan 27, 2021

Does Medi-Cal pay for memory care?

The California Medicaid program, Medi-Cal, does not pay room and board costs in RCFEs. However, the state offers the Assisted Living Waiver program to help eligible individuals cover the cost of certain memory-care related services received in RCFEs that have been approved as participating providers.

What is the average cost of a nursing home in California?

The Cost of Nursing Home Care in California The average monthly cost of nursing home care in California is $9,247, according to the Genworth Cost of Care Survey 2020. This is $1,491 higher than the national average of $7,756. Despite this, California's costs are more affordable than most of its neighbors.

What is considered a skilled nursing facility?

A skilled nursing facility is an in-patient rehabilitation and medical treatment center staffed with trained medical professionals. They provide the medically-necessary services of licensed nurses, physical and occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and audiologists.

What is alw program?

The Assisted Living Waiver (ALW) is a Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waiver that was created by legislation that directed the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) to develop and implement the project to test the efficacy of assisted living as a Medi-Cal benefit.​Feb 15, 2022

What is Medi-Cal Waiver Program?

Medi-Cal waivers are programs that provide additional services to specific groups of individuals, limit services to specific geographic areas of the state, and provide medical coverage to individuals who may not otherwise be eligible under traditional Medicaid rules.Feb 17, 2022

Does Social Security pay for assisted living?

Does Social Security Cover Assisted Living Entirely? Unfortunately, Social Security does not typically cover all of the costs of assisted living. Though assisted living costs vary from state to state, the average cost in the U.S. is $4,000 per month.Apr 20, 2021

What is an elder law lawyer?

Need a Elder Law Lawyer? Elder law is a an area of law that caters primarily to aging seniors who are looking to confirm their well-being is placed on the forefront as they get older. As you advance into a certain phase of your life, things tend to become a bit riskier and incapacity becomes more prevalent.

Who will manage a deceased person's estate?

It also names an executor who will manage and distribute the deceased person’s estate. Each state has specific laws that govern the administration of someone’s estate once they have passed and for the drafting of wills. For these reasons, many people commonly hire an elder law attorney to draft up a will for them.

What to do if you suspect elder abuse?

If you suspect a case of elder abuse, you should speak with an elder care lawyer who can advise you on any legal options that may be available to the elderly victim. Finding a Lawyer Should Be Simple.

What is a guardian responsible for?

In general, the guardian is responsible for caring for the indisposed person and their financial affairs. Things that the guardian is responsible for include making sure the elderly person has the basic necessities, making medical care decisions, and managing the person’s finances.

What is a living trust?

Living Trust: This will put together whatever property is placed into it to be managed by a named trustee. Since trusts are flexible things, you are able to outline how things should be done in the trust instrument, as well as appoint someone to manage it on your behalf.

Why do doctors need a living will?

A living will is beneficial in terms of stating at what stage they would like doctors to withhold medical care, or if they would like their doctors to use any means necessary in order to prolong their life. With a living will, your doctors are legally obligated to follow your medical instructions.

Can an elder law attorney help with end of life issues?

A: While there is no easy way to address end of life issues, doing so sooner rather than later will help give everyone involved a peace of mind. Elder law attorneys can help you prepare for a multitude of issues that arise as you age, such as decisions that need to be made regarding finances and healthcare.

What do elder law attorneys do?

What Elder Law Attorneys Do? Elder law attorneys, also called elder care attorneys, estate and trust attorneys, or Medicaid lawyers, assist persons in preparing for long-term care and death. They assist seniors in a large and diverse array of legal tasks, which encompasses retirement planning, estate planning, creating wills and durable power ...

How much does it cost to hire an elder care attorney?

Some Medicaid lawyers offer free consultations, while others charge an initial consultation fee or offer Medicaid planning conferences that range in cost from approximately $175 – $500.

What is the role of a Medicaid attorney?

On the other hand, Medicaid attorneys often focus more on the legal aspects of Medicaid planning, such as creating Medicaid asset protection trusts or Qualified income trusts, which makes them the better option for this type of assistance.

What is a medicaid planner?

