Durable Powers of Attorney

There is a need in all of us to nurture our parents as they become older. We make decisions regarding where they will live – whether in their own home, with you or in an elder care facility. After making this decision, however, you find there are other preparations to arrange. You may now find yourself in charge of such financial and medical matters as overseeing their insurance and day-to-day concerns like paying the bills. This is where durable powers of attorney can change things and pave the way for both you and your parent to have smoother transitions on all necessary legal matters.

Durable Power of Attorney in Michigan

A durable power of attorney enables your elderly parent (called the “principal” in the power of attorney document) to appoint an “agent,” (you), to handle specific health, legal and financial responsibilities. This document is especially important in regards to their healthcare. With the need for proper medical assistance becoming such an important issue, being able to step in and make decisions regarding your parent’s care, and their benefits under the Affordable Care Act, is vital. For instance, under this act, seniors with Medicare benefits will never have them reduced or eliminated and, will always be able to choose his or her own doctor. This is why it is essential to know what their rights are and set up the legal means to take over, if necessary, and make decisions for them before they become forgetful, terminally ill or have difficulty handling these tasks. By doing this now, while your parent is capable of deciding to seek assistance:

• First:  the transfer of responsibilities occurs immediately.
• Second: if they do unfortunately, become incapacitated or incompetent, this will allow you to make many important financial decisions, pay bills and make important healthcare decisions on their behalf.
• Third: this provides an opportunity to do crucial Medicaid planning. What this means is that if your parent should need long-term care in the future, which is expensive, this can deplete their life savings before they are even allowed to become eligible for benefits such as Medicaid or Medical Assistance. Through this planning, you can help your parent protect the assets they have; including their home.

Not All Durable Powers of Attorney are Equal

One of the big issues Michigan families run into is that not all durable powers of attorney are created equal.  Quite often when a durable power of attorney is reviewed it is prepared from an estate planning perspective, not an elder law one.  Meaning there are limitations that won’t allow you to properly plan for VA Benefits or Medicaid because the power of attorney was drafted by someone who is not a Certified Elder Law Attorney.

Durable Power of Attorney for Your Parents

We understand that emotions involved while caring for your elderly parent can seem almost as overwhelming as the financial obligations themselves. As your loved ones age, together, we can plan a caregiving strategy. By choosing The Elder Care Firm, a practice that is dedicated to helping Michigan seniors, veterans and their families plan for and cope with the many issues that come with growing older, this will help smooth transitions and give you a better view of the scope of your responsibilities. To learn more about the durable power of attorney and speak with a lawyer who can help, please contact us today for more information.

The post Durable Powers of Attorney Can Help Smooth Transitions for Elder Care in 2015 appeared first on Estate Planning Lawyers | Elder Law Attorneys | Brighton | Novi | Livonia Elder Law Attorneys.

Michigan Certified Elder Law Attorney, Christopher J. Berry, JD, VA Accredited, will host The Elder Care Chat where he will cover the Six Ways to Pay for Long-Term Care Costs.

The call can be access as follows:

Title: The Elder Care Chat 6.24.13
Time: Monday, June 24th at 2:00pm Eastern
Listening method: Phone + Web Simulcast
Phone number: (206) 402-0100
PIN Code: 670087#

To attend via the web, visit:
http://InstantTeleseminar.com/?eventID=42786354

The Elder Care Chat, is a weekly teleseminar that occurs Monday at 2pm where Christopher J. Berry, CELA, one of the premier Elder Law Attorneys in the nation, chats about various topics in Elder Care for the benefit of those in need of elder care services, such as caregivers and their loved ones needing care, and those who provide elder care services, such as home care providers, social workers, elder care communities and other senior service professionals.

In addition to VA Accredited, Certified Elder Law Attorney, Adjunct Professor, Author, Christopher J. Berry, J.D., there will occasionally be other experts featured in elder care for the benefit of those who are caregivers, concerned about elder care for themselves or provide services to those who are in need of elder care services.

The Format of the chat is that Certified Elder Law Attorney, Christopher J. Berry will speak on a topic for 10-20 minutes relevant to The Elder Care Journey and elder law. After that, he will then open it up to questions. Keep in mind, the chat is recoded every week, so do not ask any personal questions you do not want to be heard and replayed.

The chat will be less than 30 minutes, and will be every Monday at 2pm Eastern. This will be the cheapest time you’ll ever spend with an attorney!

Researching and utilizing the appropriate equipment for home use can go a long way to alleviate much of the discomfort when it comes to the security of a senior. There are a variety of precautions that can be taken to ensure the well-being of a senior whether the caregiver is present or not. Below you will discover safety tips on two problem areas for seniors: stairs and bathrooms.

(Read more: Medicaid expansion in trouble in Mich. Legislature)

Stair Safety

Many homes include some form of stairs whether they are attached to a porch or enable access to a different level of the home. For proper elder care safety, ensure that the area around the steps is well lit. While seniors may be aware that they are approaching steps based on familiarity, they can still miss a step or two without proper lighting. Plug-in lights provide nighttime illumination that will not disturb others’ sleep.

(Read more: The Affordable Care Act At Three: Quality Over Quantity)

It is also imperative to keep the stairs free of clutter. Regularly checking the area reduces the chances of a senior tripping or falling over things.

Bathroom Safety

Every senior visits the bathroom, some more than others. Guard rails next to the toilet and tub provide a safety outlet to grab in the event a senior slips and falls. To ensure proper installation, hire a professional to put these in place.

(Read more: Why Elder Law Attorneys Aren’t Just for Seniors)

Get Help

Never be too proud or bust to seek the necessary professional help, or planning in elder care safety. Comfort Keepers proposes its own SafetyChoice® products to ensure the safety and security of seniors. Learn more about Comfort Keepers by following the link below.

Read more: http://comfortkeepers.com/elder-care-tips-creating-a-safe-home?goback=.gde_126335_member_224388320