AMERICA IS RAPIDLY AGING

Did you know that:*

  • Between 2004 and 2014 the population age 60 and over increased 32.5% from 48.9 million to 64.8 million;
  • The population 65 and over has increased from 36.2 million in 2004 to 46.2 million in 2014 (a 28% increase), and is projected to more than double to 98 million in 2060;
  • 1 in 7 people is considered an “Older American;”
  • The major source of income as reported by older persons in 2013 was Social Security (reported by 84% of older persons);
  • An average year nationwide in a semi-private nursing home room is $87,235 and an Assisted Living Facility is $42,600;
  • In Northern Virginia those figures are higher: $120,000 for a semiprivate nursing home room; and $75,000 for an Assisted Living Facility;
  • The average net worth of an Older American is $232,000;
  • 1 in 5 adults is a caregiver for an Older American; and
  • The cost of care in the home is $21 to $25 per hour?

*Principal sources of data for this information are the U.S. Census Bureau, the National Center for Health Statistics, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Might you need the services of an Elder Law attorney?  First, what is Elder Law and what do Elder Law attorneys do?

Elder Law is better defined by the clients we serve rather than technical legal distinctions. Elder Law attorneys represent elder and disabled Americans (and their family members) with legal problems. Elder Law attorneys use legal tools and techniques to meet the goals and objectives of our clients. Some of these tools and techniques are: preparing comprehensive estate planning documents (Wills, Trusts, Special Needs Trusts, Durable General Powers of Attorney, and Advance Medical Directives, Living Wills); guardianships and conservatorships; and long-term care planning, including Medicaid, Medicare, Social Security, and Veterans Benefits.

*************

If you would like to meet with one of the Elder Law attorneys at McCandlish Lillard, or want more information, please contact: Elizabeth L. Gray (703-934-1104).

This article is made available for educational purposes only as well as to give you general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide legal advice. This article is not legal advice and you should not act upon this information without seeking the advice of an attorney licensed in your own state or jurisdiction. This article may not reflect the most current legal developments and the material may be changed or updated without notice. By reading this article, you understand that no attorney-client relationship has been formed between you and McCandlish Lillard, P.C., or Elizabeth L. Gray and neither McCandlish Lillard nor Elizabeth L. Gray shall be responsible for any errors or omissions in the content of this article or for any damages arising from the use of this article under any circumstances.