Elder Planning
I did my Will and some other documents years ago. What else could I need?
Planning for the aging process requires far more than traditional estate planning. Regardless of net worth, we’ll all find aging much easier if we know what tomorrow’s questions are going to be and plan accordingly.
Necessary planning for our seniors and loved ones
Elder Planning involves all of the things that should be done before you, or your loved one actually begins to feel the effects of the natural aging process or develops a serious medical condition. Sadly, most of us ignore all of this until we are in the midst of a medical emergency. Emotional and possibly panic stricken is not the state of mind you want to be in when making these choices. We have been through this many times with family, friends and clients, both well-planned and in a panic. Proper planning provides far better care for your loved one and much less stress for the family.
However, if the situation does not allow for ideal planning, we’ll do the best we can with what we have to work with.
Not all Elder Planning can or needs to be done by a lawyer, far from it. Much of what we do is help others to learn how to help themselves. We spend most of our time consulting with and coaching individuals and families on what needs to be done as opposed to doing it for them.
Some elements of Elder Planning Include:
Review of all insurance documents
It is important to know the rules of the road as laid out by your insurance company(s). It is a lot easier to advocate for a specific course of treatment if we know what the policy coverages are up front. It is also much easier to reduce or eliminate that unexpected future bill, when you know the rules. We’ll also guide you to make sure all of the required permissive authorizations are in place and up-to-date.
Having the essential current medical documents at the ready
Just because the hospital has all of your records, it does not mean the treating doctor will get the correct info when they need it. We’ll help you gather and learn about what an effective healthcare advocate needs to know and do.
Medical facility planning
Where do you want to be a patient and what paperwork do they need in advance? In addition to Healthcare Advance Directives, Living Wills, Healthcare Proxies, “Do Not Resuscitate” (DNR) and “Allow Natural Death” (A.N.D) orders, individual treatment providers will have their own specific paperwork for you. It can be overwhelming. We’ll prepare you and help you through the process.
Long-term living options
The time will come for your loved one, and eventually yourself, when it is no longer safe for them, or you, to live alone. For anyone facing these changes, it is a time of great uncertainty. These are very emotional decisions. Proper planning will ensure a better quality of life for everyone involved. We have taken care of our parents and others in their homes through complex medical conditions and end of life, and we’ve also seen loved ones end up with no choice other than the first Medicaid funded facility that will take them. We have witnessed the undeniable positive effect of proper long term planning as well as the diminished quality of life that results from a lack of it.
The knowledge to be a good advocate for yourself or your loved one
We will show you the lessons we’ve learned. When you consult with us, we’ll give you the knowledge and support to do it correctly yourself or help you to build an effective team.
Contact the office to learn more
We’re happy to meet with you. Just call the office for an appointment time at 207-703-0112 or email us directly at information@guylawllc.com.
