THE POLLS ARE NOW OPEN!!! The Virginia Living Magazine Reader's Survey "Best of Virginia, 2024 is now underway and The Estate & Elder Law Center of Southside Virginia offices in Bassett, Lynchburg and Danville would all appreciate your vote. Our firm is listed in the Law Firm category! To vote for the BASSETT office on 3371 Fairystone Park Hwy, please select the "SOUTHWEST" region. We are listed at this link: https://bov2024.capefear.com/southwest/law-firm on the drop-down menu of choices as "The Estate & Elder Law Center of Southside Virginia, Bassett". It is also possible to vote f ..read more

With an estimated 70% of Americans needing long-term care after age 65, planning for long-term care is an integral part of an estate plan for any Lynchburg senior. It’s better to talk about long-term care and make a plan before the family is confronted with an emergency situation.  Kiplinger’s article, “What Gen X Needs to Know About Their Aging Parents' Finances,” says that caring for an aging loved one takes planning ahead and patience.   By using advance planning for your elderly loved one, the family will have more options to secure proper care, protect family wealth, a ..read more

In today's digital age, scams targeting the elderly are on the rise, making it crucial for Lynchburg adult children and caregivers to be vigilant. This article delves deep into the world of scams and fraud, offering actionable steps you can take to shield your elderly parents from these malicious threats. Read on to discover the best ways to protect your parents and ensure their financial safety. What Makes Seniors a Prime Target for Scammers? Scammers often target older adults because they are perceived as more trusting and less likely to report scams. Cognitive decline in some seniors can al ..read more

For Lynchburg residents faced with the decision between guardianship and power of attorney for elderly parents, navigating the intricate landscape of elder law can be daunting. This article sheds light on the difference between guardianship and power of attorney, providing clarity on which approach might be the best fit for your family's unique situation. What Exactly Is a Power of Attorney? A power of attorney is a legal document that empowers an individual, often referred to as the "agent" or "attorney-in-fact," to act on behalf of another, known as the "principal". This authority can span a ..read more

As the demand for and costs of long-term care services grow nationwide, the Medicaid crisis for those receiving home care has come into sharper focus.  The implementation of the federal Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) final rule in March 2023 coupled with the end of unique pandemic-era funding sources and broader eligibility, new challenges have emerged for seniors and disabled individuals who rely on services and supports for their daily living.  In October, U.S. Senator Bob Casey (D-PA), chairman of the Special Committee on Aging introduced a proposed Senate Bill called Th ..read more

As we reach our later years, Lynchburg residents often find ourselves contemplating our legacy and what we will leave behind for our loved ones and cherished causes. This phase, often referred to as "late old age," presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities for estate planning. At this stage, individuals are typically well into retirement, possibly widowed, and have accumulated substantial assets.  Defining “late old age” must consider factors like health, mental status, family history and plain old luck, says a recent article from Financial Advisor, “Tax-Smart Wealth Transfer ..read more

As Medicare Open Enrollment for 2024 approaches, Lynchburg residents must be prepared to navigate their choices effectively. With insights from Elder Law Attorney Robert Haley, this article aims to simplify the Medicare Open Enrollment process, ensuring you make informed decisions regarding your health and overall estate planning. What is Medicare Open Enrollment? Medicare Open Enrollment is a designated time frame when individuals already enrolled in Medicare can review and, if necessary, make changes to their current Medicare plan. Significant Dates for the Open Enrollment Period Mark your c ..read more

The best time to engage an elder law attorney is before the need arises so they can help you plan for upcoming events, like moving into assisted living or losing the ability to make financial decisions.  An experienced Lynchburg elder law attorney, like Robert W. Haley can guide a senior and their loved ones with estate planning, long-term care planning, preventing and addressing elder abuse, guardianship and conservatorship, healthcare and financial decision-making, and end of life decisions. When Will My Senior or I Need an Elder Law Attorney? Seasons article entitled “Finding an e ..read more

A care plan is an outline of what you'll need as you age from housing to finances to health care. Care plan creation is a detailed approach designed to address the specific needs, preferences, and goals related to the care of older adults. It serves as a roadmap for individuals and their families, outlining the necessary steps, resources, and support required to maintain optimal wellbeing and quality of life of the elderly as they navigate the challenges of aging, especially in communities like Lynchburg, VA. Importance of Early Planning Risks of Delayed Long-Term Care Planning Delayed plannin ..read more

Dementia diagnoses overturn the lives of millions of patients and their families, throwing them into a maze of health care concerns, legal matters, work issues, financial strain, housing changes and caregiver support. Even the sharpest minds can be daunted over where to begin, says Next Avenue’s recent article entitled “Alone with Alzheimer's.” The following steps are encouraged for people newly diagnosed with some form of dementia. Stop and Think. A professional confirmation that your brain function is impaired can trigger emotions ranging from disbelief to relief. After learning they may fac ..read more