Elder law includes a broad range of legal issues related to elderly persons and those who may be entrusted with their financial, health care, housing, and estate planning decisions.
In North Carolina, elder law encompasses various legal matters affecting older adults and their caregivers, including estate planning, guardianship, long-term care planning, Medicare and Medicaid eligibility, and protection against elder abuse. Estate planning may involve creating wills, trusts, and advance directives to manage an individual's affairs after death or incapacitation. Guardianship laws allow for the appointment of a legal guardian to make decisions for those who are unable to do so themselves. Long-term care planning addresses the financial aspects of aging, such as the costs of home care, assisted living, or nursing home care, and includes understanding insurance options and government benefits. Medicare and Medicaid regulations in North Carolina determine eligibility and coverage for healthcare services. Additionally, the state has laws to protect seniors from abuse, neglect, and exploitation, which are enforced by Adult Protective Services and can involve both civil and criminal remedies.