At Hebert & Dolder PLLC, our very own Attorney Don Hebert recently attended a continuing legal education seminar (CLE) presented by the New Hampshire Bar Association on the subject of elder law, with specific focus on Medicaid planning. As a result of this informative experience, he is broadening his practice area and is now prepared to assist clients with Medicaid planning and applying for Medicaid.

According to the Administration on Aging (AOA), in 2000 nearly 10 million people needed some form of long-term care in the United States. Of this, 3.6 million or 37% were under the age of 65 and 6 million (63%) were over the age of 65 (Roger & Komisar, 2003). The AOA contends that nearly 70% of people turning 65 will be in need of long-term care at some point in their lives.

What is long-term care? Long-term care refers to a range of services and supports that a person may need to meet their personal care needs. The majority of long-term care is not medical care and instead deals with assistance with basic personal tasks associated with everyday living such as bathing, dressing, managing money, grocery shopping, caring for pets, housework, taking medication etc.

There are numerous factors that affect the possibility of whether or not you will need care, with age being the number one factor; the older you are, the more likely it is that you will need long-term care. Another factor is gender, since women outlive men by an average of five years; they are more likely to need long-term care than men. Other contributing factors include having a chronic illness or disability such as Alzheimer's, high blood pressure, or diabetes. Lastly, if you wind up living alone, you're more inclined to need paid care than if you were married or single and living with a significant other.

How an Elder Law Attorney Can Help

The majority of people are unable to handle the complexity of planning for both their medical and financial futures on their own. By consulting with an elder law attorney who is knowledgeable on the issues surrounding old age, applying for Medicaid, and Medicaid estate recovery, you will be taking the first step to advance care planning. At Hebert & Dolder PLLC., we can help you create the legal framework needed to ensure that your medical and financial wishes are fulfilled. We can explore your qualifications for Medicaid and where appropriate, we can apply on your behalf.

To get started, contact us today at (603) 259-7061.