Questions About Long-Term Care Planning for Elders?

What Does an Elder Law Attorney Do?

Elder law overlaps with a wide range of legal practices. In general, our elder law attorneys help protect businesses and people from unnecessary probate issues. As a result, you may be able to secure estates, assets and investments for the future, no matter the size. We also assist families with advance healthcare planning and directives.

We can guide you through the Medicaid process to make sure your loved one receives all benefits he or she is entitled to as well. Our staff will review and evaluate assisted living and nursing home contracts to make sure elder rights are protected. In addition to health care directives, our attorney can help you establish power of attorney for property.

Power of attorney for property gives legal authority to an organization or person to handle someone’s business affairs. If a person is unable to handle his or her own business, then we can help you draft the necessary legal paperwork to establish an administrator. If it is not possible to administer power of attorney, then our elder law attorney can guide you through the guardianship process. While guardianship has limitations, we can help draft an arrangement that works in your loved one’s best interest.

Can Your Elder Law Attorneys Help With Nursing Home Abuse Cases?

At Swingle, Van Egmond & Heitlinger, our elder law attorneys are also seasoned litigators who have experience representing individuals and families in abuse cases. If your elderly loved one is or was mistreated by an individual or the staff of a facility, then speak with a Modesto elder law attorney from our firm. We can assist you in filing a lawsuit. In general, elder law litigation for injury cases involves one of two types of abuse, which are:

• Physical abuse. Negligence at nursing care facilities and assisted living homes may result in the physical or sexual abuse of residents. In some cases, elderly victims may be unable or unwilling to report this abuse to family members. However, if you have discovered that your loved one experienced abuse at nursing home, then we can assist you in filing suit against the facility and/or other liable parties.
• Elder financial abuse. In some circumstances, caregivers or other individuals may financially exploit the elders in their care. This may occur through overt threats or subtle manipulation. These individuals may use undue influence to pressure an elderly individual into changing his or her will or estate plan. Otherwise, a financial abuser may unlawfully take money or assets from his or her charge. If your elderly loved one suffered financial abuse or you believe undue influence led to a change in his or her estate plan, then our litigation lawyers have help.