As the aging population transitions into a new lifestyle after retirement, they do not only experience major changes in their physical, emotional, social aspects of their lives. The other 2 big concerns that come up are those that relate to their financial security and lawful interests.

Awareness among seniors about Elder Law and its resources vary widely. While some seniors are well-informed and actively seek out legal assistance, others may not be aware of the resources available to them. Consulting with elder law attorneys provide guidance and legal representation to help seniors and their families navigate the complex issues, ensuring that their rights and well-being are protected.
Elder law is an area of legal practice that focuses on issues affecting older adults. Some of its key areas are as follows:

• Estate Planning: Involves writing of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to manage an individual’s estate and personal affairs.
• Medicare and Medicaid Planning: Elder law offices can help in assisting with eligibility and benefits to ensure proper healthcare and financial support.

• Long Term Care Planning: They help families prepare for future needs such as nursing home care and other long term care options.
• Guardianship and Conservatorship: They can help establish legal protection for those who can no longer care for themselves or are gravely disabled.
• Elder Abuse Protection: They have the resources to address and prevent physical, emotional, and financial abuse of older adults.

• Retirement Planning: Elder lawyers can advise and provide important information on Social Security benefits, pensions, and other retirement-related issues. They can also provide assistance to families in preserving their assets, so they don’t outlive their resources and be able to financially support themselves throughout their lifetime.

What are some of the benefits of hiring an elder law attorney?

Expertise: Elder law attorneys possess specialized knowledge in legal issues that pertain and affect seniors, ensuring that all aspects of their clients’ needs are addressed.

Personalized Planning: They provide tailored advice on other related issues such as estate planning, long term care, and healthcare needs, ensuring that each client’s unique situation is considered.

Navigating Complex Systems: They assist in navigating complex systems like Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, which help clients maximize their benefits and avoid costly mistakes.

Advocacy: Elder law stands behind their clients’ rights and well-being to ensure that seniors receive fair treatment and protection against abuse or exploitation.

Peace of Mind: Having a professional handle legal matters provide peace of mind for seniors and their families, knowing that they are prepared for the future, and their wishes will be respected.

Organizations such as California Department of Aging and Justice in Aging offer a variety of resources and training to help seniors navigate legal issues related to elder law. For more information about specific resources or programs, go to Home – Justice in Aging.

Feature Images from Unsplash.com contributors:

Katie Harp, Jacques Bopp, Nguyen Hiep, Susan Wilkinson, Razi Pouri, Towfiqu Barbhuiya, Melinda Gimpel, and Wesley Tingey