what seniors need most from an elder law attorney

by Assunta Legros 8 min read

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

  • Social Security. You can qualify and apply for Social Security benefits when you are 61 and nine months old. Currently, the full retirement age for ...
  • Medicare.
  • Medicaid.
  • Long-term Care.
  • Employment Discrimination.

6 Ways an Elder Care Attorney Can Help Family Caregivers
  • Administration and management of estates and trusts.
  • Estate planning and probate.
  • Trusts, wills, and other financial documents.
  • Long-term care placements in senior living communities and nursing homes.
  • Medicare and Social Security appeals and claims.
Nov 1, 2021

Full Answer

What is the role of an elder law attorney?

Jan 25, 2022 · What Areas of Life Can an Elder Law Attorney Be Helpful? Social Security. You can qualify and apply for Social Security benefits when you are 61 and nine months old. Currently,... Medicare. Medicare is the federal health insurance program for Americans 65 and older. It’s a great benefit the... ...

How do I find a good Elder lawyer?

May 17, 2021 · Elder law attorneys are advocates for the elderly and their loved ones. Most elder law attorneys handle a wide range of legal matters affecting an older or disabled person, including issues related to health care, long term care planning, guardianship, retirement, Social Security, Medicare/Medicaid, and other important matters.

How much does it cost to hire an elder lawyer?

An elder law attorney must understand and offer advice about Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, guardianship proceedings, estate planning, nursing home care, pension and other retirement plans, elder abuse, family matters (such as the “meddling” child), grandparent visitation, and prenuptial agreements.

What are the key components of elder law?

Feb 07, 2022 · During their golden years, senior citizens need help navigating the complicated legal issues and protecting their rights as they age with an elder care attorney. The help can be provided with Medicaid and other long-term care planning strategies to ensure the housing and health of seniors.

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Should I hire an elder law attorney?

Elder law attorneys are great resources to address multiple aspects of old age, including medical questions and financial concerns. Everyone’s circ...

What is the difference between estate planning and elder law?

Elder law incorporates elements of financial and estate planning, but it also considers a broader perspective such as medical concerns and other is...

How much does an elder law attorney cost?

These attorneys cover a wide price range, so it’s difficult to put a definitive price tag on services. Expect to pay in the $500 range for an initi...

Are elder laws attorneys worth it?

It depends on what services you require. If a professional can help ensure affordable medical care and avoid costly taxation in estate planning, th...

What does elder law include?

It is a broad category that includes long-term care planning, navigating Medicare and Medicaid, estate and financial planning, guardianship, conser...

What can an elder law attorney do?

An elder law attorney can help determine whether you are eligible for either program, discuss strategies for spending, advise whether it is in your best interest to apply, and help with the application process. Medicaid may be able to serve as a partial funding mechanism even if you have significant resources available.

What is elder law?

Elder law incorporates elements of financial and estate planning, but it also considers a broader perspective such as medical concerns and other issues facing older adults. Estate planning deals primarily with financial planning for persons of any age and protecting assets when an individual passes away.

What is a caregiver in a long term care facility?

Long-term care facilities also provide care and assistance with the activities of daily living, but the staff is present during the night to respond to issues more quickly.

When does a POA become effective?

The POA can be effective as soon as you sign it or be a “springing” POA in which the rights of a durable POA do not lock into effect until certain requirements are met, such as specific medical diagnoses.

What is a POA?

A power of attorney (POA) allows you to nominate another person, called an agent, to make financial or medical decisions on your behalf. In some states, these are separated into a financial POA and a medical POA. You remain in control of who acts on your behalf and what actions your agents can take for you.

What happens when you cross all the I's and T's on a will?

When a person passes, even if all the I’s are dotted and T’s are crossed on wills, there are still more legal affairs that need to be tended to; this is the probate process.

Is long term care insurance good?

Long-term care insurance that can cover care expenses later may have premiums of thousands of dollars per year, and it needs to be purchased when you’re healthy.

What is elder law?

This can range from health issues to financial concerns. Elder law focuses on specific legal issues affecting seniors and retirees. It can cover estate planning, retirement finances, healthcare needs, and end of life planning such as creating wills. Understanding what your rights are as you age is important in getting the most out of your retirement. Educating individuals and their families about senior living issues and retirement options are part of SeniorSmart’s mission. We also provide information, support, and advice covering the following areas and more:

Is elder law a specialty?

Elder law is a specialty. Finding a lawyer specializing in it can be a challenge. Fortunately, there are many reputable resources to help you locate an elder law attorney near you. Simply explore SeniorSmart’s website to discover more. An elder law attorney can help seniors and their families with the following issues:

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