Over the last several decades, the number of older Americans (age 65 and older) has increased at an unprecedented rate. Experts tell as that as the Baby Boomer generation continues to move into their retirement years, the older population will continue to swell for the foreseeable future. As of the 2010 Census there were 93,847 people living in The Woodlands with 7.6 percent of that population falling into the “65 and older” age bracket.
The dramatic growth in the older population has caused a corresponding interest in issues that affect seniors and those who care for them. The basic premise of the laws of supply and demand dictate that as the demand for senior resources increases, so should the supply. To take advantage of those resources, however, you must know how and where to find them. To help you, the elder law attorneys at The Mendel Law Firm have put together some elder law resources for The Woodlands, Texas area that you may find helpful. If you have specific questions or concerns about an elder law issue, please feel free to contact our office to schedule a consultation.
Local Government and Law Enforcement
As a resident of The Woodlands, Texas, it is always a good idea to have some of the more frequently used local government resources handy. Many of those can be found on The Woodlands Township website. It is equally important to be able to quickly and easily navigate to the relevant law enforcement agency online, should you need them. The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office services residents who live in Montgomery County.
Nursing Home, Home Health Care, and Assisted Living Facilities
Although the average American can now expect to live almost twice as long as he or she would have just a century ago, our bodies cannot escape the effects of the natural aging process. For many seniors, this means more frequent doctor visits and an increase in injuries and illnesses that eventually lead to the need for home health care, assisted living alternatives, or skilled nursing care. If so, the following resources may be helpful to you in locating the right service or facility:
- Texas Health and Human Services website where you will find a list of all licensed nursing home facilities along with a variety of additional resources for seniors and caregivers.
- Care Planning Council of Texas which also offers a list of skilled nursing facilities as well as alternatives such as home care and assisted living facilities. You will also find a wealth of information and resources for issues that impact the elderly.
- Nursing Home Compare located on the Medicare.gov website is the government’s official Medicare website.
- com which offers a list of skilled nursing facilities along with reviews.
Leisure Time for Seniors
Retirement no longer means and end to your social life. On the contrary, most seniors enjoy an active social life as long as they are able to do so. If you are looking for places to mingle, meet new friends, or find services that may help you within the community, try The Woodlands Friendship Center. Another great resource for seniors is the “Senior Activities” page of the City of Houston’s website. If you happen to be a veteran, the VFW Post 4709 is located close to The Woodlands in nearby Conroe, Texas.
State and Federal Assistance
Whether you are a senior yourself, or a caregiver, numerous state and federal assistance programs may be of interest to you, such as the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services (DADS). The DADS program is a crucial resource for older adults living in assisted living or nursing home facilities. As a senior, you may also qualify for assistance from the Social Security disability or Social Security retirement program. For information, including application instructions, visit the Social Security Administration’s (SSA) disability website. Information about your Social Security retirement benefits can also be found on the website. If you are a veteran, or the surviving spouse or dependent of a veteran, you may also be entitled to a number of benefits through the Veteran’s Administration. Once you reach retirement age, you will likely be automatically enrolled in the Medicare program. Although basic Medicare is free to all seniors, Medicare actually has four parts and the other three parts may come with a premium. In addition, if you need long-term care at some point, you may need to qualify for Texas Medicaid benefits to help cover the high cost of that care.
Navigating the rules, regulations, and application procedures for the various state and federal benefit programs can be a frustrating and sometimes futile undertaking. It can be made even more difficult if you are a caregiver applying for a family member or other loved one if you do not yet have the legal authority to act on his/her behalf. At The Mendel Law Firm, L.P. we are committed to helping you obtain the benefits that you, or your loved one, deserves. Whether you simply need assistance understanding the numerous benefits available or are faced with the need to go through the entire guardianship process before you can even start applying for benefits, we are here to help.
Contact Us
Our experienced team of elder law attorneys and staff are committed to assisting you with all your elder law concerns, including things such as incapacity planning, asset protection, tax and probate avoidance, and Medicaid planning. We can also help you with funeral and burial planning and discuss the different types of advanced directives recognized by the State of Texas when you are ready. If you have questions, concerns, or wish to male an appointment for a consultation, contact the experienced Texas elder law attorneys at The Mendel Law Firm, L.P. by calling (281) 759-3213 today.
