Elder care can involve a range of legal issues, including estate planning, guardianship, nursing home abuse, and Medicare/Medicaid eligibility. It is important to consult with an attorney who specializes in elder law to ensure that all legal matters are handled properly.

The Nursing Home Reform Act of 1987 requires nursing homes to provide residents with a certain standard of care, including adequate nutrition, medical treatment, and freedom from abuse and neglect. Additionally, each state has its own laws and regulations that govern nursing homes and protect seniors from mistreatment.

Guardianship is a legal arrangement in which a court appoints a person or organization to make decisions for an individual who is unable to make decisions for themselves, such as someone with dementia or a serious mental illness. It may be necessary when a person does not have a power of attorney or if there is a dispute among family members about who should make decisions for the individual.

Estate planning tools for seniors may include wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. These documents can help ensure that a person’s assets are distributed according to their wishes and that someone is appointed to make decisions on their behalf if they are unable to do so.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older, as well as those with certain disabilities or who have end-stage renal disease. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health care coverage to those with low income and limited resources. Eligibility requirements for both programs vary based on income, assets, and other factors.