|
The practice of Elder Law involves helping elderly clients (and their families and caregivers) make educated decisions regarding estate planning, qualification for government benefits, such as Medicaid, and preservation of assets. This is a rapidly changing area of Law that is in a constant state of flux, as new laws and administrative rules are adopted. Elder law impacts a large number of seniors and their families, especially those facing the placement of a loved one in a long-term care facility. Many elderly people fear their life savings will disappear as it becomes necessary for them or their spouses to enter a nursing home due to deteriorating health conditions. They are afraid that they will have to sell everything they have to pay for nursing home care. Presently, the average cost of nursing home care ranges from $4,000.00 to $7,000.00 per month, which means the annual cost is from $48,000.00 to $84,000.00. But with proper planning, families can care for their loved ones while preserving assets for their surviving spouses, children and heirs. The development of a well thought out strategy is crucial to successfully preserving assets, taking into consideration the various Federal and State laws, department practices and policies. As an experienced Elder Law attorney, I can help you and your family develop such a strategy and navigate the very complicated process of qualifying for Medicaid benefits, while still preserving your family's assets and life savings. As with all types of planning, timing is critical. A long-term illness can completely use up an entire life savings, as individuals are expected to privately pay for nursing care and nursing home stays. Without careful planning, Medicaid benefits can be denied and certain innocent transfers of assets you may have made to your children or other relatives could be reversed by the government, depleting precious and hard-earned assets that might otherwise have been used for the care of a loved one or to pass on to your heirs. As a lawyer specializing in Elder Law, I can help you and your loved ones navigate the maze of governmental rules and regulations and allow you to have input into how your assets are distributed. I can prepare a variety of legal documents that will allow you to achieve your planning goals, including: Wills - Powers of Attorney for Property and Healthcare
- Living Wills
- Trusts
- Special and Supplemental Needs Trusts
- Guardianships (where appropriate)
Please read about more elder law terms. To schedule an initial Elder Law/Medicaid assessment,
Please call the law firm of Russell E. Baldwin, Chartered
at (630) 717-4552 Russell E. Baldwin, Chartered
1601 North Bond Street
Suite 206
Naperville, IL 60563
Phone: (630) 717-4552
Fax: (630) 717-4556
Email
Member of National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
Member of the Probate Committee of the DuPage County Bar Association
Member of the Probate Committee of the Kane County Bar Association
| 
