Elder Law & Long-Term Care Planning in Queens, Nassau & Suffolk
We help families plan and pay for care without losing what they’ve built—using tools like Medicaid asset protection trusts, pooled income trusts, caregiver agreements, and strong incapacity documents (POA/Health Care Proxy).
What Does “Elder Law” Cover?
Short answer: The legal side of aging and care. We align your health, finances, and housing with the rules that govern Medicaid, guardianship, and asset protection.
- Coordinating home care or nursing home benefits
- Medicaid eligibility planning and applications
- Protecting the family home and savings where possible
- Caregiver agreements and paid family caregiving
- Article 81 guardianship when decision-making help is needed
- POA/Health Care Proxy/Living Will for crisis-proof decision making
Medicaid Eligibility in New York — How It Works
Short answer: Eligibility depends on income, resources, and timing. New York also uses lookback rules that review certain transfers made before applying.
Resources & income:
We explain what counts, what’s exempt, and how spend-downs work.
Lookback & transfers:
We map out risks and strategies to help you avoid avoidable penalties.
Home vs. nursing home care:
Options differ; we match the rules to your goals.
Note: Rules and figures change. We focus on strategy and timing and confirm current thresholds as part of your plan.
Asset - Protection Tools We May Recommend
- Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT): Can help shield the home and savings when set up early.
- Pooled Income Trust: Lets a person on Medicaid home care keep income for living expenses.
- Caregiver Agreements: Compensate family caregivers transparently and compliantly.
- Life Estates & Deeds: Sometimes a fit—often compared to trusts for flexibility and control.
Planning for Incapacity Before a Crisis
- Durable Power of Attorney: Enables trusted agents to handle finances.
- Health Care Proxy & Living Will: Ensure medical preferences are followed.
- HIPAA Release: So the family can get information when needed.
Guardianship (Article 81) — When Is It Needed?
If someone can’t make safe decisions and no valid POA/Proxy exists, a court-appointed guardian may be necessary. We explain alternatives and help families through the process when guardianship is the only option.
Our Step - by - Step Process
- Case review: Your health, assets, income, and timing.
- Plan: Choose strategies (trusts, pooled income trust, caregiver agreement).
- Implement: Draft documents, fund trusts, and coordinate benefits.
- Follow-through: We stay available for changes and renewals.
Next steps: Schedule a consultation.
You might also like: Estate Planning, Trusts, Probate.