Understanding Elder Care Law: What is an Elder Law Attorney?
Many people are not aware of this relatively new area of the law created to specifically serve the needs of the elderly and disabled as well as their families. Elder Care Law emerged due to our prolonged life expectancy.
Because we humans are living longer, we are facing more and more complicated issues. Estate planning, disability, health care, retirement, taxes, financial planning, abuse and discrimination issues can, and often do arise in the elder years. It is important to know your rights and seek counseling and advice when needed. When dealing with legal issues that pertain to the elderly, it is wise to seek counseling from a lawyer who practices ‘Elder Law’.
Despite the fact that there are laws and community-based programs that exist for the elderly, unless you are educated in this area and have a deep understanding of elder care law, you may miss out on available services as well as many rights you may have inherited as you have aged. When dealing with elder care law choose a lawyer that is familiar not only with elder law, but one that can also recognize ethical issues that may arise and can suggest public and private non-legal resources in the community to help meet your needs.
Life Management and Special Needs
Nearly all aspects of life management for the elderly are covered under some form of elder care law that protects your rights. Specific elder laws pertain to estate planning, wills, trusts, guardianships and end of life planning. In addition, elder laws exist for the protection against abuse, neglect and fraud. It is important to consult elder laws when dealing with disability, medical care, nursing home and housing issues, as well as retirement, insurance and employment issues.
As a result of the growing needs of elders, many state and local agencies receive grants to offer services such as support groups and counseling. These organizations can advise on elder law topics and suggest services that may be helpful. Check your phone book or the Internet for local and state agencies that may be able to help if you are facing an issue pertaining to elder law.
Appreciating True Difficulties Accompanying The Aging Process
Attorneys who primarily work with seniors and people with special needs appreciate the complex financial and social decisions their clients face. Elder law and special needs planning attorneys bring to their practice a knowledge of their clients that allow them and their staff to ignore the myths relating to aging and the competence of seniors and people with disabilities. At the same time, they take into account and empathize with the true physical and mental difficulties that often accompany the aging process. Elder Care Attorneys are tied into a formal or informal system of social workers, geriatric care managers, psychologists, and other professionals who may be of assistance to you or your loved one.
If you or someone you love is in need of an elder care attorney, call Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers. Helping to care for and protect the elderly is our passion.