Hospice is an approach to medical care for patients nearing the end of their lives. The goal is to enhance the quality of life for patients who have a terminal illness. With that in mind, hospice focuses on pain management and symptom relief while addressing the patient’s emotional, social, and spiritual needs, as well as the needs of the patient’s family members. Hospice lets patients and their families share their end-of-life experience with dignity, and in most cases, in the comfort of their own homes.
There are often legal issues which arise at this time. There may be decisions to make about how to handle things ranging from health care decisions, to financial decisions, and to how your property should pass upon your death.
Why should I choose an Elder Law Attorney to help me with Hospice Planning?
It’s important to deal with an attorney skilled in helping families during this difficult time.
In this day and age, it’s difficult for any professional to know all there is to know about any given topic. That’s especially true when it comes to issues of government benefits like Medicare and Medicaid. It’s important that you deal with an attorney who works frequently in this area and who deals frequently with the State. You need an attorney who knows how to help you and your family. Helping families through this difficult time takes a special set of skills. Not only is it important to have an attorney who understands the technical aspects of the law, but it’s also critical to have an attorney who understands the emotional aspects of your situation. You want someone you will be comfortable with and someone who has provided services to countless families going through the same issues you and your family are facing.
It's important to deal with an attorney who knows how to help you protect your life's savings.
No matter the size of your estate, you have worked hard to earn it. It may be important to you that you pass along as much of your estate as possible. When selecting an attorney, be sure that he or she is knowledgeable about how to help you arrange things so that you receive the care you need and so that your assets will be preserved for your family to the greatest extent allowed by the law. Often individuals leave their estate to their spouse; however, the hospice patient must consider their spouses likelihood of entering a nursing facility. An elder law attorney can help develop a plan that saves assets from being consumed by nursing home care costs, benefitting the surviving spouse.
Select an attorney who makes house calls.
Dealing with clients on hospice is unlike most other types of legal practice. Typically the family has to go to the attorney’s office for a consultation. Not only can this be stressful, but also takes physical and emotional energy. An attorney who deals with hospice, on the other hand, will make house calls when needed. This makes things easier on the family, especially in the later stages of illness, when hospice patients may have greater difficulty getting around.
All of these are reasons why it is important to deal with someone who practices in this important area of the law and who has sensitivity to the needs of hospice patients and their families.