Why Hire an Elder Law Attorney?

Many seniors and their families don’t use a lawyer to plan for long-term care, often because they’re afraid of the cost. An elder law attorney may actually help you save money in the long run as well as make sure you are getting the best care for your loved one.

Here are a few reasons why you should call Joplin Elder Law for a free consultation:

Saving Money

Nursing homes can cost as much as $6,000 a month or more in Missouri. If you need long term skilled nursing care, the cost of hiring an attorney to plan for Vendor Medicaid coverage will pay for itself in less than two months. Potentially saving you tens of thousands of dollars.

Elder law attorneys can also help you develop an estate plan that can help your family avoid the hassle and expense associated with probate.

Knowledge and Experience

Professionals who work in any field on a daily basis over many years develop experience and expertise to advise clients on how they might best achieve their goals. Whether those goals are maintaining independence and dignity, preserving funds for children and grandchildren, or staying home rather than moving to assisted living or a nursing home. Less experienced advisers, however well intentioned, can’t know what they don’t know.

Peace of Mind

While it’s possible that when you consult with an elder law attorney, the attorney may advise you that in your situation there is not much you can do to preserve assets. A consultation with a Joplin Elder Law attorney will provide peace of mind that you have not missed a valuable opportunity.

No Conflict of Interest

When nursing homes refer the families of residents to non-lawyers to assist in preparing the Vendor Medicaid application, the preparer has dual loyalties, both to the facility that provides the referrals and to the client applying for benefits. It’s in the nursing home’s interest that the resident private pay for as long as possible before going on Vendor Medicaid. However, it’s in the nursing home resident’s interest to qualify quickly and protect assets for their care or for their spouse or family. An attorney hired to assist with Medicaid planning and the application has a duty of loyalty only to the client and will do their best to achieve the client’s goals.

Medicaid rules provide multiple opportunities for nursing home residents to preserve assets for themselves, their spouses and children and grandchildren, especially those with special needs. There are more opportunities for those who plan ahead, but even at the last minute there may still steps available to preserve most or some assets. Call Joplin Elder Law today to schedule your free consultation.