Westchester Elder Law Attorney Anthony Enea Offers Insights on Growing Old in New York

Westchester County, N.Y. (PRWEB) August 31, 2017

More than 20 percent of U.S. residents are projected to be aged 65 and over by 2029 (U.S. Census) and, according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, nearly 70 percent will need long-term care at some point in their lives. Westchester elder law attorney Anthony J. Enea, member of Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP in White Plains and Somers, N.Y., addressed Caring.com's recent report, 2017's Best and Worst States to Grow Old, with insights on preparing for the elder years.

The Caring.com study ranked New York as 48th overall, placing it third on the list of ten worst states to grow old for the second consecutive year – largely due to its high cost of long-term care. The study findings, which take into account senior living community reviews, nursing home costs, and elderly well-being assessments, has New York at 46th for cost and 34th for quality of life.

"As Caring.com's findings support, New York is one of the most costly states for senior care services – a critical factor in its low ranking," said Anthony Enea. "With nursing homes in Westchester County averaging $15,000 to $17,000 per month, it's absolutely essential for seniors to engage in asset protection and Medicaid planning to prevent their life savings from being exposed to the cost of long term-care. Failure to do so can, and often does, have devastating consequences for the senior and his or her loved ones."

According to Enea, two documents of great importance to seniors as they age are the Durable General Power of Attorney (POA) and Health Care Proxy (HCP). A sufficiently broad POA and HCP will help alleviate significant potential problems for both the senior and his or her family.

"There are a number of specific options available to seniors which will allow them to shelter their assets from the cost of care," said Enea. "Purchasing long-term care insurance can help finance the cost of in-home or nursing home care. Utilizing a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust is another way to protect one's home and savings. Implementing these options prior to needing care, however, is imperative."

Named Westchester County's Leading Elder Care Attorney at the Above the Bar Awards and Best Lawyers' 2017 Trusts & Estates "Lawyer of the Year" in White Plains, Anthony Enea has spent the past three decades protecting seniors, the disabled and their families. He is president of the Westchester County Bar Foundation and past chair of the New York State Bar Association's Elder Law Section. Enea's 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.

"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," said Enea. "Taking a proactive role in advanced planning now will allow seniors to protect and preserve their wealth in the years to come."

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 a.enea(at)esslawfirm(dot)com. 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.

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