Elder Law is an area of law that caters to the needs of the disabled, the incapacitated, seniors, and the elderly. Most people think Elder Law only involves the frail elderly – that couldn’t be farther from the truth. Elder Law issues confronted my husband’s 52-year-old cousin, when he recently suffered a major stroke. His issues were not defined by his age, but rather by his situation. Elder Law involves such areas as long-term care, Medi-Cal eligibility, Medicare and insurance issues, catastrophic illness and incapacity issues and planning, financial and healthcare decision-making, and other important issues. Most Elder Law attorneys also prepare estate planning documents such as trusts and wills, as well as handle “after-death” matters, including trust administration and probate. As our population ages, and life-altering diagnosis such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia increase, more and more people require the services of Elder Law attorneys.
Some clients and their families are in crisis due to unexpected medical emergencies leaving loved ones incapacitated. Sometimes spouses suddenly find their husband or wife requires expensive long-term care in a skilled nursing facility. Others are slowly succumbing to Alzheimer’s disease or other degenerative or progressive illnesses, and need to plan for incapacity. Still others are planning in advance, and need guidance and information. Elder Law attorneys are uniquely versed and equipped to provide direction in the complex legal areas of public benefits, asset protection, Social Security, incapacity issues, estate planning, and other areas.
It is difficult to look at our loved ones, our parents, and our friends, and see the effects of age. It is also very difficult to look in a mirror, and see our own aging faces. I shudder to think of my life, and those I love, burdened should I become incapacitated, ill, or disabled. We never want to face the inevitable, but it is far better to plan wisely, then to be caught unprepared.
For an appointment, please call the Law Office of Jane M. McNamara, at 661-287-3260.