Trust and estate lawyers serve as activists for the elderly dealing with legal issues associated with guardianship, health care, long term care, retirement, social security, and other important matters. Hiring a Manalapan Township elder law attorney could give you security when handling such issues.

Advance Directives For Older People

Advance directives are essentially decisions about a person’s health and treatment preferences that are made before necessary in the event that they are incapable of making their own healthcare decisions due to mental incapacity. With a properly drafted document, someone could select a caregiver to act on their behalf for the purpose of making important healthcare decisions. The designated caregiver might have the power to act according to the stated wishes as well as make other healthcare choices that are not pre-specified but in the patient’s best interest.

An elder law attorney in Manalapan township could advise on the best form of advance directives and help legally draft a person’s medical care wishes. There are many types of advance directives for different situations.

Do Not Resuscitate (DNR) Orders

A do not resuscitate order states the conditions and circumstances in which someone does not want cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). This essentially describes at what point a person would prefer to have life-saving measures taken in the event of a cardiac episode or stopped breathing.

Living Wills

These documents are critical for stating specific wishes for medical treatment when one’s condition becomes terminal or if circumstances prevent someone from communicating their desires. A living will could specify which types of treatments should be used, which should be avoided, and who should make decisions.

Durable Power of Attorney

A durable power of attorney grants power to determine medical treatment and make financial decisions in the event that the grantor is unable to do so for themselves. Making the decision to grant power of attorney is very serious, but a seasoned elder law attorney could explain the implications and provide guidance.

Medicaid Benefits in Manalapan

If medical expenses become greater than an elderly person is able to realistically pay for, New Jersey’s Medicaid program may be able to provide relief. New Jersey residents who are U.S. citizens or qualified aliens are eligible to enroll in the state’s Medicaid system. An experienced elder law attorney in Manalapan Township could help determine which benefits someone is eligible and help them get the most out of their assistance program.

Elder Abuse in Manalapan

Elders in New Jersey are protected from abuse by the Adult Protective Services Act and another statute governing the reporting of suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation. Under N.J.S. § 52:27D-409, individuals suspected of abusing, exploiting, or neglecting a vulnerable person such as the elderly could be subject to both civil and criminal liability. Anybody who suspects that an elder has been abused or exploited in Manalapan should contact the Monmouth County adult protective services provider.

There are particular protections provided to elderly residents of residential healthcare facilities, rooming or boarding houses, and retirement communities that are similar to the general protections in New Jersey. Any person who has a legal duty to care for a person 60 years of age or older, or any other vulnerable adult, cannot abandon or unreasonably neglect the physical or mental health of that person. Violations are a criminal act and will be prosecuted under the law.

Understand Your Options With a Manalapan Township Elder Law Attorney

Retaining an attorney experienced in senior legal issues could help you get the representation you need whether it is granting power of attorney, or a personal injury claim from nursing home abuse. A Manalapan Township elder law attorney may be the right choice for you and your needs. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.