Elder Law covers a wide variety of legal issues that affect the elderly, including Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, Age Discrimination and Long Term Care. The Law Office of Jim Eimers concentrates on helping businesses address their legal needs regarding these matters. If an individual can no longer live independently, that is, if assistance is required to perform the activities of daily living such as eating, dressing and personal hygiene, that persons' needs must be met by long term care. Long term care is usually provided by an assisted living facility, skilled nursing homes, and, increasingly, members of the family.  In many instances where the individual receives care is determined by the person's medical condition. If the person requires frequent medical attention, then a nursing facility may be necessary. However, if the medical condition is not serious, then home services, adult day care, or assisted living may be appropriate. Sadly, however, financial considerations are a major concern and often make the decision for us.

Financing long term care is usually accomplished by private pay, long term care insurance, Medicare, and finally Medicaid. (For those who are eligible, the Veterans' Administration can also provide assistance). Private pay is a consideration for those who can afford to spend $5,000 to $6,000 per month (the average cost of a nursing home). Long term care insurance is an excellent option for a person that can qualify medically and can afford the premium.  Also, long term care insurance is not inexpensive and many cannot afford the premium. Medicare provides very limited nursing home care: up to 100 days following a 3 day hospital stay.  Even with the restrictive financial qualifications, Medicaid is the largest provider of nursing home assistance.   

At the Law Office of Jim Eimers, we can consult you on issues of eligibility criteria, and the laws and regulations governing these programs are thoroughly researched to determine exceptions and waivers which will allow the person to become eligible. Jim Eimers can assist clients in navigating the maze of regulations and bureaucracy in such matters as purchase and sale agreement, licensing and regulatory issues, citation defense, and counseling services revolving around contracts, employee issues, patient and family issues, and risk management.