Ryan M. Wilson, Practice Area Chair

Elder Law encompasses many legal issue and decisions affecting senior living. Planning is the focus of elder law. It includes taking steps to preserve independence for as long as possible and for appointing an agent in the event of incapacity.  In case where one ill spouse may require institutionalized care, planning takes on the added aspect of providing sufficient funds for the healthy spouse left at home.

Some of the areas where elder law is helpful include:

• Planning for disability with a Durable Power of Attorney for financial matters
• Planning for disability with a Durable Power of Attorney for health care
• Preservation of assets to avoid spousal impoverishment when one spouse enters a nursing home
• Conserving the estate when a person has to enter a nursing home
• Conservatorship and guardianship
• Elder abuse and fraud recovery
• Housing and living arrangements
• Nursing home issues, i.e., admissions, transfers, discharge, resident’s rights and quality care
• Estate planning through use of wills, trusts and other documents