For persons who have Medicaid cases that are fairly simple and straightforward, a Medicaid planner, also called a Medicaid specialist or a Medicaid Advisor, might be a good option. Working with a professional Medicaid planner can be a lot more cost efficient than working with a Medicaid attorney.

What is a Miller Trust?

An option to meet the income limit in this case is a Miller Trust, often referred to as a Qualified Income Trust (QIT). In oversimplified language, income that is over Medicaid’s income limit is put into an irrevocable (meaning it cannot be changed or cancelled) trust to be used for very specific purposes.

Can Medicaid be reimbursed for long term care?

This means that the state cannot attempt to be reimbursed for long term care costs for which it paid for the Medicaid beneficiary via these assets. Another planning strategy, which is not implemented with the intention of missing the look back period, is the Modern Half a Loaf.

Is it necessary to have an attorney for Medicaid?

While this process can be labor intensive and complicated, in most states it is not required that the person providing assistance be an attorney. For this task, a professional Medicaid planner might be better suited, as it is generally more affordable than hiring an attorney.

Elder Law Services

Elder law involves putting a plan in place for issues that may arise due to aging.

Paying for Nursing Home Care

Both Medicare and Medicaid may help pay for nursing home care. Other long term care planning services may also be available such as the Frail Elder Waiver and the Program for All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) . Each program has specific and sometimes complex eligibility requirements.

Estate Planning Services

In addition to Elder law topics, Baker Law Group also offers estate planning services. The most common and important documents include those listed below.

Where do nursing home lawyers work?

Nursing home abuse lawyers work at national law firms across the country . They have resources (such as knowledge of elder abuse laws and access to previous cases) to help current clients. Most personal injury lawyers work on a contingency basis. This means they charge no upfront fees for their work.

What is a nursing home abuse lawyer?

A nursing home abuse lawyer helps victims and their families receive financial compensation if a senior was harmed by staff members or other residents in a nursing home. Older adults often enter nursing homes when they are no longer able to care for themselves.

What does a lawyer want to show in a nursing home lawsuit?

Through a lawsuit, a lawyer will want to show that: The nursing home had a legal duty to care for the victim (usually through a contract). The nursing home failed to meet the resident’s needs and harmed the resident either through negligence or intentional acts of violence.

What happens when a nursing home resident is neglected?

When a nursing home resident’s needs are neglected, they can be seriously injured or killed. Lawyers can help victims of nursing home negligence and their families take legal action and receive compensation for their suffering.

Do long term care facilities treat seniors?

In a perfect world, long-term care facilities would treat all senior citizens with the respect and care they deserve. Unfortunately, adults who fall victim to nursing home abuse may carry the physical and emotional scars for the rest of their lives.

Can a nursing home sue another resident?

As a result of the harm, the resident suffered from long-term or permanent injuries. If the lawyer believes the case can be pursued, they can file the lawsuit against the nursing home company, its employees, and/or another resident. These people become the defendants in the case.

How Elder Law Became a Practice

The Older Americans Act (OAA) was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson and is credited by the American Bar Association with being the foundation for the practice of elder law. The OAA was the first initiative on a federal level to address and provide a wide range of services for senior citizens.

What Areas of Life Can an Elder Law Attorney Be Helpful?

At some point in our life, chances are good we will need the help of an attorney. As we age and begin planning for our retirement future, and ultimately, our death, seeking counsel from an elder law attorney can be beneficial. Attorneys who practice elder law are knowledgeable in several areas that directly affect senior citizens.

What Questions Should I Ask When Choosing An Elder Law Attorney?

If you decide that speaking with an elder law attorney is right for you, there are some questions you will want to consider asking before entering into an agreement. The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) says in your initial phone call to an attorney’s office, you may end up speaking with the attorney’s secretary or office manager.

What Questions Should I Ask At My First Meeting With An Elder Law Attorney?

NAELA also has a recommended list of questions to ask when you choose an elder law attorney you want to work with. Once you’ve explained your particular situation and the reason for your meeting, you’ll want to find out the answer to the following issues:

How Do I Find An Elder Law Attorney?

If you would like to find an elder law attorney to speak with or work with, asking your friends and family who they recommend is always a good place to start. The National Elder Law Foundation (NELF) is the only national organization that certifies elder and special needs law attorneys.