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How Can We Protect Seniors?


By: Swogger, Bruce & Millar Law Firm, P.C.

May is both Elder Abuse Awareness Month and Elder Law Awareness Month.  It is not an accident that these awareness campaigns take place in the same month; elder law and elder abuse relate closely to each other.  May is the perfect time to learn more about these important issues.

Elder law is an area of practice that focuses on the issues facing seniors. Elder law attorneys are knowledgeable in multiple areas, including, planning for Medicaid or Veterans benefits, helping clients transition into long-term care or assisted living, helping clients with guardianships and conservatorships, and estate planning.  Sadly, as elder abuse has increased, it has become necessary for elder law attorneys to be available to provide legal protection and advocacy.

Elder abuse is any form of mistreatment that causes a senior harm or loss.  Elder abuse includes physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, exploitation, neglect, and abandonment.  10% of Americans aged 60+ file official claims of elder abuse.  However, estimates suggest that seniors only report 1 in 14 cases of abuse.  Abused seniors have a 300% higher risk of death when compared to their peers, and elder financial abuse costs seniors almost $40 billion every year. 

Family members commit over 60% of elder abuse and neglect incidents.  It is common for seniors to rely on their children to help them as they age.  Asking a family member for help presents an opportunity for unscrupulous individuals to steal from the senior.  Elder law attorneys can help put safeguards in place to reduce the chances of abuse or seek justice for the abused.

50% of Americans aged 65+ will need an extended stay in a nursing home.  The average cost of a nursing home in Michigan is approximately $9,000 per month.  Some seniors who are financially well-off can afford to private pay long-term care expenses; others purchase long-term care insurance to reduce their risk.  Many seniors rely on Medicaid or Veterans benefits to pay for care. 

Medicaid and Veterans long-term care benefits are among the most misunderstood types of government assistance.  Misinformation and fatalistic thinking cause many seniors to lose assets unnecessarily.  The fact is that nearly every senior facing long-term care expenses can save at least 50% of their estate; many can save up to 100%.  Elder law attorneys can help with these legal and financial matters. Most elder law attorneys take pride in easing a family’s stress and helping manage the emotional issues that surround putting a loved one into a nursing home.


Swogger, Bruce & Millar Law Firm, P.C. is a law firm specializing in elder law and estate planning with a special emphasis on Medicaid planning and Veterans benefits.  The firm focuses on innovative ways to protect the assets of its clients.  John J. Rizzo III has practiced elder law in northern Michigan for nearly 20 years.


For more information, please contact:

John J. Rizzo III
Elder Law Attorney
Swogger, Bruce & Millar Law Firm, P.C.
10691 East Carter Road, Suite 103
Traverse City, MI 49684
Phone: (231) 947-6800
Fax: (231) 421-5909
jrizzo@swoggerandbruce.com


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