No one wants to think or discuss the issues that come with aging. Because of the sheer hesitation, people often delay creating an estate plan until it reaches a point where it’s too late. If you are proactive, you could be in charge of various critical decisions concerning your future and avoid the need for court intervention. Ideally, you should talk to a professional attorney who specializes in elder law sooner than later. If you live in Harrisburg, you could connect with the top lawyers of Keystone Elder Law for a confidential discussion. In this post, let’s walk through some of the most crucial aspects of elder law.
Know the basics of estate planning for elders
Aging is an inevitable part of life, and there will be a time when you are unable to take care of yourself. With elder law and estate planning, you could put together a plan that will ensure your wishes are honored in all ways possible. There are several components like –
- Long-term care planning: If at any point you are in a situation where you have to stay in a nursing home or must avail of long-term care services, you must have financial provisions to pay for these things. Nursing homes and long-term care options are expensive, and if you work on a plan to finance the care, you don’t have to depend on anyone.
- Medicaid: Many seniors rely extensively on Medicaid to fund nursing home care. However, availing Medicaid benefits is easier said than done, as there are stringent financial requirements. You may need to take drastic steps, such as creating a trust or reducing assets, to be eligible for Medicaid.
- Estate planning: Contrary to popular belief, estate planning is more than just about creating a will. You will need to have documents that will consider and address the unique contingencies. For instance, you can have a healthcare directive that will state what you want if you are incapacitated or hospitalized. A power of attorney for finance will allow someone of your choice to make financial decisions on your behalf.
Should you consider an elder law lawyer in Harrisburg?
The short answer is yes. Having an elder law lawyer allows you to understand the various laws and the decisions you can make, keeping in sync with the laws. Remember, no two people have the same situation, which means you cannot go blind with someone’s suggestion while creating an estate plan or other documents. An elder law lawyer is your best bet for understanding and having a clear idea of how to proceed with your plan. They can also highlight various contingencies and circumstances that you are unaware of, ensuring you have a concrete plan. If you already have an estate plan or are dealing with issues that you cannot discuss with your family, your lawyer is your trusted partner to determine the way ahead.
How to find the right attorney?
Firstly, you need someone who understands and practices elder law in Harrisburg. Don’t hesitate to book a meeting in person, and many law firms will be more than happy to offer obligation-free consultations. Meet the attorney and ask questions. Your situation is unique, and you may have certain wishes that you want to fulfil. Your lawyer will explain what’s possible and what’s not, and education can help you make the right decisions. If you are comparing elder law attorneys, check reviews and ratings, which you can find on social media and other sources. A competent attorney will offer you support and guidance and will answer all queries, no matter how banal.
Meet a reliable elder law attorney in Harrisburg today!