Elder Law Issues for Everyone: Your Aging Clients, Their Parents, and You

Legal issues for the aging are numerous, on the rise, and reaching into all areas of life. As a practitioner, you need to be particularly sensitive to these issues and their impact on elder clients. This full-day seminar will give you the confidence to assist clients in making proper decisions for all involved during a potentially stressful time. Topics include: physical, cultural, and psychological considerations when dealing with the elderly client; social security; Medicare and Medicaid issues; guardianship avoidance in diminished capacity cases; the financial representation of aging clients; trust & testamentary substitutes; probate issues; life care planning; powers of attorney; and much more. A discussion on avoiding conflicts of interest when dealing with family, caregivers, and substitute decision-makers is also included.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There are many issues to consider when dealing with elderly clients and their family members. In this segment, the speakers draw upon their expertise to address these concerns and offer advice and best practice tips on how to handle the physical, cultural, and psychological considerations of this unique client group.

Daniel Kegan, Kegan & Kegan, Ltd., Chicago (moderator)

 

This comprehensive overview examines a number of healthcare insurance and benefits issues, including Social Security, Medicare, supplemental insurance, Medicaid benefits, long-term care insurance, veterans’ benefits, and much more.

 

10:30 – 10:45 a.m. Break (beverages provided)

 

This segment offers an analysis of guardianships and guardianship avoidance in diminished capacity cases, including substitute decision-making documents. Problems with undue influence, abuse, exploitation, and protecting the elderly client are also included.

 

 

Proper financial planning is an important concern among the elderly. This presentation discusses the financial representation of aging clients, including housing opportunities, financing, income, estate & gift tax matters, and asset protection.

Rick L. Law, Law Elder Law, LLP, Aurora

In this session, the speakers examine several estate planning considerations, including drafting wills, trust & testamentary substitutes, probate issues, and more. Planning for minor or adult special needs children is also examined.

 

2:45 – 3:00 p.m. Break (refreshments provided)

 

Assisting with life planning is an important part of the attorney’s professional relationship with the elderly client. The speakers in this segment discuss various considerations in planning beyond estate management, including life care planning, powers of attorney, living wills, advanced care directives, end of life planning, and hospice care.

 

It is important for attorneys to recognize and avoid potential conflicts of interest when dealing with elderly clients. This presentation examines the issues and concerns that may arise when representing parents, family members, or friends.