As our population ages, more of us face elder law-related issues, whether for ourselves, our parents. or loved ones. Elder law focuses on the specific needs of the elderly and the aging population. From discussing health care needs to creating a plan of action for financial care, we can assist you in preparing for the future.
Understanding Elder Law
Elder law attorneys help create a legal plan to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are met in your golden years of life. Today, our aging population faces several challenges, including the high cost of long-term care. An elder law attorney can help you or a loved one finance care with the lowest impact on your assets—for example, protecting your home. As you or a loved one ages, the need for care shifts and preparing for elder care can be overwhelming. The earlier you start planning, the more options you or a loved one will have for future care needs. Cheryl A. Merritt-Giles, an experienced elder law attorney, can help you plan for your healthcare needs and protect your assets.
Aging issues include senior housing, long-term care including both in-home care and institutional care, guardianships, power of attorney and healthcare documents, Medicare, and Medicaid. Our law office can provide you or your loved one with strong legal counsel empowering you to make crucial decisions.
Our Law Services Include:
- Trusts and Estate Planning
- Guardianships
- Medicaid and Long-term Care Planning
Understanding Estate Planning for Your Golden Years
Sometimes planning for the unexpected can come faster than anticipated. Creating an estate plan will protect you, your family, and your assets during incapacitation or upon your death. Your estate plan can also outline how you would like to be cared for if you cannot care for yourself. Experienced elder law counsel can work with you or a loved one to ensure your assets are secure and your instructions are followed after your death.
Understanding Guardianships for the Elderly
The court established Guardianship when an individual becomes incapacitated and can no longer make critical decisions. Experienced counsel can assist families of the elderly or incapacitated and can counsel in all aspects of the process of establishing legal guardianship. Guardianship of an aging loved one means accepting significant legal responsibility to act and advocate for their care. The duties include daily care, medical care, and possibly financial decisions made on their behalf. We specialize in guardianship and conservatorship and can protect the process from missteps and make it a smoother transition for all parties involved.
Understanding Long-Term Care
The life expectancy in the United States continues to rise, and planning for long-term care is essential for enjoying your golden years. Depending on where you live and the level of care needed, long-term and nursing home care can cost between $35,000 and $150,000 annually. The average stay is slightly more than three years. Long-term care planning involves planning for the future cost of care; that care includes New York or Connecticut nursing homes, in-home care, or community living. These long-term care options are costly, and many aging Americans who don’t plan for long-term care costs end up spending their retirement, life savings, and valuable assets on the cost of elder care.
Navigate Elder Law with an Experienced Attorney
Careful elder care planning can help protect your assets, whether for your spouse or your children. Contact Merritt-Giles, Attorney at Law, to learn more about elder law and the benefits of obtaining legal advice for estate planning and long-term care.