Gary Barg, Editor-in-Chief
As you can well imagine, one of the most popular members of any Fearless Caregiver Conference Expert Question and Answer panel is the attorney. We have been blessed over the years to have local attorneys join us on the panels with not only the book learning and skill set necessary, but also with plenty of heart when talking with family caregivers in need.
I always say that one of the first members on your team should be the most appropriate attorney possible. He or she can be an expert in wills and trusts and eldercare law or an expert in special needs trusts. The attorney you need is not your neighbor’s cousin’s lawn service owner’s brother who dabbles in real estate law. A meeting with the right lawyer for the right situation can avoid a lot of heartache down the line. This is why I would like to take a moment to join with the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys as they celebrate National Elder Law Month.
The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) is a professional association of attorneys dedicated to improving the quality of legal services provided to older Americans and individuals with special needs. The association established May as National Elder Law Month in order to educate seniors and our 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 Past 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. To learn more about National Elder Law Month, visit the NAELA website. To find an Elder and Special Needs Law Attorney in your area, use NAELA’s Member Directory.
Have you needed an eldercare attorney for your loved one? Share your thoughts in the comments below