Elder Law Definitions

Question 1

Durable Power of Attorney

Answer 1

a person appointed by another to act in his/her place for financial purposes when and if he/she ever become incapacitated

Question 2

Medical Directive

Answer 2

a general term for documents in which a person stipulates directions for making health care decisions if he/she becomes unable to make those decisions for himself/herself.

Question 3

Health Care Proxy or Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care

Answer 3

a person designated by an
adult to make healthcare decisions when the adult is not able to do it himself/herself.

Question 4

Living Will

Answer 4

directs health care providers about withdrawing life support if the person is terminally ill
or in a vegetative state.

Question 5

a Broad medical directive may include….

Answer 5

the terms of a living will, but also provides instructions if the person is in a less severe state of health, but who is still unable to direct his/her health care.

Question 6

Guardianship

Answer 6

a legal relationship between a competent adult (the guardian) and a person who
because of incapacity is no longer able to take care of his or her own affairs (the ward).

Question 7

Guardian or Conservator

Answer 7

If an adult becomes incapable of making responsible decisions due to a mental disability, a court may appoint a substitute decision maker, called the guardian or conservator

Question 8

In many states a conservator is…

Answer 8

a person appointed only to handle finances

Question 9

Ombudsman

Answer 9

an advocate for residents of nursing homes, board and care homes, and assisted living

Question 10

does medicare pay for long term care in any setting?

Answer 10

nope

Question 11

medicaid is a…

Answer 11

joint federal and state program for persons of all ages with low income
- benefits vary by state
- older adult may be eligible for medicaid and medicare
- subject to many restrictions, medicaid will pay for care in nursing home/aka long term care