Effectively Managing Legal Issues Involving The Elderly
Health issues, living independently, and determining who should have legal authority to make important decisions regarding your health care and finances can be pressing concerns for you, for your parents, and for others you know, love and care for. You do not have to deal with these issues or make these decisions alone, and without access to the necessary knowledge, experience, and guidance. You will be better served by retaining an experienced lawyer who can counsel you to a sensible and effective course of action. I am Joe Gruner, an experienced Tarrytown elder law and trusts and estates attorney who can answer your questions and help you put a comprehensive plan in place for long-term care and end-of-life issues.
Handling Medicaid Planning and Guardianship Matters
A primary concern for older Americans and their families is preserving hard-earned assets. With costs for assisted living in New York starting at several thousand dollars per month, and care at a skilled nursing facility costing at least $10,000 per month, there is good reason to plan ahead. Through long-term care and Medicaid planning, I help my clients protect and preserve their assets so they can pass them to loved ones or to favorite charities.
By planning ahead and signing legal powers of attorney and health care directives, you can avoid having the courts establish a guardianship over you and your assets that can control what you do and how you live. In certain situations, especially when a person waits until it is too late, there are no reasonable alternatives to establishing a legal guardianship. I have helped families establish legal guardianship to protect the welfare and rights of adult individuals who are unable to manage their own affairs. You must plan ahead to be effective. The individuals who get out in front of these issues are the most successful in achieving their objectives.
Work With an Experienced Elder Law Attorney
Even if you have a will, health care directives, powers of attorney, and other estate planning documents in place, it is wise to meet with an experienced elder law attorney who can review your existing estate plan and determine if additional protective steps are necessary. Because these are complex and sensitive issues, it is important to work with a lawyer who focuses on elder law and estate planning. I have assisted clients in Westchester and Nassau counties and all five New York boroughs for more than 40 years.