Elder law is a specific specialty of law that pertains to aging and the needs of seniors and their loved ones. As elders age, their ability to take care of themselves and their financial affairs is often greatly diminished. A lawyer who specializes in elder law in New Hampshire can assist the family with managing the issues associated with a senior who has a reduced capacity to cope with certain issues.
1. Clarification of Medicare and Medicaid Issues
Medicare is available to seniors aged 65 and older. When Medicare coverage commences, seniors are eligible for certain health benefits and discounts in addition to any regular health insurance they may have, or in some cases, in replacement of such health insurance benefits. However, the applications and claims process can be confusing for seniors and others, and this is where an elder law attorney can help.
If you’re wondering about what Medicaid is and if your loved one might be eligible for coverage, you’re not alone. Medicaid is available for certain low-income seniors and others who qualify. As with Medicare, Medicaid can be a complex and confusing system even for young people to figure out. Even the Medicaid phone number isn’t always easy to find. A New Hampshire elder law attorney will be able to help with the Medicaid forms, including the original application form to see if the senior qualifies.
2. Insight Into Nursing Home or Assisted Living Relocation
At some point, you may want to relocate your loved one to a nursing home or an assisted living facility. Facilities like these specialize in elder care and the specific needs of seniors. Nursing homes vary considerably, and you want to be sure that your senior loved will have the attention they need from staff and other residents. Elder law attorneys often help facilitate such transitions, and may be able to offer you experienced insight into how to choose the best facility for your elder loved one.
3. Estate Planning Services
One of the specialties of an elder law attorney is estate planning services. Remember, any real or cash assets can comprise an estate. It doesn’t matter if there is a large fortune involved, or a small property; an elder law attorney can help to organize the estate so that taxes are minimized and so that everyone involved is protected, including your senior loved one. Your elder law attorney can draw up living wills, trusts and any other documentation that is needed to ensure that your loved one’s wishes are respected and carried out. Finally, bear in mind that estate planning should not be kept to the last minute. The earlier the process is begun, the more time for consideration you and your loved one will have.
These are just a handful of the many benefits that an elder law attorney offers. Contact your New Hampshire elder law attorney to learn more about the ways that you and your elder loved one can get assistance with the legal and technical aspects of aging.
Contact Us for Assistance
This blog outlined just a handful of the many benefits that an elder law attorney offers. Contact Beasley & Febrer to learn more about the ways that you and your elder loved one can get assistance with the legal and technical aspects of aging.
