Elder Law
WHAT IS ELDER LAW?
Elder law encompasses a broad understanding of aging and the law, and the legal
interaction between all the varied issues which may affect the elderly. An elder law
attorney is familiar with federal and state laws which affect an individual’s well-being
and personal wishes.
ELDER LAW ENCOMPASSES
3 BROAD AREAS
1. Estate Planning
Elder law involves general estate planning
matters including wills, trusts, estate and trust
administration and helping clients plan for
incapacity and disability through the use of
powers of attorney, guardianships and health
care advance directives including living wills
and health care surrogate designation.
2. Elder Care Planning
Also known as Long Term Care Planning,
Elder Law attorneys assist clients in finding
and financing access to long term care health
and personal care services including home and
respite care, assisted living residential care and
nursing home care This requires coordinating
private funds and being familiar with public
benefit programs to seniors such as Medicaid,
Medicare, Social Security, VA benefits as
well as long-term care insurance and reverse
mortgages in order to finance such care.
Legal Issues Pertaining
to the Elderly
Elder law is a very complex and diverse
practice. Most elder law attorneys do not
specialize in every area of law that elder law
encompasses. When looking for an elder
law attorney, make sure you choose one that
handles matters regarding your particular
needs and understands how actions taken
might affect other areas of the law.
This Section
Includes:
• What is Elder Law? (Overview)
• List of Elder Law Practice
Areas (Detailed)
• Finding an Elder Law Attorney
www.PolkElderCare.com 63
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