As we age, we lose more and more control of our own safety and security. We may not have a say in our own living arrangements, healthcare, or other important decisions. It comes as no surprise that many people feel trepidation and worry about their well-being as they approach their later years. Having a plan in place to ensure your future or protect an aging loved one offers a peace of mind you cannot get otherwise.
Bratton Law’s elder law attorneys have the skills, resources, and compassion you need to create this plan and give you control of your future. We offer Life Care planning, estate plans, Medicaid planning, and other tools to help you ensure your continued quality of life as you age. To schedule a consultation with an elder law attorney in Cherry Hill, call 856-857-6007.
Why Is It So Important to Plan for the Future?
Americans are living longer than ever before, but this often means facing years with impairments that range from limited mobility and Parkinson’s disease to dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. These conditions prevent many sufferers from living independently and making decisions about their own health care. This makes this population incredibly vulnerable.
To add to the issues, many seniors have too many assets to qualify for Medicaid health coverage but not enough money to pay for adequate in-home care or placement in a long-term care facility. When this occurs, their quality of life can plummet and they may suffer from additional health concerns related to neglect. Having a plan in place in advance would prevent this problem.
At Bratton Law, our elder law team includes specialists in Medicaid planning, long-term care planning, and other elder law concerns. We also have caring on-staff social workers and registered nurses who work to connect you with coordinated care, local resources, and other support. Our Cherry Hill elder law attorneys can create a plan that allows you to stop worrying about your future care or how you will pay for it.
What Are Some of the Most Common Elder Law Issues in New Jersey?
In addition to needing long-term care, many seniors face other elder law issues as they age. We have handled these issues for thousands of families, and understand the legal and emotional challenges that can arise. Three of the most common include: protecting assets, requiring a guardianship, and paying for ongoing care.
Protecting Assets
When you face a serious medical condition, the expenses add up quickly. This is especially true if you require in-home nursing care. If you worked hard for your money and hoped to pass assets on to your children or other heirs, this can be especially distressing.
There are options for you to get the medical coverage you need while also preserving some or all your hard-earned assets. We can discuss your elder and estate planning options, including establishing a trust.
Requiring a Guardianship
When a senior suffers from an illness or injury that leaves her unable to make her own decisions or care for herself, you or another family member may need to step in as a guardian or conservator. We can help you understand what each of these legal terms means, and determine which one best fits your needs. In some cases, a durable power of attorney may be an easier and more appropriate option.
Paying for Ongoing Care
Private health insurance typically pays for regular doctor’s appointments, hospitalization, and prescription drugs. However, it does not pay for long-term care such as assisted living or a nursing home.
This is where Medicaid planning comes in. Medicaid covers these costs for those who qualify. To ensure you can meet the strict qualifications, we may need to develop a plan to protect some of your assets from Medicaid’s accounting process. This also ensures these assets remain intact and you can pass them down to your family instead of spending them on your long-term care.
We have a library of documents to help answer any of your elder law concerns. This includes an Elder Law Check-up Form, available for free download.
How Can I Find Elder Law Guidance with Compassion and Understanding?
At the heart of our elder care team at Bratton Law is a dedication to providing reliable legal representation with compassion and understanding. Our on-staff social workers and registered nurses can provide you with resources and support, while our attorneys guide you through the process of planning for your future, ensuring you have access to quality health care as you age, and protecting your assets.
We get to know every family we work with, often talking with generations of family members to truly understand their needs and priorities. We treat our clients like family, having discussions on tough topics but approaching every one with sensitivity and empathy. We can help you put a plan in place that meets your current and future needs, and ensures you live the best quality of life possible without jeopardizing your family’s financial future.
How Can I Discuss My Situation with a Cherry Hill Elder Law Attorney?
The Cherry Hill elder law attorneys at Bratton Law advise families on a number of issues that are of significance to most people as they age. When we meet with your family, we listen to your needs and priorities, and craft a plan that gives you the peace of mind you need.
Whether you need help planning for your own future or need advice on the care and protection of an aging loved one, our elder law team can make the process easier than you may think. We provide compassionate services, in addition to meeting all your estate planning and elder care legal needs.
You can reach our office by calling 856-857-6007.
