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ELDER LAW |
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In working with elders and their families, we make sure that
our clients are well represented when obtaining home health care,
entering a nursing home, and applying for services from senior service
centers and MassHealth. Depending upon the needs of the elder, we
can draft asset protection plans, assist with asset transfers, complete
applications for MassHealth benefits, and work with your family
so that they understand the planning being done for you and your
loved ones. An informed family is a more content family.
We can also assist family members who need to obtain a conservatorship
or guardianship over an elder due to the elder’s diminished
capacity. We work with you to make sure that you are protected and
that your family member’s best interests and needs are met.
MassHealth Applications
MassHealth (Massachusetts Medicaid) requires an applicant to own only
$2,000.00 in countable assets. The Law Office of Diane H. Gold can
help you to “spend down” your assets and transfer them
to your loved ones while still insuring that you have as much control
as possible. We can also help you to prepare your MassHealth Application
and represent you at any hearing regarding your MassHealth application
or eligibility.
Guardianship/Conservatorship
At The Law Office of Diane H. Gold, we understand how difficult it
is when a loved one needs assistance with taking care of him or herself.
At some point you may need to apply to be the guardian or conservator
for a loved one. While this is not an easy decision, we can help guide
you through the process of applying to be the guardian or conservator,
and we can help you to act in that capacity to the standards set by
the courts.
You may ask what the difference between a conservator and a guardian
is. The roles are very similar. As a conservator (also known as
“guardian of the estate,” you have a duty to protect
your loved one’s money and other assets. As guardian (also
known as “guardian of the person”) you have a duty to
protect your loved one’s physical person. Often, a guardian
asks to act as guardian of the person as well as guardian of the
estate of the loved one.
Nursing Homes
If you (or a loved one) is in a skilled nursing facility, the
facility has a duty to treat you with respect and give you the medical
attention you need. Additionally, barring unusual circumstances, the
facility it not allowed to move you to a different room without your
consent. If you believe that you or a loved one has been treated improperly
at a skilled nursing facility, The Law Office of Diane H. Gold can
work with you to contact the appropriate people at the facility and,
if necessary, represent you in court to insure that you or your loved
one is properly taken care of.
Feel free to contact
us to learn more about Elder Law and how we can assist you and your
family.
Medicare Part D
The Medicare Prescription Drug benefit takes effect January
1, 2006. Are you enrolled in a Medicare prescription drug plan? Do
you even need to enroll at this time? If you are a Medicare recipient,
The Law Office of Diane H. Gold can help you determine whether you
need to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug program and which program
is best for you based on your current medical needs. Let us take the
confusion out of your prescription drug benefit choices.
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