Elder Law
Spokane Elder Law Attorneys – A Guiding Hand
We understand how challenging it can be to face the issues that come with aging. Discussing end-of-life matters and preparing your estate for the future can be uncomfortable. Many families avoid these discussions until it is too late. By delaying, you risk losing the ability to make these important decisions yourself, leaving others to decide the future of your estate in ways you might not have chosen.
When the time comes to discuss the future, you can rely on us to assist you compassionately. Our Spokane elder law attorneys provide respectful legal services for seniors in Washington. We have the experience to help you navigate these challenges sensibly and without added stress. By addressing these issues proactively, you can gain confidence about your future and your family's future. We aim to alleviate your concerns about what lies ahead. Our team will thoroughly explain everything you need to know, ensuring that you and your family understand all your options.
Areas Our Elder Law Team Can Help
- Wealth Management
- Asset Protection
- Medicaid Planning
- Veterans Benefits
- Planning for Independent Living
- In Home Care
- Guardianship
- Ethical Wills and Legacy Planning
- Trusts
- Probate and Estate Administration
- Estate Litigation and Will Contests
- Health Care Directives
Long-Term Care Planning
While some seniors can afford to pay privately for care, the cost of long-term care can deplete the savings of all but the wealthiest families within months or years. Those who have planned ahead by purchasing long-term care insurance gain a level of certainty and peace of mind. Unfortunately, many cannot afford the high premiums of long-term care insurance or, due to age or medical conditions, do not qualify for it. If you do have long-term care insurance, it is essential to understand what your policy covers. Many policies come with high deductibles or only provide short-term care in a facility. Consequently, even those with long-term care insurance may still need to rely on Medicaid to cover their care expenses. The cost of nursing home care varies widely based on location and the level of care required, ranging from $35,000 to $150,000 per year. Many individuals exhaust their personal or family assets to pay for nursing home care before becoming eligible for Medicaid to cover the remaining costs.
However, with careful planning, you can protect your assets for your spouse or children. A comprehensive strategy includes purchasing long-term care insurance while you are still healthy enough to qualify and ensuring you receive all the benefits available to you under Medicare and Medicaid.
How to Plan for Incapacity
The type of care you may need can vary widely, from help with daily tasks to managing complex financial transactions, such as buying or selling real estate. Proper medical care is also an important aspect of advance planning.
Incapacity planning may involve various tools, including Durable Financial Powers of Attorney, Health Care Proxies or Powers of Attorney, Living Wills or Advance Health Care Directives, and Guardianships or Conservatorships. The specific planning tools you use will depend on your individual desires and goals.
Senior Living Communities
Helping a parent transition to senior housing can feel more daunting than launching a rocket. This need often arises due to the death of a spouse, declining health, or safety concerns. The initial phase involves accepting that the current home is no longer suitable, which can be emotionally challenging. Finding a new, appealing, and appropriate home is a complex task, as is sorting through a lifetime's worth of belongings.
- Plan ahead: Don't wait for a health crisis to start the process. The smoothest transitions occur when the person moving is actively involved in the decision-making.
- Get a full assessment of the current situation: Begin by evaluating physical care needs and financial resources. Consider the costs of staying in the current home, including renovation and ongoing maintenance, rising utility bills, taxes, transportation, and food. Make a comprehensive list to determine whether it's more economical to stay or move to a senior community.
- Take a multi-phase approach: Understand that seniors often take longer than a year to complete the move.
- Fully explore new housing options: Senior living now offers a wider range of choices than ever before. We can assist you in evaluating and deciding on the best option for you and your family, and guide you through the process.
Let Our Trusted Attorneys Guide You
If you are a senior facing a legal issue related to abuse, our Spokane elder law attorneys are here to defend your rights. We are dedicated to protecting seniors from dangerous and unfair treatment by those who are supposed to care for them. These cases can involve physical abuse by nursing home staff, medical malpractice where a doctor or nurse's improper treatment worsens your condition, or estate fraud where someone steals money from you.
Our elder law attorneys will fight for your right to receive compensation for financial losses, injuries, pain, and suffering through a personal injury lawsuit if that is the path you choose. We offer a comprehensive range of legal services for seniors dealing with negligence or abuse. Give us a call to schedule a consultation with one of our compassionate Spokane elder law attorneys.