Accountable Aging: Westchester Elder Law Attorney Anthony Enea Shares Insights on Planning for the Years Ahead
Yonkers, N.Y. (PRWEB) May 18, 2016 -- Westchester elder law attorney Anthony J. Enea of Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP in White Plains and Somers, N.Y. recently addressed the importance of long-term care planning in an educational program to the Yonkers Chamber of Commerce. With millions of baby boomers coming of age, Mr. Enea urges those in or approaching their elder years to take a proactive role in planning for the future.
“Between work and family, our busy lives often leave little time to focus on our own personal affairs, especially those related to our aging,” said Anthony Enea. “I cannot emphasize enough the importance of stepping back to assess whether or not you’re adequately prepared.”
The Yonkers Chamber of Commerce marks the latest speaking engagement for Mr. Enea, who has spent three decades protecting the rights of seniors, the disabled and their families.
The first step in preparation, according to Enea, is to physically organize your affairs. This includes your Last Will and Testament as well as any trusts, advanced directives, property deeds, mortgages and notes, insurance policies, bank and investment records, income tax returns, passports, birth certificates, and military discharge records. Ensure all documents are up to date and reflect your present financial circumstances and wishes. Enea also suggests creating a Durable Power of Attorney with as many powers as possible (including broad gifting powers) to avoid potentially unnecessary guardianship proceedings.
Another recommendation is to keep at least eight years of financial and bank records. “Many families are unable to locate all of the bank and financial accounts their loved ones have at a time of illness or death,” noted Enea. “If you need to apply for Medicaid to cover your possible stay in a nursing home, you will need the last five years of all bank and investment account statements and records.”
Enea continued, “While no one anticipates having a stroke or heart attack, developing Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s or dementia, long-term care is a reality for millions across the country. It is absolutely imperative to engage in advanced planning to protect your life savings from these potential costs.”
Named Westchester County’s Leading Elder Care Attorney at the Above the Bar Awards, Anthony Enea is president of the Westchester County Bar Foundation and past chair of the New York State Bar Association’s Elder Law Section. His practice areas include elder law; Medicaid asset protection trusts; Medicaid applications (home care and nursing home); special needs planning; guardianships (Article 81 and 17-A); and wills, trusts and estates. Enea was named Best Lawyers’ 2016 Elder Law “Lawyer of the Year” in White Plains and is a Top 25 “Super Lawyer” in Westchester County. On June 17, he will be recognized with the Honorable Richard J. Daronco Distinguished Service Award from the Columbian Lawyers Association of Westchester County.
Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP is located at 245 Main Street in White Plains, N.Y. with additional offices in Somers, N.Y. Elder law attorney Anthony J. Enea can be reached at 914-948-1500 or [email protected]. For the latest news, visit Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano online at http://www.esslawfirm.com.
About Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP
Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP is an AV preeminent rated elder law firm with offices in White Plains and Somers, N.Y. The practice concentrates on Elder Law; Medicaid Planning; Nursing Home and Home Care Applications; Wills, Trusts and Estates; Guardianships; Estate Litigation; Supplemental Needs Trusts; and Special Needs Planning. Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP serves Westchester, Rockland, Putnam, the Bronx, Manhattan, Long Island and Queens and is committed to providing the highest quality legal services to seniors, the disabled and their families. Visit the firm online at http://www.esslawfirm.com and http://www.westchesterseniors.com.
Kelly Lee, Co-Communications, Inc., +1 914-666-0066, [email protected]
Share this article