Advising Your Clients on Aging: How to Plan Ahead Part I

Attorneys are often consulted to assist their clients in preparing their planning documents (wills, powers of attorney, trusts, health care directives). Special considerations apply to seniors, persons with special needs and anyone currently receiving means-tested benefits or who is likely to require benefits in the future. Advising your clients on how to plan for their future must consider the impact today's planning may have on their  ability to remain independent in the community and governmental benefits. Tools for maintaining your clients' independence will be discussed, including having appropriate fiduciaries named in necessary planning documents, the pooled trusts to shelter income and asset overage if Medicaid is needed, and benefits available.  

In this program, attorney Fern Finkel provides an overview of planning directives. Options will be presented and sample forms will be provided.

Learning Objectives: 

1. Understand the financial and health care planning options and objectives when advising elderly or special needs clients

2. Develop a working knowledge of available governmental benefits

3. Identify how planning may affect eligibility