Elder law is focused, and not mysterious

Today’s column is about elder law. As I was actually working on this column, I received a call from someone who asked me a question about a matter that falls in the elder law category. Great timing.

In recent times, I have seen and heard attorneys I know as elder law attorneys speak more about estate planning than elder law. So I asked an elder law attorney about the relationship between elder law and estate planning. (Denise Stewart is also a friend.)

She identified four parts to elder law: 1. Estate planning (documents, etc.); 2. Asset protection; 3. Long-term care & Medicaid; and 4. After-death transfers.

In my own research that refreshed my memory, I found a longer list of some topics that easily fits the four parts Denise identified.

They include disability planning, estate planning, grandchildren, long-term care insurance, long-term care planning, Medicaid, Medical (Advanced) directives, Medicare, nursing home issues, retirement living, retirement planning, elder abuse, and Social Security.

A little over six years ago, Charles Sabatino, then director of the American Bar Association’s Commission on Law and Aging wrote about how elder law helps persons protect a relative’s legal rights. He encouraged persons to have all the decision-making rights they need to make that protection happen.

In bullet-point form he suggested these steps: 1. Have the right documents; 2. Make a family plan; 3. Organize important papers; 4. Explore potential financial help; 5. Think beyond your loved one; and 6. Look for tax breaks and life insurance deals.

I found his advice in an article about elder law on the AARP website. You obviously can as well. Mr. Sabatino, as well as other elder law attorneys, would most likely advice us to “start now, not later.” Much of the planning related to later life legal matters will take time and careful thought.

So for many reasons, planning ahead both legally and emotionally is a wise first decision. And next Tuesday’s Geezer Forum just might be a good opportunity to begin, or continue, that planning.

“Elder Law for Independence, Protection and Families” will be the topic. Denise Stewart, of Estate Long Term Care Law Group, will be our resource person for the afternoon.

If what you read here has prompted some questions and interest in learning more about the topics mentioned — and some you may bring with you — please plan to join our forum gathering. Tuesday, April 23, 2:30-4 p.m. at Columbia Bank’s Community Room is when we gather.

Having you join us will enrich our experience, and hopefully yours as well.

Paul Graves, M.Div., is lead geezer-in-training of Elder Advocates, a consulting ministry on aging issues. Contact Paul at 208-61-4971 or elderadvocates@nctv.com.