Legal issues for the aging are many, and they reach into all areas of life. Estate planning is the one legal issue individuals think about most often in relation to the elderly. But even this one aspect of life involves so much more than determining which relative gets what assets. Living wills, powers of attorney, and instructions pertaining to life sustaining treatments are all complex legal issues that the majority of the aging population will have to deal with.

Besides estate planning, medical-related trouble is another of the big legal issues for the aging. As people grow older, in most cases, their need for medical attention likewise increases. This increase in necessary medical services unfortunately creates an increase in the need for legal assistance as seniors become victims of medical malpractice including misdiagnosis, incorrect treatments, surgical errors, and more.

And the list of elderly legal issues goes on. No one likes to think about it, but the elderly are prime targets for fraud. The severity of the situation varies with each victim however any senior who does become an unfortunate victim will likely need some level of legal advice and involvement. Having someone nearby that can help with reading and transportation can be a big help. Comfort Keepers can help.

Although not as common as some of the other legal issues for the aging, it’s no secret that even at this age plenty of seniors will initiate divorce proceedings. And sometimes, the stakes are very high.

Regardless of the nature of the need for legal assistance, legal issues for the aging are on the rise. They’ll continue to be on the front burner for the next few decades as the Baby Boomer generation comes of age – retirement age that is.

Where to turn for assistance
It’s difficult to know when legal advice is needed and when it’s not. Making this determination is particularly troublesome for the elderly, many of whom live on a fixed income.

If you’re elderly and in need of legal assistance, or if you know of an elderly individual who needs such assistance, you may not know where to turn. That’s why the American Bar Association (ABA) has put together a resources list to help. This easy-to-use state-by-state resource list can be found at www.abanet.org/aging/statemap.html. Simply click on a state and in seconds you’ll find the contact information you need to begin making your way through the complex maze of legal issues for the aging.

It’s encouraging to see the strides individual states have made in coordinating resources aimed at the elderly. Topping the ABA’s resource list is a toll-free hotline. Call that number first, explain the legal issue, and you’ll be advised where to turn next. Not all states have such a hotline, but for those that do, it’ll be listed.

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