Elder Law: help for aging parents and their families
Help for families when a parent needs more care, can no longer decide alone, or lives in another state.
Elder law helps older adults and their families plan for aging. It covers powers of attorney, long-term care costs, and what to do if a parent can no longer decide. Colorado, Arizona, and California each run their own Medicaid long-term care programs. Attorney Daniel R. Klein helps families in Colorado, Arizona, and California, even when they live apart.
- Reviewed by
- Daniel R. Klein, attorney
- Last reviewed
This page is general information about Colorado and Arizona law as of . It is not legal advice.
Is this you?
- “Mom is forgetting to pay her bills.”
- “Dad is in the hospital, and no one can talk to the bank for him.”
- “My parent lives in Phoenix, and I live in Denver.”
- “We’re worried about how to pay for a nursing home.”
- “My brother has a disability, and our parents are getting older.”
What are signs it’s time to act?
- Missed bills, odd withdrawals, or new “friends” asking for money.
- A new diagnosis, like dementia or Parkinson’s disease.
- A fall, a hospital stay, or a move to assisted living.
- Your parent asks you to “help with the paperwork.”
Which documents help most parents?
- A financial power of attorney, which lets a trusted person handle money and bills.
- A medical power of attorney, which lets a trusted person make health care choices.
- A HIPAA authorization, which lets doctors share health information with family.
- A will or a living trust.
What if my parent can no longer sign?
To sign a power of attorney or a will, a person needs to understand what it does. If your parent no longer can, a court may need to appoint a guardian, who makes personal decisions, or a conservator, who manages money. See guardianship and conservatorship. If your parent has dementia, our powers of attorney page explains when signing may still be possible.
How do people pay for long-term care?
Families use savings, long-term care insurance, and, for those who qualify, long-term care Medicaid. In Colorado, that program is Health First Colorado. In Arizona, it’s ALTCS. Medicaid reviews gifts and transfers made in the 60 months before applying (42 U.S.C. 1396p(c)). That review is the look-back period, so planning ahead matters.
Is long-term care Medicaid different in Colorado and Arizona?
In Colorado
For 2026, the long-term care income limit is $2,982 a month, and the home equity limit is $1,130,000 (HCPF Operational Memo 25-073). If income is over this limit, there may still be options, so it’s worth asking before deciding your parent doesn’t qualify. If you apply for Medicaid while a Colorado beneficiary deed is in effect, you’re still treated as owning the home, and it counts as your resource (C.R.S. 15-15-403).
In Arizona
For 2026, the ALTCS income limit is also $2,982 a month, and the home equity limit is $752,000 (AHCCCS). If income is over this limit, an income-only trust may still allow ALTCS in some cases (AHCCCS DE-817). After a death, the personal representative must notify AHCCCS within 3 months (A.R.S. 36-2935).
How does working with Daniel go?
-
Reach out
Request a call, or call 720-806-2069. Tell us a little about your parent. Nicholas Curtiss, our paralegal, or Iliana Garcia, our senior paralegal, calls you back.
-
Talk with your parent, too
Daniel R. Klein will want to speak with your parent directly, because the plan is theirs.
-
Make a plan
Daniel explains the options in terms you can understand and gives you a written quote.
-
Put it in place
We prepare the documents, or the court documents if they’re needed.
-
Stay in touch
We review the plan as your parent’s needs change.
What does it cost?
You’ll get a written quote before any work begins. See how our fees work.
Questions people ask
I live in Colorado and my parent lives in Arizona. Can you help?
Yes. We have offices in Englewood and Paradise Valley, and Daniel is licensed in Colorado, Arizona, and California. We can plan for your parent under Arizona law and, with your parent’s permission, keep you in the loop from Colorado.
My parent has dementia. Is it too late for a power of attorney?
Not always. It depends on whether your parent still understands what the document does. Our powers of attorney page explains this. If signing isn’t possible, see guardianship and conservatorship.
Will an inheritance affect my disabled brother’s benefits?
It can, if the money goes to him directly. A special needs trust is one way to leave money without risking needs-based benefits. Our special needs trusts page explains how it works in Colorado and Arizona.
How do people pay for nursing home care? Will Medicaid take the house?
Most families use savings, insurance, or Medicaid. In both states, Medicaid can seek repayment from the estate of someone who got long-term care benefits at 55 or older, and Arizona’s rules say that can include the home. The rules have exceptions, and timing matters, so it’s wise to talk with us before selling or giving away a home.
Request a complimentary consultation
Tell us how to reach you. We’ll call you within one business day to set up your complimentary consultation.
Three short questions.
To request a consultation, call 720-806-2069 or visit kleinestatelaw.com/contact/
This form needs JavaScript
JavaScript is turned off in your browser, so this form cannot send your request. Please call 720-806-2069 (Mon–Thu 9 a.m.–5 p.m., Fri 9 a.m.–3 p.m.) or email paralegal@drklawfirm.com, and we will help you from there.