Almost everyone is involved with the care of an elderly loved one at one time or another. And affairs of elderly persons always involve legal issues, such as health care directives and estates. Elder law is a complex field that encompasses many different areas of expertise. While you may be able to navigate some aspects of elder care or estate planning without a lawyer, it can be difficult for the average person to find the time to plan and implement all the many details.
In order to serve the needs of older people and their families, an elder law attorney must be knowledgeable in many different areas of law in order to serve the senior and family. The elder law attorney:
- Focuses his or her practice on the legal needs of seniors.
- Works with a variety of legal tools and techniques that specifically meet the goals and objectives of the older client.
- Uses a holistic approach to legal advice, taking into consideration the key issues facing seniors: housing, financial well-being, health and long-term care, autonomy, and quality of life.
- Brings to his or her practice a knowledge of the issues facing seniors that allows them and their staff to ignore the myths relating to aging and the competence of seniors.
- Will consider and empathize with some of the physical and mental difficulties that often accompany the aging process. Their understanding of the real-life problems of people as they age allows them to determine more easily the difference between the physical versus the mental disability of a client.
- Is tied into a formal or informal system of social workers, psychologists, and other elder care professionals who may assist you.
While elder law attorneys may not specialize in any one area of elder law, they use their knowledge to simplify legal challenges and difficult decisions that families face during trying times.
Source: National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (https://tinyurl.com/y7rugv35)
The law office of elder law attorney Scott C. Painter, P.C., is located in Wyomissing (outside of Reading, PA, in Berks County,) and offers trusted legal services in the areas of elder law, including nursing home planning, trust and estate services, and veterans benefits. Scott C. Painter is a Certified Elder Law Attorney (CELA®), and he is also a member of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).
If you have an issue or question, we encourage you to call us. With legal matters, time is of the essence. Call us for a consultation at 610-378-5140. The $300 consultation fee is waived if Attorney Painter is retained to perform services.