Elder Law Legal Services
Specializing in the intricate domain of elder law, Ann Tessneer offers invaluable guidance to families navigating the complexities of issues affecting older adults. From long-term care planning to guardianship/conservatorship matters, Medicaid planning, and Social Security benefits, Ann provides comprehensive legal assistance tailored to the needs of the aging population and their families. With a focus on safeguarding the rights and interests of older individuals, Ann ensures thorough support in addressing concerns such as elder abuse, age discrimination, and housing. Additionally, she aids families in making informed decisions on behalf of elderly loved ones who may require assistance due to incapacity or illness, ensuring their well-being and quality of life as they age.
Ann will help you find the resources to keep you or your loved one living independently for as long as possible. If independent living is not a viable option, Ann will help prepare for residential changes including nursing home, assisted living, or other long-term care option.
Ann can answer your questions about Medicaid eligibility, Medicaid claims, and estate recovery and can help you develop your estate plan with these issues in mind.
As loved ones age, it may be necessary to have a guardian appointed to assist with personal decisions such as housing, medical care and disposition of personal property. The appointment of a conservator may be needed to handle financial affairs. Ann is an experienced advocate in both guardianship and conservatorship matters. A Supplemental or Special Needs Trust may be needed to provide funds to persons with disabilities while protecting the loss of public assistance benefits.
End-of-life planning considerations are so important for the person as well as family. Estate planning documents address end-of-life decisions, hospice care and funeral arrangement.
The Golden Years can be a time of worry and apprehension but also a time of joy and peace. Ann will help your family address tough, emotional issues so that clients feel empowered and have peace of mind.
FAQs About Elder Law in Minnesota
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Elder law encompasses various legal issues affecting older adults, including long-term care planning, guardianship, Medicaid planning, Social Security benefits, and more. It helps families navigate these complexities to safeguard the rights and interests of elderly loved ones, ensuring their well-being and quality of life.
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Ann helps families plan for long-term care by exploring options to maintain independent living as long as possible and preparing for transitions to nursing homes, assisted living, or other care facilities when necessary. She provides guidance on financial planning, including Medicaid eligibility and claims, to ensure adequate care without undue financial burden.
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Guardianship involves appointing someone to make personal decisions for an elderly individual, such as housing and medical care. Conservatorship is the appointment of someone to manage financial affairs. Ann assists in obtaining these legal appointments when an elderly loved one is unable to make decisions due to incapacity or illness.
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Ann provides comprehensive assistance with Medicaid planning, helping families understand eligibility requirements, navigate the application process, and manage claims. She also offers advice on estate planning to minimize the impact of Medicaid estate recovery, ensuring that your assets are protected.
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If you suspect elder abuse or age discrimination, it's crucial to act quickly. Ann offers legal support to address these serious concerns, providing guidance on reporting abuse, seeking protection for the victim, and pursuing legal action against perpetrators to ensure justice and safety for your loved one.
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End-of-life planning is essential for ensuring that an individual's wishes are respected and that their family is prepared for difficult decisions. Ann assists with creating estate planning documents, including advance directives, living wills, and powers of attorney, to address end-of-life care, hospice arrangements, and funeral planning, giving families peace of mind during challenging times.
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Supplemental Needs and Special Needs Trusts are critical for persons with disabilities receiving funds (e.g., inheritances) without jeopardizing the loss of pubic assistance benefits.