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YouTubeNot sure if that's the right word or not, but if anyone knows an attorney who has expertise in dealing with issues related to the elderly, I would appreciate a referral.
Thanks!
Berdawn
Columbus Underground Messageboard » General Columbus Discussion » Q&A
Elder Law?
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lifeliberty
Here
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http://aging.ohio.gov/resources/areaagenciesonaging/
About Area Agencies on Aging
Created by the Older Americans Act of 1965, Area Agencies on Aging respond to the needs of the elderly in the communities they serve. They are advocates, planners, funders and educators, as well as providers of information and referral services
Posted 1 year ago # -
rustbelt
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If distance/geography is not an issue, I recommend Hickman & Lowder in Cleveland. They are well-known & regarded. I've been happy with what they've been able to do for my family.
This is also a good opportunity to pitch to people to start talking to their parents about their care as they get older & sicker.
Do you know what your parents' wishes are regarding end-of-life care, DNR orders, etc? Are you or someone else designated as power-of-attorney, if needed? Have your parents started financial planning for the chance/likelihood they will need Medicaid to pay for long-term nursing home care? Do you know anything about your parents' financial situation? How much money, where it's stashed, etc?
Making these types of arrangements before it gets too late can save TONS of time, sweat & money. And there is definitely a time when it is "too late".
Posted 1 year ago # -
NotaryOne
Columbus
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I'm with ya, rustbelt. I'm called to health facilities and homes frequently to notarize signatures on Living Wills and Health Care POAs. Sometimes though, folks have waited too long; if the person is not competent to be aware of what they are signing, then I can't proceed. I refer the family to an elder care attorney who can assist them further, perhaps with guardianship.
I've had good elder care experiences with attorney George McCann; he's located close to downtown and can be reached at (614) 228-2300.
The Living Will and Health Care POA are important documents that detail what your wishes (and limitations) are for your care and treatment if you can't speak for yourself, and allows an agent of your choice to carry out those wishes.
I can't emphasize enough to get those essential documents completed and then keep them where your family can FIND them if needed. They can be downloaded free at the Ohio Department of Health website, as well as the Franklin County Probate Court site.
Don't think these documents are just for the elderly - EVERYONE over 18 needs to have them.
A Last Will and Testament is also very important to have, especially if you have a family. Don't get the generic, fill-in-the-blanks version at an office store; many local attorneys will draw up a simple will for a very reasonable fee. It's well worth the relatively small expense to have it done exactly the way you want, and you'll enjoy the peace of mind that your wishes will be followed.
Posted 1 year ago # -
Walker
The KLD / Downtown
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Lakee911 wrote >>
Is it just me, or did posts get deleted here?http://www.columbusunderground.com/forums/topic/q-amp-a-responses
Posted 1 year ago # -
berdawn
near that stretch of N. High Street in the Short North
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Thanks, guys! Yep, it's pre-planning stuff since my mom has a house.
My experiences when my MIL and father died have made me quite the crusader for having folks talk with their physician about their wishes and making sure they complete all the needed paperwork. As I've posted a number of times, the "death panel" talk makes my ass hurt...were it not for their wonderful doctors, their deaths would have gone from sad to fucked up.
Posted 1 year ago # -
rustbelt
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As reiterated by berdawn & NotaryOne, getting all the proper health-related paperwork in order before there's a crisis is very important.
But don't underestimate the financial part of it, too.
Do you know Medicare does not pay for long-term nursing home care? That leaves people with two choices - Medicaid or spending their savings until they are eligible for Medicaid.
However, there are ways to insulate savings, income, etc so long as people prepare (at least) several years in advance. Consult with an experienced attorney to do so.
Chances are, if you listen to family, friends, etc they will give you wrong information, bad advice, etc. Not on purpose, of course. But because they don't have the proper experience & training.
There's also the tendency to think, "well, my family did it this way so should you". Wrong. There are numerous variables that may make your family's situation different than theirs.
There are some situations in life you need not consult with an attorney. This is not one of them.
Posted 1 year ago # -
sirlancelot
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The Columbus Bar Association has an attorney referral service that can guide you. You may find it helpful to read up on elder-care related issues (see local library) in order to know what questions to ask. Should Congress actually pass multi-trillion dollar budget cuts, society will be forced to make some very difficult choices, including whether grandma and grandpa get medical care or not.
Posted 1 year ago #
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