Elder Law Insights from Attorney Miles Hurley

Planning for your golden years without considering elder law is like building a house without a roof – leaving you exposed when storms hit. Attorney Miles Hurley, one of only twelve certified elder law attorneys in Georgia, reveals the crucial differences between basic estate planning and comprehensive elder law on this eye-opening episode of Retirement Roadmap.

Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience with family members' end-of-life journeys, Miles shares how his grandfather's nursing home experience sparked his dedication to helping seniors maintain dignity while aging. He clarifies that while estate planning focuses on what happens after death, elder law addresses the more complex challenge of managing declining functional capacity during life – specifically finding, getting, and paying for quality long-term care.

The financial reality is sobering. Private nursing home rooms can exceed $90,000 annually, with costs multiplying when additional care providers are needed. Miles debunks dangerous misconceptions, particularly the belief that families can manage without proper legal documents. Without a power of attorney, loved ones face expensive court proceedings to gain decision-making authority when capacity is lost. Equally harmful is the misconception that qualifying for Medicaid requires complete impoverishment – Miles explains how proper planning can protect a healthy spouse from financial devastation.

The most valuable takeaway? Don't wait for crisis. Only about 10% of Miles' clients plan proactively, while the vast majority scramble for solutions after a stroke, fall, or dementia diagnosis severely limits their options. Review your elder law and estate planning documents at least every three years, or whenever significant life events occur – because comprehensive retirement planning should include provisions for maintaining both financial security and personal dignity throughout your later years.

Visit masterplanretire.com to access our retirement checklists, podcasts, and schedule a complimentary consultation. Call 770-980-9262 to speak with someone directly about your retirement planning needs.

To learn more about Hurley Elder Care Law, visit https://hurleyeclaw.com/

Have a topic or question you'd like Mark and Evan to address in a future episode? Email us at [e-mail] or call 770-980-9262.

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