Michigan Elder Law Attorneys
Elder law covers a wide range of legal concerns that arise as people age, including estate planning, healthcare directives, Medicare planning, guardianship and elder abuse protection.
Elder law covers a wide range of legal concerns that arise as people age, including estate planning, healthcare directives, Medicare planning, guardianship and elder abuse protection.
Michigan seniors face many financial challenges in planning for long-term care and protecting their assets. Understanding elder law services and planning options helps families make informed decisions about care while preserving assets for future needs. The Elder Law attorneys at Collens Estate Law can help you maximize care quality and protect assets.
Planning for In-Home Care, Medicaid, Nursing Home Care, and Quality of Life
Spending Down Assets, Medicaid Asset Protection, Estate Recovery, and Reverse Mortgages
Legal Instruments for Medical and Financial Well-Being and Protection
Elder Law Planning Action Steps and Resources to Get Started
According to the Administration for Community Living and the US Department of Health and Human Services, 70% of Michigan residents over 65 will require some form of long-term care services, with the average nursing home cost for a semi-private room being $10,570 per month and for a private room being $11,467 per month.
Collens Estate Law has the experience to offer its clients specific strategies to preserve assets while making sure clients qualify for necessary government benefits, like Medicaid, which is vital for covering long-term care costs.
With careful guidance, families can make informed decisions about care facilities, financial management, and health decisions.
Planning for In-Home Care, Medicaid, Nursing Home Care, and Quality of Life
Michigan’s Medicaid programs provide several options for home-based care, including but not limited to:
Nursing homes in Michigan vary significantly in overall cost and quality. Depending on location, average monthly costs can range from $7,500 to $11,000. Metro Detroit facilities often command the highest premium rates. Careful evaluation of facilities and payment options helps families make informed choices.
Michigan has a number of home care services that allow seniors to age in place safely. Professional in-home care typically costs 40-60% less than nursing home care, making it an attractive option for many families.
Medicare provides limited coverage for skilled home health services, while private-pay and Medicaid programs offer additional options.
Most in-home care services provide. You should inquire specifically about each service when contacting a in-home care service agency.
Michigan’s aging agencies can help seniors adapt their homes for safety, including:
We can help. Collens Estate Law works with several area agencies on aging in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, Monroe, Washtenaw, and St. Clair counties.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Quality of life considerations go well beyond basic care. Michigan agencies and organizations offer senior living options structured to maintain independence while providing necessary support. Living arrangements should match current needs while anticipating future changes.
Serving seniors and their families in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, Monroe, Washtenaw, and St. Clair counties for more than 30 years.
Spending Down Assets, Medicaid Asset Protection, Estate Recovery, and Reverse Mortgages
Proper spend-down strategies help seniors qualify for Medicaid while maximizing the benefits of their assets. Michigan allows various exempt purchases and transfers that don’t trigger penalties.
– Home repairs and modifications
– Prepaid funeral arrangements
– Vehicle purchase or repair
– Medical equipment
– Personal care contracts
– Debt repayment
Michigan’s Medicaid rules include a 5-year look-back period for asset transfers. Understanding these rules and regulations will help families plan effectively and avoid penalties.
Michigan’s estate recovery program seeks reimbursement for Medicaid costs from deceased recipients’ estates. Several estate recovery exemptions and protections may apply to probate assets.
Reverse mortgages may allow seniors to access home equity while retaining ownership and residence and can provide monthly income or lump sum without immediately impacting other assets. The reverse mortgage loan doesn’t have to be repaid until the homeowner decides to move or sell the home or if they pass away. One of the other benefits is that it has the potential to protect additional assets by providing liquid funds without having to sell an investment.
Accurate legal documentation will ensure your loved one wishes are followed and their interests are protected.
The protection and authority of these important documents vary by state and county making it very important to carefully choose and execute these documents with legal assistance. While many of these documents can be generated online or from a template, it is always recommended to consult with an attorney to understand the mechanisms of each document and how they may or may not work with each other.
When these documents are most needed is the worst possible time to find out that they were improperly written, conflict with another document or directive, or has not been properly executed.
Not quite sure where to start? The following resources contain helpful state, county, and non-profit resources for seniors and their families.
Official state resource for Medicaid, adult services, and aging programs. Includes eligibility requirements and application processes.
Advocates for residents in long-term care facilities. Provides resources on resident rights and quality care.
Network of 16 regional agencies serving older adults. Offers local resources and support services.
State resource for veteran benefits. Information on Aid & Attendance and other veteran services.
Legal resources for elder abuse prevention. Training and advocacy information.
Free counseling on Medicare/Medicaid. Help with health benefit explanations and decisions.
Resources for dementia care including support groups and educational programs.
Online portal for applying for benefits. Resource directory for assistance programs.
Free legal resources for seniors and directory of legal aid organizations.
Legal and self-help resources.
Serving seniors and their families in Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Livingston, Monroe, Washtenaw, and St. Clair counties for more than 30 years.
