annual events honor seniors and offer plenty of resources to assist them with a
variety of needs. It also reminds our elder law community just how important the
needs of these generations are and helps us focus on developing new ways to
support them, despite what we are facing as a state and a nation.
In fact, there are as many avenues of support from elder law attorneys as there are
areas of senior-related concern. For example, elder parents may need assistance drafting
or reviewing an estate plan. They may be eligible for veterans benefits but require a
skilled V.A. advocate. They may even need emergency assistance to assert their
rights in an elder abuse situation. In each case, elder law attorneys stand ready to
assist them.
Raising awareness, securing access to resources and obtaining effective assistance
is what May is all about. Other areas of interest may include:
• Powers of attorney
• Tax planning
• Medicaid planning
• Long-term care
• Social Security Insurance or Disability
• Special Needs Trusts
• Guardianship
• Retirement planning
The U.S. Administration for Community Living leads the annual observance of Older
Americans Month. The theme for 2020 is “Make Your Mark.” This is meant to
encourage and celebrate the contributions that older adults make every day across
the country.
National Elder Law Month dates back to a presidential proclamation in 1963. Elder
law attorneys embraced the annual tradition and remain dedicated to helping
seniors better understand their rights, concerns and legal options. Accordingly,
the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, where our very own attorney, Matt
Rheingans, as president of the Florida Chapter last year, has public seminars, Elder
Law clinics and many other activities this month to bring seniors, their families and
their legal communities together all for the purpose of serving elder adults.
Elder Law attorneys represent, counsel and assist seniors, including those who are
younger with disabilities, and their families with a wide range of legal issues. Many
government and nonprofit senior advocacy organizations also offer assistance, such
as the National Council on Aging, the National Center on Elder Abuse and the
National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care.
If you or someone you know would like more information or specific guidance on
legal matters, we encourage you to contact our law practice. We are here for you
during this important month, and throughout the year.