Elder Law

Elder Law addresses the unique challenges and needs of senior citizens. Our staff of lawyers and paralegals has extensive experience in the following areas:
  • Long Term Care Planning
       o Medicaid Planning and Asset Protection
       o Long Term Care Insurance Issues
  • Incapacity
       o Living Wills
       o Powers of Attorney
       o Health Care Representative Appointments
       o Guardianships
  • Estate Planning
       o Wills
       o Trusts
       o Beneficiary Designations
  • Retirement Issues
       o Social Security
       o Medicare
It has been estimated that 22.4 million households – nearly one in four – are now providing (or have provided in the last 12 months) care to a relative or friend aged 50 or older. This is according to a survey by the National Alliance for Caregiving and the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP). Other surveys indicate that today’s adults, who were born between 1946 and 1965 (otherwise known as Baby Boomers), probably will spend more years caring for a parent than for their children.

As the concerns of seniors have become increasingly important, they also have become a priority for Beasley & Gilkison. Our objective is to assist you in preserving assets for yourself, your surviving spouse, and for future generations - regardless of your age. The proper preparation and updating of documents related to asset preservation is essential for senior citizens.

Medicaid

Medicaid manages a federal-state program, meaning that the federal government sets the rules, but each state operates its own program. There can be differences in the management of this program from state to state. Medicaid provides health benefits to children of low-income families, seniors, and people with disabilities. There are numerous eligibility rules, requirements, and limitations with respect to your income and assets in order to receive Medicaid benefits. There are also special provisions to allow a community spouse to retain a minimum income if his or her spouse is in a nursing home and receives Medicaid.

Medicaid rules change frequently. Beasley & Gilkison follows the changes so we can effectively represent our clients and protect and preserve assets as allowed by the rules while preserving eligibility for benefits.

Anyone with assets to protect, or who is anticipating a need for long-term care, could benefit from careful planning. Our goal is to make this process as easy and beneficial as possible. Careful planning can relieve worry about the future; it can also provide the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your wishes will be honored.

Our elder law attorney, in conjunction with our estate planning attorneys, can fully represent any senior individual.

Attorney:
Sara E. Shade