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The practice of Elder Law has grown by leaps and bounds as we are all living longer and finding ourselves with spouses or parents who need long term care. While Elder Law began from the Estate Planning aspect of arranging assets in order to qualify for Medicaid to pay for the cost of a nursing home, this area of the law is that and much more. Older clients worry about their ability to manage their own affairs, and what will happen to them and their property. Their adult children worry about who will be able to provide for their parents if they become chronically ill and unable to care for themselves. As an Elder Law attorney, I advise clients - very often across generations - about such issues as to how to avoid guardianship if one became incompetent, what the rules are regarding Medicaid and government benefits, or whether buying long term care insurance makes sense. I work with Geriatric Care Managers who can advise families wondering where to place a disabled elderly relative about nearby facilities, including home care, assisted living residences, and nursing homes. As a founding member of the Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), I am committed to keeping up with the changing rules and laws that affect the aged. |