{"id":355774,"date":"2022-10-11T13:11:42","date_gmt":"2022-10-11T18:11:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/elder\/what-is-elder-law\/elder-law-disability-amp-asset-protection-planning.html"},"modified":"2026-07-02T12:58:00","modified_gmt":"2026-07-02T17:58:00","slug":"elder-law-disability-amp-asset-protection-planning","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/elder\/what-is-elder-law\/elder-law-disability-amp-asset-protection-planning.html","title":{"rendered":"Protect Your Assets: How Older Adults Can Plan for Future Disability"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Protect Your Assets: How Older Adults Can Plan for Future Disability<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Olivia Wathne, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Disability and asset protection planning helps older adults prepare for the possibility of incapacity and the rising costs of long\u2011term care. Key tools like powers of attorney, wills, trusts, and advance directives ensure someone you trust can manage your medical and financial decisions while protecting your assets.<\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n\n\n\n

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Proactive planning helps protect your savings for future needs and prevent unnecessary loss during an unexpected health or medical crisis. The right tools make it easier for older adults and their families to make better healthcare and financial decisions when circumstances change.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

This article covers topics such as choosing a nursing home, Medicaid planning, and general asset protection planning.<\/p>\n

Planning early can prevent costly mistakes and reduce stress for your family. Contact an estate planning attorney<\/a> to build a strategy that fits your health, finances, and long\u2011term care needs.<\/p>\n

Who Needs Asset Protection?<\/h2>\n

Almost everyone will experience some type of disability, whether due to an injury, an illness, or mental health. We often can’t predict when such a disability will occur, so it’s important to think about what you want to happen if a disability renders you unable to manage your affairs.<\/p>\n

For example:<\/p>\n