Using an Elder Law Attorney
Many care recipients can benefit by hiring an elder law attorney. Elder law attorneys focus on the legal needs of older adults, and they use a variety of legal tools and techniques to meet their clients' goals and objectives. Many elder law attorneys also help younger clients who are disabled and so have long term care needs similar to those of the elderly.
The elder lawyer handles general estate planning issues and counsels clients about planning ahead for incapacity. In particular, the elder law attorney can help with surrogate decision-making documents, such as powers of attorney and health care proxies. The elderlaw attorney also assists the elderly or disabled client when planning for long term care needs, such as nursing home care, home care and day care. Generally an elder law attorney will help clients locate the appropriate type of care placement (at home or in a retirement community/nursing home). The elder law attorney also will help to coordinate private and public resources to finance the cost of care, and working to ensure the client's right to quality care, are all part of this specific practice. Depending upon the client's situation, the elder law attorney may help the client gain Medicaid eligibility faster and to preserve some part of the client's total assets.