Whether you have an aging spouse or a parent, caring for seniors comes with unique challenges, such as housing, managing finances, regular health checkups, and long-term care. None of this is easy for family caregivers, who often lack the legal knowledge and resources to help their aging loved ones.
However, an elder law attorney can help you secure your loved one’s golden years by planning long-term care. Unlike others, they specialize in legal issues affecting seniors, such as long-term care, and protection against elder abuse.
Let’s learn more about elder law attorneys and how they can help.
What Is an Elder Law Attorney?
Utah is aging, with over a tenth of its population (12.1%) now 65 and older. There are no signs of this trend changing anytime soon. That means a significant portion of Utah’s population will hit its golden years soon, making their financial security and long-term care planning a top priority. That’s where elder law attorneys in Utah come in.
They specialize in legal issues related to healthcare, estate planning, and financial security for elders. They can help you with:
- Long-term care solutions,
- Medicaid and Veterans benefits,
- Estate planning
- Legal guardianship
- Protection against elder abuse
X Benefits of Hiring an Elder Law Attorney in Utah
A certified elder law attorney provides specific services depending on your loved one’s current situation. This may include:
1. Plan Your Long-Term Care
Whether it’s financial support, housing, or other services, nearly 70% of Americans who are 65 today will require some type of long-term care at some point. With the cost of healthcare skyrocketing, many seniors and their families struggle to receive the care they need. That’s why we recommend planning your long-term care well before you need it.
An elder law attorney can help you do just that. It typically involves deciding where you will live, who will take care of you, and how you will pay for it. Your lawyer will review your financial situation, medical history, and personal preferences to create a tailored plan.
2. Create A Robust Power of Attorney
Diseases like Alzheimer’s, which affects 1 in 9 people (10.8%) aged 65 and older, can affect your ability to make decisions as you age, which may include financial decisions, healthcare choices, and more. But if you don’t have a durable power of attorney, your family will have to go through a lengthy court process to get the green light to act on your behalf.
With a durable power of attorney, you can allow someone to make these decisions for you and honor your end-of-life wishes. It has to be someone you can trust and honor your wishes. A certified elder law attorney can help you draft and execute a power of attorney, providing your family with much-needed peace of mind.
3. Protect You from Neglect and Abuse
Sadly, seniors are often targets for neglect and exploitation. In Utah alone, at least 10 cases of elder abuse are reported each day. Elder abuse can take many forms, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect.
A competent elder law attorney in Utah can help you protect from potential abuse. For one, they can alert your family members if they notice any suspicious financial activities or signs of physical and emotional abuse. Secondly, they can help your friends and family take appropriate legal action to prevent such abuse from happening again.
4. Help You Qualify for Medicaid and Veteran’s Benefits
Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that may cover services that Medicare doesn’t cover or only partially covers. For instance, if you qualify for Medicaid, you might be able to pay for nursing home care or personal care in your own home. Your family member might also be eligible for payment as your caregiver.
An elder law attorney in Utah knows the ins and outs of state-sponsored Medicaid programs. They can help you understand its eligibility requirements and guide you through the application process. Likewise, if you are a veteran, a skilled lawyer can help you access the benefits you’ve earned while serving your country, ensuring you receive the best possible care.
Qualifying for one of these healthcare programs can significantly reduce the financial burden on your loved ones. At the same time, you get access to the care you deserve, which helps you spend your golden years comfortably.
5. Plan Your Estate
Estate planning is an integral part of aging and it involves more than just creating a Will. A certified elder law attorney can help you create a comprehensive estate plan that addresses all your needs, including asset distribution and long-term care planning.
For instance, your attorney can help you set up a Revocable Living Trust to help manage your assets while you are alive and after your death. Unlike a Will, a living trust can help you avoid probate, making it easier and faster for your loved ones to get their inheritance. It also provides privacy since it is not a public document like a probate.
However, setting up a Trust is more complicated than writing a Will. You’ll need to speak with a reliable elder law attorney to set it up, transfer all your assets into the trust, and appoint a trustee to manage your affairs.
The Bottom Line
Living out the golden years on your terms is something every Utahns deserves. A seasoned elder law attorney in Utah can help you make that happen. They can help you with long-term care planning, powers of attorney, protection from neglect and exploitation, and Medicaid and Veteran’s benefits. They can also help you set up a Living Trust, honoring your legacy and last wishes. It’s never too late to plan your long-term care.
The skilled elder law attorneys at Jeremy Atwood Law can help you create a long-term care plan that aligns with your goals. We make sure you are taken care of in your golden years. Would you like to discuss your long-term care options? Reach out to schedule a free consultation.