COVID-19 creates urgency for elder law planning

The global COVID-19 pandemic is creating renewed urgency for elder law planning, according to attorneys with Foster Swift, a Southfield based law firm.

“Seniors are among those at highest risk for the virus, and while the medical crisis is drawing much-needed attention to this critical issue, protecting our seniors goes beyond the Coronavirus,” said a spokesperson for the firm.

Protection starts with proper planning and preparation to ensure that safeguards are in place to care for the aging population, in all areas of their lives. Throughout National Elder Law Month in May, Foster Swift attorneys will lead important conversations about legal support, planning, and resources available for seniors and their families.

“Helping seniors plan for their future is often difficult for families, even in the best of times,’’ said Matt Fedor, Foster Swift attorney. “With the Coronavirus crisis, we know it may be even more daunting. Our goal is to facilitate these very important conversations between family members while also offering guidance and reassurance. We know that having these planning discussions now significantly helps families determine the next appropriate steps to put plans in place.’’

By 2030, nearly 20 percent of the U.S. population will be age 65 or older, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Aging Americans and their families need to be both proactive and responsive to issues that include Medicaid planning, long-term care arrangements, financial scams and fraud targeting seniors, and workplace issues for adult children who are caring for their parents.

Knowing how to navigate this already complicated process will be particularly important as the impact of COVID-19 will add a new layer of complexity, Fedor said. In this month-long campaign, attorneys will provide best practices for hiring advisers to assist families in making financial, medical, and legal decisions. The firm will also host a series of elder law videos available on the firm’s online Elder Law Resource Page.

“It’s very important that we are particularly mindful of our seniors who may already be in fragile health,’’ said Fedor. “Unfortunately, there are people who may look to take advantage of this group. We believe the more we can help seniors and their families and ensure they are educated on their options, the better prepared they will be for the future.’’