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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