Introducing an Elder Lawyer in Grand Rapids to the Senior in Your Life

The choice about whether or not to hire a Grand Rapids elder lawyer is one that is not to be taken lightly. Unfortunately, it’s a topic that can cause a lot of anxiety both for the senior and for his or her adult children. Many factors combine to make this an uncomfortable conversation to initiate.
Of course, the most obvious is that the need for an elder lawyer brings up the topic of the senior’s mortality. An attorney can be brought in for many reasons, one of which is estate planning. And with estate planning comes the reality that each of our lives will come to an end. This can be especially distressing to an elderly person, but it will likely stir up similar feelings in their family members and friends, too.
Many folks in Grand Rapids want to work with an elder lawyer when a senior friend or family member begins to make decisions that are not in his or her best interest. No one wants to tell Mom or Dad that or Aunt Ethel that it might be time to stop driving, that they shouldn’t have control over their finances, or that it’s time to consider moving to a nursing home. An elder lawyer often is hired to help families through these exact issues.
The conversation can be softened a bit with different approaches. One common strategy is for the adult child to make the issue about himself or herself instead of about the parent’s age or health. For example, a “friend’s” story may be more easily related to your own situation than confronting a parent directly.  Simply pointing out how your “friend” or a person “you’ve heard about” is having a hard time getting a senior the right care because there are no powers of attorney or medical directives in place may make for an easier segue into asking your parent or relative what planning they have in place to avoid such a situation.
Earlier Is Better
One of the things that often brings people in Grand Rapids to an elder lawyer is the realization that a senior is starting to decline in health. This could be physically, mentally, or both. Of course, it’s preferable to work on a long-term plan before this becomes an issue, but if that hasn’t happened, there are still a lot of options available. The better the senior’s health, the more say he or she can have in devising the plan.
No matter what the senior’s capacity, it’s a good idea for any adult siblings, spouse, or other legally concerned parties to take part in the meeting with the lawyer. This can help to reduce friction later because everyone is aware of the plan and knows how it will be enacted. If there are concerned parties that aren’t available, it is strongly recommended to make sure they are communicated with for the same reason.
If there is disagreement among a senior’s adult children, it may be in everyone’s best interest to bring in a third party. In addition to a Grand Rapids elder lawyer, there are geriatric care managers and mediators who are trained in how to refocus everyone on the true goals of the plan rather than letting things devolve into a grudge match about the minutia of things that may never occur.
It’s always a good time to review your circumstances or those of a beloved senior in your life. Spending a little time with a Grand Rapids elder lawyer now can make a world of difference down the road.
If you would like to speak with a professional Grand Rapids elder lawyer, please contact Eyestone Law Offices at 800.667.5291 to schedule a free initial consultation today! We have three offices conveniently located in Grandville, Muskegon, and in Grand Rapids near Woodland Mall and provide services throughout West Michigan.