Elder Law
I was at a church meeting (Vestry) and one of the leaders had just returned from a big conference of ministers and other church “leaders” in Boston. The conference had opened with a preacher from California. He had stood in front of the 800 people in the hall and had said, “Well, the last time I looked, even in New England, the mortality rate was still running at 100%”
All the people in our little meeting laughed. We’re all going to go at some point. We can ignore it or not, we can make plans or not. But it’s going to happen eventually.
Elder Law is focusing on the “eventually” – Elder Law is for those of us lucky enough to live a long, long time. However, our elder years go better, if we make some life plans when we are middle aged. Estate planning is what we plan for when we aren’t around any more. Elder Law is us making plans for ourselves (and with our spouses or significant others if we have them) so that we maintain control for as long as possible, and so we live where we want to live.
Control is a comforting word. We often will keep control IF we take control.
Here are some issues to talk about with me, or with your lawyer of choice:
Medicare – what are the different plans and when to start them
Medicaid Eligibility and Planning. In order to plan, you have to understand the options.
Long term care options and long term care insurance – what is it and why is it an option
Special needs trusts
Tax implications and planning for the transfer of assets
Veterans benefits
Housing options – Do you want to stay in your home? Do you want to move into a retirement community?
Adult guardianships – protect yourself or your significant other from the unknown or court appointed guardian
Durable Powers of Attorney Health care proxy, Advance Directives and making your wishes known
Social Security benefits and options