National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Celebrates Elder Law Month
Elder and Special Needs Law Attorneys Across the Country Educate Seniors on Legal Options This May
Washington, DC — The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), a professional association of attorneys dedicated to improving the quality of legal services provided to older Americans and individuals with special needs, established May as Elder Law Month as a way to educate seniors and their families about their legal options in dealing with elder abuse and fraud, long-term and health care planning, Medicaid, Medicare, estate planning, and other important issues.
“With the elderly population growing each day, driven in large part by the graying of the Baby Boomer generation, it is crucial to assist older Americans and their families in finding legal services and resources to improve their quality of life,” said NAELA President Edwin Boyer, Esq., CAP.
All too often, Americans wait to deal with these issues in times of crisis, rather than working with an Elder or Special Needs Law attorney before the crisis occurs. By planning ahead and looking to the future, seniors and people with special needs can ensure a better quality of life and that they have the services and support they need as they get older.
“Learning about the various services and government programs that are available to the elderly and persons with disabilities is a daunting task, and Elder and Special Needs Law attorneys are uniquely positioned to provide the expertise needed to navigate a complex web of rules and regulations,” said NAELA Vice President Howard S. Krooks, CELA, CAP.
Many NAELA members will be out in their communities in May:
- Conducting a Living Will/Health Care Proxy Day;
- Presenting a seminar at the local senior or community center;
- Providing pro bono services; or
- Lecturing at a law school.
“The value and importance of Elder Law Month is that it not only highlights the legal issues unique to us as we age; it also empowers consumers with information on selecting a skilled, compassionate and knowledgeable attorney to work with them,” said NAELA board member Wendy H. Sheinberg, Esq., CELA.
To learn more about Elder Law Month, visit the NAELA website. To receive a free NAELA brochure: “Questions and Answers When Looking For An Elder Law Attorney,” contact Communications Specialist Abby Matienzo by email or phone at 703-942-5711 #230.
Find an Elder and Special Needs Law attorney in your area using NAELA’s Member Directory.
About NAELA
Members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) are attorneys who are experienced and trained in working with the legal problems of aging Americans and individuals of all ages with disabilities. Established in 1987, NAELA is a non-profit association that assists lawyers, bar organizations and others. The mission of NAELA is to establish NAELA members as the premier providers of legal advocacy, guidance and services to enhance the lives of people with special needs and people as they age. NAELA currently has members across the United States, Canada, Australia and the United Kingdom. For more information, visit NAELA.org.
About Elder and Special Needs Law
Elder and Special Needs Law are specialized areas that involve representing, counseling and assisting seniors, people with disabilities and their families in connection with a variety of legal issues, with a primary emphasis on promoting the highest quality of life for individuals. Typically, Elder Law and Special Needs Law address the convergence of legal needs with the social, psychological, medical and financial needs of individuals. The Elder Law and Special Needs Law attorney handles estate planning and counsels clients about planning for incapacity with health care decision-making documents. The Elder and Special Needs Law attorney also assists clients in planning for possible long-term care needs, including at-home care, assisted living or nursing home care. Locating the appropriate type of care, coordinating public and private resources to finance the cost of care and working to ensure the client’s right to quality care are all part of the Elder and Special Needs Law practice.
