Elder Law : It's Not Just About Wills

With the myriad of challenges and changes faced by older adults, it can be beneficial to turn to knowledgeable professionals who can not only offer sound advice but also provide wise counsel about the benefits, costs and choices in planning for one’s lifetime needs.

 

Some examples of the professionals who specialize in elder care issues include geriatric care managers, realtors who specialize in senior options, geriatricians, relocation advisors and elder law attorneys.

 

The role of an elder law attorney can be critically important as elder law encompasses helping individuals to know and access various benefit programs, make good use of assets, and set out their wishes regarding their health in legally binding form.

 

Here are seven broad examples of ways in which an elder law attorney can assist clients:

 

1.    Long term care planning

2.    Understanding benefits such as Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid

3.    Estate planning

4.    Creation of wills; setting up health proxy and advance directives

5.    Conservation of assets

6.    Assistance in determination of competency

7.    Advocacy and protection against issues of neglect, abuse or exploitation

 

 

As health care and financial decision making becomes more complex, the help of an Elder Care Attorney can provide older adults and their families in making the best decisions for one’s care and future.

 

While an attorney is not required to be certified to offer counsel in elder care issues, the National Elder Law Foundation can help you find an attorney who has achieved certification having met a number of professional standards.

 

For more information about elder law or to find a Certified Elder Law attorney, visit the National Elder Law Foundation at www.nelf.org