Elder law attorneys focus on navigating all the complexities of elder law. These lawyers can assist seniors and their family members with several legal issues, such as creating wills, transferring guardianship, and accessing retirement funds. If you’re meeting with an elder law attorney, it’s a good idea to come prepared. Make sure to ask the following important questions during your meeting.
1. What Are Your Qualifications?
Any lawyer can claim he or she specializes in elder law, so you need to exercise some caution when looking for an elder law attorney. Ask the lawyer if he or she has been certified through the National Elder Law Foundation or other reputable organizations. Ask if the lawyer has taken courses specifically focused on elder law, and look for references from other clients.
When it comes to senior care, selecting the right elder law attorney isn’t the only challenging task. Choosing an appropriate home care agency for your loved one can be an equally difficult job. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior family member and are looking for professional elderly home care, Embrace In-Home Care should be your top choice. Our dedicated and compassionate caregivers are committed to helping older adults address their health issues and enjoy a higher quality of life in the golden years.
2. Which Area of Elder Law Do You Focus On?
Some practices focus on specific areas, such as elder abuse, estate planning, Medicare, powers of attorney, asset protection, and age discrimination. Ask the lawyer about which areas he or she primarily specializes in so you can find someone who has plenty of experience in the relevant area. It may be helpful to discuss any cases the lawyer has worked on that are similar to your loved one’s particular case.
3. How Will You Manage My Loved One’s Needs?
Ask about how the attorney’s practice normally handles clients. You may want to find out whether the attorney will be managing your loved one’s needs independently or with the help of paralegals or junior employees. It’s also useful to know if the firm can be with your family along every step of the way, from creating a long-term care plan to aiding in a court case about a contested will.
Searching for the right elder law attorney can be a difficult task, especially when you’re juggling other responsibilities. If you’re the primary caregiver for a senior loved one in Green Valley, respite care is available when you need time away from your important caregiving duties. At Embrace In-Home Care, our respite caregivers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help your loved one handle everyday tasks in the comfort of home while you have the chance to take a much-needed break.
4. What Documents Do I Need?
The advice provided by an elder law attorney can be invaluable. The lawyer should be able to guide you through the process of preparing various documents to make your loved one’s life easier. At minimum, you need a power of attorney document, a health care proxy document, and a will. It can also be helpful to draw up trusts, do-not-resuscitate orders, and other important documents.
5. How Do I Budget for My Loved One’s Expenses?
A good elder law attorney helps seniors save money in the long run. The right attorney can help your loved one apply for Medicaid and other government programs and prepare taxes, life insurance forms, and other financial documents. A lawyer can also prove useful for helping your loved one distribute his or her assets and draw up a plan for long-term care.
Elder law attorneys aren’t the only individuals who can make positive contributions toward a senior’s wellbeing and overall quality of life. If your elderly loved one needs help maintaining a high quality of life while aging in place, reach out to Embrace In-Home Care, a trusted provider of Green Valley at-home care. Our caregivers provide transportation to and from medical appointments and social events, nutritious meal preparation, assistance with daily exercise, and help with everyday tasks like bathing, grooming, and light housekeeping. Call (520) 625-2050 today to speak with a friendly and experienced Care Manager to formulate a home care plan for your loved one.