Getting older is one of those topics that people are often afraid to talk about. While we all know that our ability to manage our lives might decrease as we age, few of us take the time to plan ahead for this eventuality.

Considering the realities that come with age, especially the legal implications, is what elder law is all about. Whether you are nearing retirement, have an elderly parent you are worried about, or are simply interested in learning more about the legal issues that you might face as you age, talking to an attorney that specializes in elder law and Medicaid issues is a necessity.

Rochester New York Elder Law Issues

The first thing you should understand about elder law is that it is not a single area of the law. Rather, it’s a collection of legal issues that most commonly affects people as they age.

For example, Rochester New York elder law attorneys commonly deal with questions of incapacitation. What happens to you if, for example, you suffer a medical condition such as Alzheimer’s disease? Would you be able to make decisions for yourself? If not, who would make decisions for you? Would you have any control over who that person is?

Elder law attorneys also deal with issues that affect the friends, relatives, and loved ones of an elderly person. For example, many adult children first learn of elder law issues when they have a parent who suddenly requires assistance because of an issue related to aging. What can an adult child faced with this type of situation do? What legal options are available?

Additionally, it’s important to realize that many elder law topics are something that you can prepare for. Developing a plan that considers what can and will happen to you in the future is essential if you want to be adequately prepared for the realities of aging.

Rochester New York Medicaid

One of the more pressing concerns than many elderly people have is the question of how to pay for long-term care. Studies show that about 70% of all people will require some type of long-term care in their lives, and that the costs associated with such care can be significant. For example, if you have to spend a year in a nursing home, you can expect to pay an average of about $70,000. Where will this money come from? How will you and your family deal with these expenses?

Medicaid is a government program that will allow you to pay for long-term care costs if you meet the program’s eligibility criteria. However, qualifying for Medicaid is often difficult, which is why speaking to an experienced Rochester New York elder law attorney is important if you’re concerned about long-term care costs.

Understanding Your Options

Whether you are a senior, a child of an elderly parent, or simply someone who has questions you need answered, you should schedule an appointment to come talk to us as soon as possible. You cannot pause the clock when it comes to aging, but you can choose to act now.