Charlottesville Elder Law Attorney
Advocating for Virginia’s Elders and Preparing them for the Future
Growing older means accepting new challenges, some of which may involve conflicts specific to the elderly and many of which will require the assistance of an experienced elder law attorney. We all want to make sure our loved ones are protected as they grow older, especially if they become less able to make decisions for themselves. There may be a need for a legal advocate familiar with the problems elders face.
Norton Health Law is your Charlottesville elder law attorney. Our founder, Beth Norton, has substantial experience working in the medical field as a nurse, which gives her enhanced perspective in understanding the current needs of her elderly clients, as well as the healthcare realities they must plan for. She is committed to the long-term care and success of her clients.
We will work with you or your loved one to preserve your interests in the years to come.
Patient Advocacy
Sometimes, elderly patients become unable to sufficiently communicate or advocate for themselves or they may feel their needs are not being met or addressed by their healthcare providers.
An experienced attorney can represent an elderly patient and make sure their concerns are being heard. They can ensure their decisions regarding medical care are being honored.
Elder Housing and Other Long-Term Care
Some elderly individuals, or loved ones acting on their behalf, may decide that living in a long-term care environment is the best course of action. It is important to be strategic in how you structure your estate to best support sustainable long-term care or residency in an assisted living, nursing or other long-term care community.
Our elder law attorney assists seniors with identifying their long-term goals. She can evaluate their options to meet those goals, and preparing a plan to get there, including the financial decisions that must be made. She is also prepared to advocate for your rights should a conflict arise with a long-term care provider.
Medicare and Medicaid
To say that the Medicare and Medicaid laws and regulations can be confusing is a drastic understatement. In fact, Virginia’s federal Court of Appeals was quoted as saying:
“There can be no doubt but that the statutes and provisions…involving the financing of Medicare and Medicaid are among the most completely impenetrable texts within human experience. Indeed, one approaches them…with dread, for not only are they dense reading of the most tortuous kind, but Congress also revisits the area frequently, generously cutting and pruning in the process and making any solid grasp of matters addressed merely a passing phase.”
Medicare and Medicaid mistakes are frequently made by providers, and patients have the right to appeal Medicare denials. Our attorney has extensive experience with the Medicare and Medicaid laws and regulations and can assist you with your denied claims and other Medicare and Medicaid issues.
We can also assist you in optimizing your estate plan to keep it within eligibility requirements. Our team prepared to incorporate Medicare and Medicaid benefits into your broader estate and financial planning, including scenarios where benefits support long-term care options.
Elder Abuse
Financial exploitation, neglect, intimidation, and other forms of elder abuse can be depressingly common. If you suspect your elderly loved one is being exploited or fear you yourself are being abused, our legal team can represent you and advocate on your behalf.
If necessary, we can explore guardianships and conservatorships to better protect an elderly loved one’s interests.
Get the legal care you or your elderly loved one deserves by giving us a call at 434-978-3100 or reaching out to us online.
Healthcare and Estate Planning for the Elderly
Some people don’t realize this, but healthcare and estate planning go hand in hand, especially as you grow older. Healthcare and estate planning are all about planning for your future, including preparing for potential medical eventualities. Elder law tailors elements of estate planning that are especially important for those of advancing age.
Some elements of estate planning that can be especially relevant to elders include:
- Wills
- Trusts
- Guardianship and Conservatorship, especially in the case of elder abuse
- Advance medical directives, especially if there are known or anticipated
conditions - Medical power of attorney
- Authorization to Release Medical Records
- Durable (Financial) Power of Attorney
- Long-term care planning
- Planning for retirement
- Medicare and Medicaid planning
If you or your elderly loved one do not already have a healthcare and estate plan in place, it is critical that you take immediate steps to prepare for the future. This can include some tough conversations, including addressing emerging medical conditions and drafting advance medical directives to prepare for as many potential eventualities as possible.
“Ms. Norton Cares”
– Franklin
Let an Experienced Attorney Help with Elder Law
Elder law is not always the most pleasant of areas to discuss, as considering the mortality and health realities of you or your loved one can be difficult. However, you can save you and your loved ones substantial grief, uncertainty, and hardship by accepting certain inevitabilities and making a plan. If your elderly loved one has not already taken these steps, do your part in protecting them and put them in touch with our Charlottesville elder law attorney. We will evaluate their situation, listen to their goals and concerns, and take steps to put their minds at ease. Our team at NHL is committed to fiercely fighting for our clients and is proud to serve as their long-term advocates.
Do not wait in getting your elderly loved one assistance. Contact us online or dial 434-978-3100 to request your consultation.