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One
of the biggest parts of caregiving is making sure that
financial and legal documents are in order for the immediate
and
long-term challenges you may face. |
This
is an area where, if certain forms and documents aren't in
order, the caregiver is put at a real disadvantage. It is
stressful and time-consuming.
Power
of attorney, HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and
Accountability Act) and health
care proxy are considered forms of advanced directives. This
means that you decide ahead of time the kind of medical care
you want to receive if you are faced with a serious
injury or illness.
If you are over 18, you can and should prepare an advance
directive.
Compile
an inventory that which lists all assets and liabilities of
the older person. The following items should be included:
bank accounts, pass books, certificates of deposit, money
market funds, stocks, bonds, precious metals, jewelry, real
estate deeds, promissory notes, contracts, insurance policies,
safety deposit boxes (including location of the key), and
retirement or pension benefits, etc. Click on this link Legal
And Financial Affairs to get more information.
Elder
law is a component of law pertaining to the elderly. These
lawyers work with the elderly and their families to have a
better understanding of the issues and limitations that the
elderly have to face.
Elder law attorneys specialize in a variety of areas including: |
- Medicaid
or Medicare claims and appeals
- Social
Security and disability claims and appeals
- Supplemental
and long-term health insurance issues
- Disability
planning (i.e., durable power of attorney, living trusts,
living wills, etc.)
- Estate
planning, including wills, probate, and trusts
- Administration
and management of trusts and estates
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- Nursing
home issues such as patient's rights and nursing home quality
- Housing
issues (including age discrimination)
- Employment
issues (including age discrimination)
- Retirement,
including public and private retirement benefits and pension
benefits
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