Solo aging is a prominent trope among the growing demographic of older adults who are living independently, without a spouse or children to rely on for care. This presents unique legal and healthcare challenges, many of which can be addressed by elder care estate planning. At Surprenant & Beneski, P.C., our estate planning attorneys are deeply committed to helping clients throughout Southeastern Massachusetts cope with the issues of solo aging. As a matter of fact, our lead attorneys, Daniel Surprenant, and Michelle Beneski, are among the small number of Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELAs) in our state.
Services Massachusetts Provides for Aging Adults
Massachusetts offers a variety of services and programs designed to support aging adults, particularly those facing the challenges of aging solo. These services, some of which are listed below, provide assistance in healthcare, housing, transportation, and daily living activities:
Home Care Programs: Designed to support seniors living independently, these programs offer services such as meal delivery, personal care, transportation, and home modification for accessibility.
MassHealth (Medicaid) and Other Health Programs: For those who qualify, Massachusetts provides health care programs that cover a wide range of services including medical, dental, and vision care, as well as long-term nursing care at no cost.
Protective Services: Designed to prevent abuse, neglect, and exploitation of the elderly, both in the home and in nursing facilities, these services are crucial for the safety and well-being of vulnerable seniors.
Senior Housing Options: Massachusetts offers various housing options for seniors, including independent living, assisted living, and nursing home facilities, catering to different levels of care needs. Some of these housing options accommodate various levels in the same facility so seniors don’t have to relocate if they require increased services.
Eligibility for these services generally depends on factors such as age, income, and level of need. It’s important for solo agers to explore these options early to understand what resources are available to them and to prepare for eligibility by decreasing their assets.
Our Estate Planning Attorneys Help You Prepare for Solo Aging
Aging alone requires careful legal and financial planning to ensure that your wishes will be respected and that you will be well cared for in later years. At Surprenant & Beneski, our team can help you prepare comprehensive estate plans tailored to your particular situation by creating trusts and documents for specific purposes. Our lawyers will:
Establish trusts, both revocable and irrevocable as needed to help protect your assets and maintain your eligibility for MassHealth without depleting your life savings.
Create the following documents to protect your future, your assets, and your loved ones:
- Will to name your personal representative and state your wishes concerning the distribution of your assets when you pass.
- Advance Directive to make clear which end-of-life medical steps you want taken and which you want to refuse.
- Health Care Proxy to give a close person the authority to make your medical decisions if you are unable to do so.
- Durable Power of Attorney to designate someone to make financial and legal decisions on your behalf if you become unable to do so.
Contact Us To Discuss Solo Aging With a Knowledgeable, Empathic Attorney
Whatever your age, whether you are living alone now or recognize that living alone in the future is entirely possible, this is the time to get in touch with Surprenant & Beneski. We have an in-depth understanding of elder law in Massachusetts and are committed to helping you navigate the complexities of aging independently. Whether you’re exploring healthcare options, setting up legal protections, or see the importance of planning for potential long-term care, our experienced attorneys are here to guide you through with superior legal counsel.