Elder law, simply put, is anything that has to do with seniors. The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys sums elder law up as: living, financial, health and long term care planning for older adults and individuals with special needs.
One of the focuses of elder law is the living environment. What are the options for those covered under elder law?
- Home Care is where the individual can stay at home and have someone come to care for them on a part-time basis. "More and more older people are electing to live independent, non-institutionalized lives, and are receiving home care services as their physical capabilities diminish". Home care is also becoming a choice for many terminally ill individuals who prefer to spend the last span of time at home.
- Retirement living is usually in a section of housing where everyone is over a certain age and shares some of the same needs. Many of these areas include recreational activities such as swimming and a central place for residents to gather for social times.
- Assisted living consists of different levels if more care than home care is needed. Assisted living is for those who might need help dressing, bathing, taking medications, but do not need intensive medical and nursing care. In assisted living, individuals usually have their own apartment type living spaces. Many assisted living facilities provide meals and social gatherings.
- Nursing home care is if the individual needs nursing care that cannot be given in the home, or if the individual does not have family who can care for them.
Wondering about elder law and living environments? Wondering about your own options? Please contact us and let us help you answer those questions.
