With the holiday weekend upon us, it’s a time of celebration for many families. It’s also the time when children question whether Mom and Dad are doing okay. Are they getting around and are they eating right. Are their daily needs being met? Are they getting socialization?
The elder care journey is a difficult one that my Ohio Elder Law firm has dealt with many times over the years. I have focused on estate planning in the Cleveland area for 25 years and the relatively new field of elder law since 1990. I have helped numerous seniors untangle the web that long term health care planning has become.
I am not a financial planner, however…I am a consultant who is able to walk you through the options that are available to you and as an attorney I am permitted to provide legal advice. The earlier you plan, the more options you have.
Most people don’t think about this until they are at the point of crisis, when they are suddenly in the position of having to go into assisted living or into a nursing home. Suddenly they have immediate decisions to make under pressure, and they don’t know what to do or where to turn. Normally, they don’t plan in advance because this isn’t something that people really want to think about.
Our clients are often experiencing some type of pain – physical challenges, mental incapacity or emotional pain. That pain may come from a situation connected with long-term disability, a loved one’s troubles, or substantial medical expenses. Our clients may be pressed by concerns about either their own long-term care or the disability of a loved one. The facts and circumstances vary, but the pain is an ever-present reality.
One of my main goals is to relieve anxiety and provide hope. We don’t have a magic wand, so the pain doesn’t vanish, but the family has found someone who listens to their story and works to provide solutions that either give measurable financial benefits, additional care options for their loved one, and peace of mind.
When you are visiting Mom and Dad this holiday weekend, if things don’t seem just right, maybe it’s time to sit down and talk. This is a good time to start discussing their strategy for their long-term care.
I would suggest making an appointment with an Ohio elder law attorney to review your options and bring your children or caregivers along.
There are several reasons why you should see an elder law attorney before disaster strikes:
- It’s important to deal with an attorney who concentrates his or her practice
on these types of issues. An attorney who concentrates his practice in this area will not only understand the technical part of the law, they also understand the emotional aspects. - The attorney’s staff will also be well trained to deal with elder law issues. You may often be dealing with the support staff and want to be sure you will be as comfortable with them as you are with your attorney.
- You want an attorney who understands the governmental programs that are available to you such as Medicare, Ohio Medicaid and Veteran’s Benefits. It’s important that you deal with an attorney who works frequently in this area and is used to dealing with the State and government agencies.
- It’s important to deal with an attorney who knows how to help you protect your life’s savings. It’s important to you and your family that you pass along as much of it as possible. It is important to help arrange things so that you receive the care you need, while still preserving your assets for your family to the extent allowed by law.
- Avoiding Ohio Probate. One of the most important concerns in the event of death is having your estate pass to your loved one without going through probate. It is important to deal with an attorney who can show you how to arrange your estate to avoid Ohio probate when appropriate.
- It is important to work with an attorney who knows the value of a dollar. Consider an attorney who works on a flat fee so you don’t feel like you are being charged extra for every question you ask or every time you pick up the phone.
- Select an attorney who makes house calls when the need arises. It is common practice for the client to go to the attorney’s office for a consultation. Choose an attorney who gives a free consultation and one who will come to your home when needed.
We believe that when your health declines, your lifestyle, privacy and dignity shouldn’t. We understand that our clients are dealing with complex emotional, physical and financial issues and we serve as strong patient/client advocates in helping to address all of these needs.
In order to help with your long-term planning, I have written several guidebooks about elder care planning, veterans benefits and hospice care, as well as a brand new book entitled, Alzheimer’s Survival Guide: Seven Secrets of Estate Planning for People with Memory Loss and Dementia. All proceeds from the book are being donated to the Alzheimer’s Association. For a free copy of any of the guidebooks, or to attend one of his educational Ohio Elder Care seminars, please email Paul at elder@stanolaw.com or call his office at 440-888-6448.
