Long-term care is an increasingly important part of one's planning. The costs of long-term care can easily exhaust retirement savings and other assets without careful planning and an asset protection plan in place.

Sometimes a crisis necessitates the placement of a loved one in nursing care and seeking Medicaid eligibility is the only way forward. An elder law attorney can ensure that "spend-down" only occurs when necessary and provides guidance to ensure maximum asset protection through the application process.

Getting a Durable Power of Attorney and Advance Medical Directive in place is only part of the picture. The agents named in these documents should seek experienced counsel to ensure they are performing their duties according to the law.

A Guardianship (for healthcare and personal decisions) or Conservatorship (for property and finance) are last-resort options to ensure someone can manage and make decisions for an incapacitated individual.