Ever since it was delegated as “Senior Citizens Month” in 1963, May has become a time to honor elder Americans aged 65 and above.

Later, the name was changed to “Older Americans Month,” yet the goal remained the same. It is a reminder not just to respect and hold older individuals in high regard, it is intended for us to consciously protect and support them. This should of course be done all year round, but we are called to revive our efforts at this time. Navigating life as a senior citizen is a delicate journey that entails vulnerability. This is why the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) decided to bolster the initiative by declaring the month of May as National Elder Law Month.

The following are some of the matters encompassed in the elder law. The elder law attorneys at Koler Law Office can provide you with assistance in any of the following areas:

• Guardianship — Entrusting the important responsibility of managing assets, financial, and medical powers to a trusted family member or friend and what that entails.

• Asset Protection & Estate Planning — Elder law attorneys are dedicated to counseling and assisting elders in the management of their assets in the event of incapacitation or death. The planning includes designation of beneficiaries, death, and spousal benefits.

• Adequate Healthcare — Sufficient and affordable healthcare that includes long-term care options like skilled nursing facilities often need to be arranged and provided for. Elder law attorneys assist with long term care and Medicaid planning options.

• Elder Abuse and Exploitation — According to the U.S. Department of Justice, elder abuse is prevalent and one of the most commonly reported forms is financial exploitation. This is the reason why elder law attorneys strive to educate more elders for them to know their rights and to ensure that abuses will not be tolerated.

Elder law has been established to help seniors retire and age with joy, dignity, and peace of mind.

If this is new to you and you are in need of a trusted elder law attorney, reach out to the Koler Law Office for a free consultation.