4 Questions Family Caregivers Need to Ask Elder Law Attorneys
By Home Care Assistance Des Moines 9 am on
Elder law can be challenging to manage without the right assistance, and hiring an attorney who is an expert in this type of law is a step you and your senior loved one shouldn’t take lightly. Ask these 4 questions before choosing a lawyer for your loved one.
1. What Are Your Areas of Expertise?
Your loved one will need to know if the attorney focuses on a particular niche of elder law. Even though your family may need the attorney’s assistance in one area of the law now, other issues could occur, and you might need the lawyer’s assistance in another facet of elder law. Some of the areas of expertise the attorney should have experience in are:
Medicare and Medicaid
Long-term care
Guardianship
Asset protection
Elderly abuse
Power of attorney
Social security
Retirement and pensions
Estate planning
Age discrimination
Having an elder law attorney who has expertise in senior home care can also be beneficial. When researching agencies that provide senior care, Des Moines, IA, families are usually looking for flexible care plans, compassionate and highly trained caregivers, and 24/7 availability. Whether you need respite care to take a break from your caregiving duties or your senior loved one needs around-the-clock assistance at home, you can rely on Home Care Assistance.
2. What Organizations Do You Belong To?
There are many organizations that focus on seniors, retirees, and people living with disabilities. It’s a good idea to ask the elder law attorney if he or she belongs to any of these organizations. One of the most important organizations is the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, which helps attorneys stay up to date on current elder law topics. The Special Needs Alliance is another organization the elder law attorney should belong to. If the attorney isn’t a member of these types of organizations, you may want to question why. If your loved one needs transportation to meet with an elder law attorney, an in-home caregiver is the perfect solution. The type of senior home care seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Home Care Assistance, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time.
3. What Experience and Certifications Do You Have?
Find out how many cases the attorney has tried and how many years he or she has been working in the field. Your loved one can ask the attorney these questions, but it’s essential to do some research on your own as well. Make sure the attorney is up to date with state laws and guidelines that pertain to your loved one’s healthcare and home care. Ask if the attorney is certified through the National Elder Law Foundation. This certification educates attorneys on all parts of the law that pertain to the aging population. Ask to see the attorney’s certifications and past client reviews.
4. Who Interacts with the Clients?
Some elder law attorneys at larger firms only meet with their clients face to face one time. Instead, hire an attorney who meets with your loved one and family members on request. A good elder law attorney will get to know your loved one, increasing the odds of securing the benefits, assistance, and long-term care your loved one needs and deserves.In addition to securing the right attorney for your loved one, it’s also important to find the ideal at-home caregiver who can help your parent maintain a high quality of life while aging in place. If your senior loved one needs hourly or live-in care, Des Moines Home Care Assistance can help. Our caregivers can assist with exercise and mobility, prepare nutritious meals, provide timely medication reminders, and help with a wide array of other important daily tasks. To learn more about our premier senior home care, give us a call today at (515) 264-2438.
