Elder law attorneys provide a variety of legal services to older adults, their families and their caregivers.
Specifically, FindLaw explains that elder law includes such things as the following:
- Elder rights
- Elder abuse and injury
- Estate planning
- Health care planning
Elder rights
One of the most important things an elder law attorney can do for you or your parents is to protect your rights as you age. These rights include the following:
- Right to safety
- Right to dignity
- Right to privacy
- Right to Medicare or Medicaid assistance
Elder abuse and injury
Unfortunately, as people age, they become more vulnerable to abuse. This is particularly true if your parents or you reside in a nursing home. Whether this abuse is physical, psychological or financial, you can discuss these issues with an elder law attorney and he or she can, if appropriate, file a lawsuit on your behalf against the perpetrator.
Estate planning
Estate planning becomes more important the older you become. An elder law attorney can help you with all of the following:
- Making your last will and testament
- Establishing one or more trusts for the benefit of family members or charitable organizations
- Avoiding probate
- Avoiding or minimizing estate and gift taxes
Health care planning
Health care planning likewise becomes more important the older you become. An elder law attorney can help you create a living will, an advance care directive, a health care power of attorney and other legal documents that ensure your preferences for and against various medical procedures and interventions will be honored, even if you become too ill or incapacitated to express them yourself. He or she can likewise help you apply for Medicare and, if necessary, Medicaid.
All in all, an elder law attorney can become your staunchest ally as you and your parents continue to age.