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While an attorney is not required to file an application, it is frequently advisable to at least consult with an elder law attorney prior to spending all of your assets on nursing home care or filing an application for Medicaid.  While assistance may be available from the nursing home or from certain service agencies, an…

Financial eligibility for Medicaid coverage of long term care expenses is based upon: financial responsibility, countable income and countable assets. FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY When one member of a married couple is a resident of a medical institution, and is expected to remain in the facility for 30 days or more, the total value of countable assets…

The average cost of nursing home care in the State of Connecticut is $12,604 per month (as of 7/1/17) according to the Connecticut Dept. of Social Services.  While Medicare and supplemental health insurance plans cover most of the medical expenses of an acute illness, those programs provide only minimal coverage of nursing home care. Absent…

A living will is a document in which you express your wishes concerning the use of life-sustaining medical treatment in the event of a terminal illness.  Living wills provide some indication of one’s wishes regarding “pulling the plug” should that decision need to be made by your health care agent.

An Appointment of Health Care Representative is a document in which you name a person (the “health care agent”) to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to make or communicate them yourself.  The health care agent has a duty to follow your wishes even if the agent does not agree with…

A power of attorney is a document by which you (the “principal”) authorize a person (the “attorney-in-fact” or “agent”) to manage your assets and financial affairs during your lifetime.  A power of attorney is “durable” if the agent’s authority continues if you become incompetent. Powers of attorney are used to avoid the need for conservatorship…

Yes, it is generally recommended that everyone have a Will.  A Will is used to accomplish three things:  (1) to direct who will receive the property you own, individually, at your death, (2) to name the person you want to be appointed Executor of your Estate after you die, and (3) to name a guardian…

Estate planning involves planning for both incapacity during your lifetime and planning for the disposition of your assets in the event of your death.  If you became incapacitated, who would make medical decisions for you?  Who would pay your bills?  If you were to die, who should receive your assets?  Who should be in charge…

You may benefit from the services of an elder law attorney if you: are creating or updating your estate plan, or have questions about long-term care planning and asset protection, or are considering transferring title to your home or other assets to a child or other person, or adding another person’s name to the title…

Elder law is the practice of law involving the counseling and representation of older persons and their representatives. It encompasses the legal aspects of health and long-term care planning and financing; public benefits like Medicaid, Veterans Benefits, and Social Security; alternative living arrangements and attendant residents’ rights; special needs counseling; decision making regarding capacity; conservatorships;…