Working with senior clients can be very rewarding, but also very challenging. Senior clients enter my office with many unique circumstances that affect their goals, planning, and their future. Some situations I frequently encounter include:
• Fears of getting older, getting sicker, and losing their independence;
• Dealing with a “black sheep” son who will cause problems for the “good” children when the parent dies;
• Protecting a daughter’s inheritance from that lazy husband of hers;
• Planning for the financial security and well-being of a disabled adult child who is receiving Medi-Cal benefits;
• Protecting a surviving spouse from the heartless scams that are geared toward seniors, and designed to leave them penniless;
• Protecting assets from unnecessary and avoidable taxes;
• Protecting assets from the astronomical costs of long-term care – which can run as high as $28,000 per month;
• Obtaining Veterans benefits to help pay for care;
• Staying in their own home without running out of money;
• Getting appropriate care as they continue to age and decline in health without being a “burden” on their children.
More challenging yet is the client who may have the beginnings of dementia, or more advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease. The “well spouse” should not face bankruptcy or lose the family home due to the high costs associated with the “ill spouse’s” care. Dementia is not curable, and the care-giving spouse often faces burnout, depression, stroke, and their own health issues. Finding appropriate care for the ill spouse is critical, and can be expensive. Preserving assets for the “well spouse,” and enabling that spouse to remain in the family home without fear of impoverishment certainly can be challenging, and requires the expertise of an Elder Law attorney. However, once accomplished, the well spouse can enjoy financial security, while the ill spouse obtains the needed care.
Yes, working with seniors can present many interesting challenges. However, the peace of mind and financial well-being we are able to provide with proper planning and precise legal work is priceless.
For more information, please call the Law Office of Jane M. McNamara at 661-287-3260.