Important Elder Law Tips for Seniors

 I meet with Seniors and their families every day, many of whom are in crises. Please take the following “tips” to heart – before a crisis strikes.
1. Understand that Health Can Change Rapidly: Despite the belief that we will live forever, we are not invincible. Illness usually strikes unexpectedly. Plan as if you may have a medical emergency tomorrow. Do your adult children know where your bank and financial statements are? Do they know who your CPA and attorney are? Do they have a copy of your Advance Healthcare Directive, Power of Attorney, and Living Trust? If you were ill, and someone needed to speak to the medical providers for you, could they do so legally? Would they know your preferences?
2. Understand Your Money Issues: Watch out for problem assets like savings bonds and some annuities. Do you have beneficiaries designated? Are your assets in your trust? Could you run out of money in your lifetime due to costs associated with care due to illness, Alzheimer’s, Stroke, or advanced age?
3. Be Organized and Share the Information: Make a copy of your discharge papers, current identification, Medi-Care/health insurance card, your marriage certificate, birth certificate, and all current asset statements, including life insurance. Include copies of beneficiary designations with these papers. Make a list of your medications, your doctors, and a copy of your Advance Health Care Directive. Does your family know where these documents are? If so, they will thank you for making their very tough job a bit easier. The journey through the later stages of life is difficult for not only the Senior, but also for the family trying to make sure the Senior receives the appropriate care needed, without having to go to court, searching for those “important papers”, or running out of money.
4. Medi-Cal for Long-Term Care Needs: Explore possible future eligibility for Medi-Cal now for long-term skilled nursing care, before a health crisis strikes. Skilled nursing facilities cost over $8000.00 per month. California Medi-Cal benefits may be invaluable, and protecting assets requires planning before the crisis occurs.
5. VA Benefits: If you are a Veteran or surviving spouse, are you receiving the maximum benefit from the Veterans Administration to help pay for your care costs?
6. Help Yourself by Allowing Others to Legally Help You: Make certain you have a valid and current Durable Power of Attorney, Advance Health Care Directive, and HIPAA release. Otherwise, court intervention may be needed through a conservatorship. Is your trust up to date? Is it signed, and you know where it is? Are your assets properly titled so trusted family members can access funds for your benefit in an emergency?
For more information, please call the McNamara Law Firm at 661-287-3260, or visit www.theMcNamaraLawFirm.com.