Elder law focuses on legal issues that concern the growing population of seniors. AARP defines seniors as adults over the age of 55.
The issues faced by seniors include:
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Preservation of assets
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Medicaid planning
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Medicare
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Social security
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Disability
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Long-term care insurance
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Tax planning
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Guardianships
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Other estate planning issues
Seniors can find themselves faced with issues of elder abuse, fraud recovery, age discrimination and nursing home considerations, to name a few. These issues affecting the senior population may also be relevant to disabled individuals of any age. A legal practice with expertise in elder law can assist seniors and those with special needs to improve the quality of their lives.
Sherrard McGonagle Tizzano & Lind P.S. is committed to seniors and their families. Senior adults often need a network of professionals in related fields to bring together a care plan that will meet the needs of life.
Call our office at (360) 779-5551 to set up an appointment to discuss your needs or the needs of your loved one with us.
The key issues in Elder Law are:
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Planning
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Sustainability
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Accountability
PLANNING is more than documentation. Planning requires an evaluation of the individual's current needs and a description of the needs to come. Our experience in walking many seniors through this part of life's journey allows us to describe the issues seniors can anticipate and implement ways to navigate them. Choices for seniors may be to live at home, live with their children, or move to an apartment, independent or assisted living. A comprehensive plan considers the options and whether those options are sustainable.
SUSTAINABILITY is essential to a plan. Sustainability evaluates the cost related to the plan and its priorities. If independence is vital, certain measures might need to be implemented to ensure seniors can be independent at home or in some other acceptable setting. Perhaps staying at home is a senior's highest priority or moving to assisted living. Will your finances sustain the plan? If not, are there other resources available? For instance, veteran's benefits, housing assistance, Medicaid, the COPES program, or other programs may be available to make your plan of care sustainable.
ACCOUNTABILITY is the last element. Once a sustainable plan is in place, who is accountable for implementation and monitoring? The certainty of follow-through is a result of the combination of the proper documentation and the assignment of shared responsibilities. Documentation should require accountability between caregivers and agents in powers of attorney and between current and future trustees and beneficiaries.
A thoughtful assignment of responsibilities through an estate plan that reflects a detailed care plan will builds a commitment of teamwork among the parties and promotes both encouragement and accountability.
We are happy to help you navigate through these three areas and address all of your concerns. Please call us to set up an appointment.