What is the best way to protect my elderly parent’s assets?

The best way to protect your elderly parent’s assets is to ensure the proper estate planning is in place. In California, this means setting up a revocable living trust. A revocable living trust is a legal document that allows a senior to transfer their assets into the trust, which allows them to continue to maintain control over those assets. The trust document names a trustee to manage the assets and provides for the distribution of the assets when the senior passes away. Other important steps that can be taken to protect your parent’s assets include setting up a durable power of attorney and appointing an advocate for financial decisions. With a power of attorney, you can designate someone you trust to make decisions in the event that your parent is unable to do so. An advocate for financial decisions is someone appointed by the court who is responsible for overseeing financial decisions for the elderly individual. You may also consider long-term care insurance. This type of insurance helps cover the cost of home health care, assisted living, and nursing home care. This can help preserve your parent’s assets in the event they need long-term care. Finally, keep in mind there are laws in California that protect certain assets of elderly individuals and their families. Knowing and understanding these laws can go a long way in protecting your parent’s assets. Consulting with an elder law attorney may be beneficial in ensuring your loved one is protected.

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