"Elder Law" is the legal practice of counseling and advising older adults and their representatives about the legal aspects of health and long-term care planning, public benefits and surrogate decision-making, giving due consideration to the applicable tax consequences of the action, or the need for more sophisticated tax expertise. The Elder Law Attorney also prepares essential estate planning documents, such as Wills, Financial Powers of Attorney and Healthcare Powers of Attorney, often coupled with Living Wills.
"Geriatric Care Management" is a field of health and human services dedicated to helping families who are caring for older relatives. The Geriatric Care Manager is trained and experienced in any of several fields related to long-term care, including: nursing, gerontology, social work, psychology, or case management with a specialized focus on issues related to aging and elder care.
"Special Needs Law" involves representing, counseling and assisting people with disabilities and their families in connection with a variety of legal issues, with a primary emphasis on promoting the highest quality of life for individuals. Typically, Special Needs Law addresses the convergence of legal needs with the social, psychological, medical and financial needs of individuals. The Special Needs Law Practitioner handles assistance with drafting, funding and administration of Trusts; basic benefits such as Social Security, Supplemental Security Income, Medicare, Medicaid, Veteran’s Benefits; Transition Planning; Promotion of Independent Living; Housing; Medical/Health Care; Employment; Education; Advocacy and Litigation; and Capacity/Guardianship.
