Elder Law
Hackensack, NJ Elder Law Attorney
Expert Elder Law Services in Hackensack, New Jersey
Elder law is a crucial aspect of estate planning that addresses the unique needs of individuals and families as they age. The challenges of aging range from senior housing and home care to long-term nursing home care, guardianship, health care directives, and more. Whether you’re navigating Medicare and Medicaid, planning for retirement, or seeking protection against elder abuse, having the right legal support is essential.
At the Law Offices of Benjamin D. Eckman, we provide expert legal advice and compassionate guidance to Hackensack residents. Our goal is to ensure that your legal affairs are in order and that you and your loved ones are protected as you move through different stages of life.
Navigating Senior Housing and Long-Term Care in Hackensack
Long-Term Care Considerations
As the population ages, more families in Hackensack are faced with the realities of long-term care, particularly nursing home care, which is often not covered by traditional health insurance. In 2021, the median national cost for a private room in a skilled nursing facility was $108,405 annually, with most people requiring care for just over two years. Unfortunately, many individuals end up depleting their personal or family assets to cover these costs before they qualify for Medicaid.
Proper planning can help protect your assets for your spouse and children. One option is purchasing long-term care insurance while you’re still healthy, ensuring you receive benefits from Medicare and Medicaid when needed.
Medicare vs. Medicaid in New Jersey: What You Need to Know
Understanding Medicare
Medicare is a federal health insurance program that most individuals qualify for once they turn 65, regardless of financial status. It covers in-hospital care (Part A), extended care following a hospital stay, some home health care, and hospice services. However, Medicare offers very limited nursing home coverage, paying for less than nine percent of such care nationwide.
Medicare Resources
New Jersey Medicaid
Medicaid, by contrast, is a joint federal-state program designed for individuals who meet certain financial criteria. Unlike Medicare, Medicaid is not an entitlement program but a form of welfare, and each state, including New Jersey, has its own set of regulations for how it is administered. Medicaid covers a variety of services, from basic health coverage to nursing home care for seniors. Our firm assists Hackensack families with the Medicaid application process, helping you navigate the complexities of long-term care planning and asset protection.
Senior Housing Options in Hackensack, NJ
Helping a parent transition to senior housing can be a daunting task, especially when emotional ties and the accumulation of belongings are involved. Declining health, the loss of a spouse, or safety concerns often signal the need for this transition. Planning ahead can make the process smoother, ensuring that your loved one is actively involved in the decision-making.
Key Considerations for Senior Housing Transitions:
- Plan Early: Don’t wait for a health crisis. Start the process while your loved one is still capable of making decisions.
- Assess Needs: Begin with a full assessment of your loved one’s physical care needs and financial resources. Compare the costs of staying in place with the costs of senior living options.
- Take a Gradual Approach: Moving to senior housing is often a multi-phase process. Give your loved one time to adjust to the idea.
- Explore All Options: From assisted living to independent living, today’s senior housing communities offer a wide range of options tailored to different needs and preferences.