There are those who question why they need to engage the services of an elder law attorney, and the reality is that there are many different reasons. But perhaps the most overarching one is the fact that elder law specialists have a comprehensive understanding of all of the tools and options that are available to seniors. There is simply no reason for the layperson to have this kind of specialized knowledge. And when you are unaware of an avenue that may be open to you it can cost you a lot of money; indeed, a whole lot more than it costs to retain an estate planning lawyer.
Long-term care costs are a source of great concern for many senior citizens, and they are very high at the present time and expected to continue to rise. The average length of stay in a nursing home is between two and three years, and the national average cost for a year in a nursing home is over eighty thousand dollars. Many people simply can’t part with this kind of money comfortably, and so it is important to make sure that you are not overlooking any benefits that may be available to you.
With this in mind, if you are a veteran, you may be eligible for some long-term care assistance in the form of the Veterans Aid and Attendance Pension. To qualify you must need help with your day to day needs, things like dressing, eating, grooming yourself, etc. If you served on active duty in the armed forces for a minimum of ninety days with at least one of them taking place during a time of war you meet the length of service requirement. A qualified single veteran is eligible for over $1,600 per month, and this can cover a significant portion of your long-term care expenses, especially if you are receiving in-home care.
- Can You Give Inheritances in Advance to Limit Estate Taxes? - August 11, 2026
- Do Trusts Pay Taxes on Capital Gains? - July 9, 2026
- How Does a Trust Differ From a Will? - July 7, 2026
( By appointment only )