Elder Law is the practice of applying legal practices to the emotional, logistical and financial needs of the elderly. It is estimated that currently in the U.S. there are some 40 million people over the age of 65 and that number will jump to 53 million by 2020. As this population increases, so does the need for experienced Elder Law services.
Many of our elderly clients are concerned with two main threats (1) becoming incapacitated and losing control of their personal, financial, and health care decisions; and (2) running our of money due to ever increasing costs of long-term care. Both of these threats can be minimized or avoided by working with an experienced elder law and estate planning attorney.
How Epiphany Law Can Help
Epiphany Law is dedicated to enhancing the security and dignity of our clients and their client’s families by providing thoughtful, responsive and effective solutions. The key to proper planning is to do it now, rather than react to an unforeseen situation later.
There are numerous strategies we can utilize to preserve more of your assets, if you take the time to plan. Our experienced attorneys will help you develop appropriate plans for power of attorney, Medicaid and Medicare planning, long term care, wills and trusts, estate planning and probate.
Questions and Answers
Q. What is a “health care power of attorney”?
A. A health care power of attorney names one or more persons to make medical decisions if you are unable to do so. This can have broad powers like signing consents, discussing health care issues with the care team, securing second medical opinions, and more. Remember that this is different than a living will, which gives instructions about health care choices in particular situations.
Q. Do I need to work with someone specializing in Elder Law?
A. Although the legal problems of the elderly span the entire gamut of legal issues, a handful of topics arise for seniors more regularly then others. Attorneys who handle elder law are familiar with guardianship and conservator-ship, Medicaid and long-term care planning, estate planning and probate. Some of these topics are not widely understood by attorneys who do not practice elder law regularly.
Q. If I need long-term care, how will it be paid for?
A. Medicare covers only a small portion of the total cost of long-term care. If home care is included in the calculation, as mush as 20% of long-term care costs are paid by Medicare. If only institutional care in considered, Medicare plays less than 10%. The rest is left for the individual to pay through insurance and personal wealth. Planning ahead for these large costs will ease your mind as well as the financial burden on your spouse and/or children.