Elder Law
New Jersey Elder Law Attorney
What is Elder Law?
Elder law is a specialized area of estate planning that focuses on the legal needs of individuals and families as they age. It includes issues such as elder rights, senior housing, home care, long-term (nursing home) care, guardianships, healthcare documents, powers of attorney, Medicare and Medicaid, retirement planning, and protection against elder abuse.
As a senior progresses through different stages of life, they may encounter legal challenges requiring careful planning and foresight. As an elder law attorney in New Jersey, with offices in Union, Hackensack, and Wayne, I am committed to providing expert legal advice and empathetic guidance to seniors and their families. Our firm ensures that legal affairs are in order and rights are protected.
What Do Elder Law Attorneys Do?
An elder law attorney assists seniors and their families with various legal matters, including estate planning, Medicaid planning, long-term care options, and protection against elder abuse. As a trusted elder law firm in New Jersey, we help clients navigate legal complexities to secure their future.
New Jersey Senior Housing & Long-Term Care Options
The Long Term Care Dilemma
As our population ages, more people face elder law-related issues, whether for themselves or their parents. One of the most pressing concerns is long-term nursing home care, which is typically not covered by traditional health insurance. Depending on location and level of care needed, nursing home costs vary greatly. In 2021, the national median cost for a private room in a skilled nursing facility was $108,405 annually, with the average stay being slightly over two years. Most individuals pay for nursing home care until personal or family assets are depleted, after which they may qualify for Medicaid.
Proper planning can help protect assets for spouses or children. A comprehensive approach includes purchasing long-term care insurance while still healthy and ensuring you receive the Medicare and Medicaid benefits to which you are entitled.
Medicare & Medicaid Planning
Medicare
Clients often struggle with the differences between Medicare and Medicaid. Though their names are similar, these programs serve different purposes.
Medicare is a federal health insurance program available to most people when they turn 65. It does not have financial qualification rules. Medicare consists of two primary parts:
- Medicare Part A: Covers in-hospital care, extended care after a hospital stay, some home healthcare services, and hospice services. However, Medicare covers less than nine percent of nursing home care nationwide due to strict eligibility rules.
Medicare Resources
Medicaid & Long-Term Care Planning
Unlike Medicare, Medicaid is a joint federal-state program subject to both federal and state regulations. Medicaid eligibility is determined after a formal application is submitted. Medicaid planning is essential for seniors seeking coverage for long-term care.
As an experienced Medicaid planning lawyer in NJ, I help clients determine eligibility and structure their assets to qualify for New Jersey Medicaid benefits. Our firm ensures that seniors receive the care they need while protecting their financial security.
Senior Housing Options
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Helping a parent transition to senior housing can be overwhelming. The loss of a spouse, declining health, or safety concerns can trigger the need to move. Recognizing that home is no longer suitable can be difficult. Finding a senior housing option that is both appealing and appropriate is no easy task, and neither is downsizing years of accumulated possessions.
Tips for a Smooth Transition:
- Plan ahead – Don’t wait for a health crisis to start the process. A smoother transition occurs when the individual has control over the decision.
- Assess the situation – Physical care needs and financial resources should be considered. Compare the costs of staying in place, including renovations, maintenance, utilities, taxes, and transportation, to the costs of moving to a senior living community.
- Take a phased approach – Many seniors take over a year to transition to a new home.
- Explore all options – Independent living, assisted living, and nursing home care provide a range of choices for aging individuals.
Estate & Elder Law Services
At our elder law firm, we offer comprehensive legal services, including estate planning, Medicaid planning, guardianship, and probate. Our experienced elder estate attorney ensures that your assets are protected for future generations.
Contact an Elder Law Attorney in NJ Today
If you need an elder law attorney in NJ to assist with long-term care planning, Medicaid, or estate matters, contact us today for a consultation. Our firm is dedicated to helping seniors and their families navigate complex legal issues with confidence and security.