Legal and planning
Elder law attorney
An elder law attorney is a lawyer who focuses on legal issues of older adults. Common topics include powers of attorney, wills, trusts, guardianship, long-term care planning and Medicaid. The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys helps families find one.
Why it matters for your family
Planning for care at home often raises legal questions. Who can pay the bills? Who decides on treatment? How can the family keep savings and still qualify for help? An elder law attorney knows state rules for these questions. The National Institute on Aging suggests contacting a local bar association or the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys to find a lawyer. A common mistake is to wait for a crisis. Another is to use a generic online form that a bank or hospital may not accept. Ask about fees at the first call. Bring a list of assets and family concerns. HomeCare.com does not give legal advice.
Source: nia.nih.gov
Read more: What is Elder Law and Do You Need an Elder Care Attorney?
Related terms
- Power of attorneyA power of attorney (POA) is a legal document in which one person, the principal, names another person, the agent, to act for them.
- Durable power of attorneyA durable power of attorney is a power of attorney that stays in effect if the person who signed it becomes incapacitated.
- GuardianshipGuardianship is a legal process in which a state court finds a person incapacitated and appoints someone else to make decisions for them.
- Medicaid planningMedicaid planning is the legal arrangement of income and assets so a person can meet Medicaid rules for long-term care.
- Advance directiveAn advance directive is a legal document that states your health care wishes in case you cannot decide for yourself.
- Last will and testamentA last will and testament is a legal document that says who receives a person's property after death.
