Elder Care

As estate planning and elder law attorneys and professionals serving the needs of elders, it is crucial that we stay informed and vigilant in spotting issues where elders and vulnerable adults may be victims of abuse or exploitation. Every practitioner must be familiar with their state’s rules of professional conduct regarding the reporting of abuse to state authorities and law enforcement. In Washington State, attorneys are Per­missive Reporters and may report to the Washington State Adult Protective Services or law enforcement when there is reasonable cause to believe that a vulnerable adult is be­ing or has been abandoned, abused, financially exploited or neglected. Reporters are immune from liability and the reporting or testifying shall not be deemed a violation of any c...

Elder law is a broad and varied practice. Care advocacy is an area of the practice that provides the elder law attorney with the opportunity to “do well by doing good.” Understanding how the health care system works and being aware of systemic weaknesses enables us to become effective advocates for our clients (as well as our loved ones). One poorly understood component of the health care system for elder clients and clients with disabilities is their Medicare beneficiary rights and how to advocate for getting the benefits they deserve when the system fails.   A Health Care System Challenge – Transition of Care When a client transitions from ...