Travelling the final stretch of life’s journey requires an experienced guide
The practice area of “Elder Law”, and indeed the term itself, is relatively new. It began with a recognition by attorneys of the unique legal needs of the burgeoning population of older Americans. According to data compiled from the U.S. Bureau of the Census and the National Center for Health Statistics, the older population—persons 65 years of age or older—numbered 54.1 million in 2019. This figure represents 16 percent of the U.S. population, about one in every seven Americans. The number of older Americans increased by 14.4 million (36 percent) since 2009. This population is living longer and facing unique health and financial challenges compared to previous generations.
Elder law is a multi-disciplinary approach to serving this population that encompasses estate planning, long-term care planning, healthcare law and advocacy, handling family dynamics and issues, and advocacy for services that enhance the client’s quality of living.
We like to plan for the aging process along a continuum of care. While almost everyone would like to spend every day of their life independent and at their own home, this is not usually possible. However, with the right planning, we can ensure that in all phases of life you can age with dignity and peace of mind. Typically, the elder law attorney works with the family to arrange methods to preserve the family home, qualifies older clients for benefits like Medicaid and Veteran’s Aid and Attendance while maximizing retained assets, and advocates for quality of care issues with medical providers, long term care facilities, hospitals and insurers.
This area of law is constantly changing, and requires the expertise of a specialist to get the best results for clients. Brandon is an active member of the Elder Law and Disability Rights Section of the State Bar of Michigan, and a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Brandon stays abreast of the latest developments in the laws and regulations affecting elder law clients by regularly attending meetings of the leading elder law practitioners in Michigan, and by constantly monitoring the relevant law and regulations affecting his clients. Brandon speaks on elder law topics to non-profit and advocacy groups, attorneys, and the public.
Contact us today
Tell us a little about you and we will send you our elder law planning questionnaire and schedule a consultation.
Aging can be a daunting and stressful process for both the older person and their family. When clients call me for an elder law consultation, it’s often the first time they’ve ever considered hiring an attorney. They have many unanswered questions about paying for care, preserving their home and assets, and handling delicate family issues.
I can’t remove all the stress of growing older, but I can provide clarity and ease the burden on both the older person and their family. I can identify and create solutions to these questions, and help access resources you might not realize are available. You don’t have to stumble through this process alone.
Brandon S. Dornbusch – Founding Partner
Elder Law Focus Area
This practice area includes many different areas of law, we have extensive experience with the following common elder law practices:
Medicaid Planning (traditional nursing home and MIChoice Waiver)
VA Aid and Attendance
Estate planning including trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare advance directives
Medicare advocacy and appeals
Medicaid compliant caregiver and home maintenance contracts
Special Needs Trusts