Qualified veterans can take advantage of several different programs if they need to stay in a nursing home, elder care center, or require other forms of long-term care. Many veterans aren’t aware that the Veterans Administration provides nursing home care benefits, while many others have difficulty trying to find helpful information about applying. Let’s take a look at what kinds of nursing home care benefits are offered to veterans through the VA. Nursing Home Programs The Veterans … [Read more...]
What Is An Elder Law Attorney?
Whether you yourself are entering you golden years or you are the loved one of someone who is entering their golden years, you will likely have need of an elder law attorney at some time in the future. Of course it helps to know what an elder law attorney does and the types of issues they handle so you will know when to consult one. An elder law attorney, as the name implies, is an attorney who specializes in legal issues that impact older individuals and their loved ones. Because the elderly … [Read more...]
Incapacity Plan in St. Louis MO: Who Makes Decisions If You Are Incapacitated?
When most people think of incapacity they envision someone in their golden years who is suffering from an age related dementia disease such as Alzheimer's. This is certainly one way that you could become incapacitated during your lifetime; however, it is not the only way. In fact, incapacity can strike anyone, at any time. Because you have likely not given the possibility of incapacity much thought you have probably also not considered who will make decisions if you are incapacitated. Once you … [Read more...]
Be Aware Of Medicaid “Look-Back” Period
A lot of people are stunned when they find out just how expensive long-term care has become. The MetLife Mature Market Institute publishes a survey every year that sheds light on the subject, and the 2010 figures indicate that the cost of long-term care could be accurately described as exorbitant and on the rise. If you wanted to spend a year residing in an assisted living community in the United States in 2010, the national average cost would be almost $40,000. The same period of time living … [Read more...]
Seniors Can Fall Victim To Web-Based Scams
The best way to protect yourself from becoming a victim is to understand the threats that are out there. Elder law attorneys are always keeping their ears to the ground in an effort to educate themselves and pass what they learn on to their clients. One of the issues that is being talked about a lot right now is that of elder financial abuse, and it comes in a number of different forms. It is hard for researchers to get a full handle on the subject because a very high percentage of the cases go … [Read more...]
How Would Proposed Medicaid Cuts Affect Seniors?
There are certain inherent possibilities that we all face when we reach an advanced age. If you were going on a long trek, say hiking the Appalachian Trail, you would recognize that you would probably be fatigued by the time you got toward the end of the journey and plan with that expectation. The same thing is true when it comes to aging. The plans that you make now, or a lack of planning, can have a significant impact later on down the road. To plan intelligently you have to pay attention to … [Read more...]
Petitioning for Guardianship or Conservatorship
If you suspect that someone you care about has become the victim of elder abuse, there are a number of steps you should take. First, the local authorities should be contacted. Next, file a complaint with the state licensing agency. Finally, and most importantly, you should take the legal steps necessary to gain control over your loved one in order to remove him or her from the abusive situation. This last step may sound obvious and easy; however, in many cases it is not as easy at it sounds. … [Read more...]
Do You Need an Elder Law Attorney?
As we age, our family members and loved ones age as well. If you are lucky, you will have parents, grandparents or other family members who are still around to enjoy their golden years. The golden years, however, can be fraught with medical, emotional and even legal issues that may require the assistance of an elder law attorney. Elder law is a relatively new term within the legal field and refers to a broad area of issues that may face the elderly and those who care for them. If you are the … [Read more...]
What Does It Cost for An Elderly Parent to Remain at Home?
As we age, our parents age as well. At some point in time, you may begin to worry that a parent is reaching the point where remaining in his or her home may be difficult, or even dangerous. Approaching the subject of moving to a retirement home, however, may not go over well with your parent. Many elderly individuals view the need to leave their home to move to a care facility as giving up their independence. One approach that may work to open up the lines of communication on the subject is to … [Read more...]
Reasons to Seek Guardianship of an Adult
If you have an adult family member or loved one who you believe is unable to care for themself, you may wish to seek guardianship over them. State laws will vary somewhat; however, a guardian is generally someone who has control over the person, whereas a conservator has control over the estate of the person. In practical terms, this means that as guardian you will be able to make decisions such as where they will live and what doctor will treat them. Only a court can decide if someone requires … [Read more...]
