When you think about the role of an attorney, you probably envision the presentation of legal arguments, negotiations, and the execution of documents. These endeavors are part of the vocation in a general sense, and there are areas of specialization.
As an elder law firm, we help people create legal devices that serve certain purposes, but there is another facet. Our attorneys got into this particular area of the law because we sincerely want to help elders and their families manage difficult circumstances.
Holistic Legal Assistance
We take a holistic approach to elder law that is not universally embraced, and it centers around life care planning. It’s kind of like the difference between a doctor that treats the symptom in a purely clinical way and a physician that focuses on the well-being of the person.
Some folks will go to an elder law attorney seeking assistance when they are in the midst of a crisis, and we are there for anyone that is in this position. At the same time, as life care planning advocates, we encourage elders to anticipate eventualities before they happen.
Each situation is different, and we have a thorough understanding of all the different resources that may be needed and the financial implications that enter the picture. The needs will often shift over time, so we address the present as we look ahead toward possible future outcomes.
These are emotional times for our clients and their loved ones, and we are completely sensitive to this dynamic. We sincerely want to utilize our experience and expertise to help our neighbors navigate these difficult waters, and in a real sense, we are guided by the Golden Rule.
Family Communication
It is wise to open up to your family members about the circumstances that you may encounter as you can start to reach an advanced age. A lot of younger adults simply do not think about these things, so honest, open communication can be quite useful.
From a financial perspective, it is important to understand the fact that Medicare does not pay for living assistance, and it is very expensive.
According to Genworth Financial, the median annual charge for an in-home health aide in our area was over $52,000 in 2019. The median cost for a year in a nursing home was $111,325 last year.
Medicaid does pay for long-term care, but since it is a need-based program, there is a $2000 asset limit. It is possible to position assets with future Medicaid eligibility in mind, and as life care planning attorneys, we help people take the right steps.
Would You Like to Attend a Webinar?
We are offering opportunities to connect with a life care planning attorney without leaving the comfort of your home. Over the coming weeks, we will be conducting a series of webinars that cover many of these important issues.
There is no charge, but we ask that you register in advance so we can reserve your spot. You can see the dates if you visit our webinar page. After you identify the session you would like to attend, follow the simple instructions to register.
Let’s Get Together!
If you would prefer to take immediate action to put a life care plan in place, we are here to help.
We can get to know one another, talk about the challenges that elders often face, and discuss potential solutions. If you decide to move forward, we can work together to develop a well-rounded plan that unfolds naturally as time goes on.
You can send us a message to request an appointment, and we can be reached by phone at 219-865-2285.
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