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What is Elder Law?

Back in 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared the month of May as Older Americans month and urged citizens to recognize older individuals in their lives and to provide them with assistance as needed. The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) recognizes May as Elder Law month as well. Attorneys focus their energies this month on educating people about legal options in dealing with long-term, healthcare, and estate planning, Medicaid asset protection and other important issues.

“Elder Law is a specialized area of law that involve representing an aging population, counseling, and assisting individuals on a variety of issues with a primary emphasis on promoting the highest quality of life for these individuals”, says Elder Law attorney Nancie Dorjath. “Typically, Elder Law attorneys are uniquely positioned to address their clients’ needs from a holistic viewpoint be reviewing legal, medical, financial, social and family issues.”

With the number of older Americans in the population expected to increase to 71.5 million by the year 2030 approximately 20% of the U.S. population, the need is growing for specialized legal advice on age-related issues. Elder Law attorneys understand and can empathize with some of the physical and mental difficulties that can accompany the aging process.

What issues do Elder Law Attorneys address?

Elder Law attorneys help families, individuals with disabilities, and those facing end of life concerns with legal matters. These include trying to protect assets in case they are needed in the future, or to have money to pass on to loved ones. “We advise clients about what to consider with regards to retirement income, long-term care, medicaid/medicare concerns, housing options including assisted living needs and nursing homes, and making sure that estate plans are properly designed for this time in their lives.” Elder Law attorneys often work in concert with other professionals with whom their clients are collaborating with, including financial professionals, local housing experts and more. "We make sure that estate planning documents (wills, trusts, powers of attorney) are set up properly for potential life changing issues, help with asset protect strategies and so much more", say Dorjath.

"Even if you are faced with a loved one having to enter a nursing home, with a proper plan you do not have to spend all of their hard earned money to pay for their care", Nancie Dorjath says. "Call me first to see how we can save you money!"

ACT NOW during Older Americans Month!

Act Now During National Elder Law Month! All too often, Americans want to wait to deal with these issues until a time of crisis arises. Of course, Elder Law attorneys can help then too. However, by planning ahead and looking to the future, families can ensure better quality of life and have the services and support they need as they get older. Call the Dorjath Law Center this month for a free phone consultation at 630-761-3600 or add your mailing information below and we will send you valuable materials on planning and preparing for the future!