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#Defining the Role of the Elder Law Attorney - NYC Caregiver: Making it easier to care

Defining the Role of the Elder Law Attorney

Elder law attorneys focus on the legal needs of the elderly, and work with a variety of legal tools and techniques to meet the goals and objectives of the older client. Many elder law attorneys also work on behalf of disabled clients under 65 years of age who have long term care needs similar to those of the elderly.

The elder law practitioner handles general estate planning issues and counsels clients about planning for incapacity with alternative decision making documents, such as powers of attorney and health care proxies. The attorney also assists the elderly or younger disabled client in planning for possible long term care needs, including nursing home care, home care and day care. Locating the appropriate type of care, coordinating private and public resources to finance the cost of care, and working to ensure the client's right to quality care, are all part of this specific practice.