National Elder Law Month

May is National Elder Law Month, a time when Elder Law attorneys throughout the country contribute to their communities by educating seniors about their legal options. Members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) are the premium providers of legal advocacy, guidance, and services to enhance the lives of seniors and people with disabilities. Areas of great concern include: age discrimination, Medicare, Medicaid, estate planning, probate, guardianship, and conservatorship.

NAELA’s latest advocacy efforts include: ” The Special Needs Trust Fairness Act,” The Disability Integration Act,” and “New ABLE legislation introduced in Congress.” NAELA continues to advocate before Congress, regulators, and the courts on behalf of persons with a disability or a chronic illness by providing our members’ expertise on Elder Law and Special Needs Planning.  https://www.naela.org

Signs you or your loved one may need an elder law attorney:

• Has suffered a stroke, a fall or has been diagnosed with a debilitating disorder such as Alzheimer’s disease.
• Has been diagnosed with a chronic condition that will likely lead to death within 10 years.
• Assets have fallen below $100,000, indicating he or she cannot afford long-term care.
• Seems unduly influenced by a family member.
• Lives in a care facility or is currently receiving in-home care.
• Is isolated due to recent death of a spouse, or has family that either lives too far away or is unable to provide adequate care.
• Is being discharged into a rehabilitation care facility after a hospital stay.
• His or her ability to function independently is declining.
• Is anxious about financial matters and is concerned about paying for long-term care.
• Has a variety of healthcare providers and needs care coordination and advocacy for quality care.

If you or a loved one experience any of these signs, contact a Certified Elder Law Attorney. When looking for an elder law attorney pay attention to how long they have been practicing law, the percentage of the practice that is devoted to elder law and whether or not the attorney has special certifications such as CELA.