Legal Advocate For Seniors
April 6, 2023 by Senior Citizens Advocate
As a senior, you’re probably not getting much attention from the world around you. The media and politics tend to focus on youth, and it can be difficult for senior citizens to get the attention they need when they need it. However, if you’re concerned about certain issues, you can advocate for yourself with the help of legal advocate for seniors.
1. Quality of Life Issues
One of the most important aspects of senior advocacy is to ensure that seniors have access to a variety of services and laws designed to promote their physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health and wellness. This can include things like choosing the right senior living facility, drafting an estate plan, and preventing financial abuse.
2. Elder Abuse and Discrimination
There are many different types of elder abuse, from financial exploitation to physical abuse to neglect. A lawyer who specializes in elder law can help you identify the type of abuse you’re experiencing and fight against it.
3. Legal Assistance and Benefits
As you age, it can be hard to navigate the complex legal system and get the benefits you need. Fortunately, there are several nonprofit and community-based organizations that provide free or low-cost legal services to seniors.
4. Protecting Your Rights as a Senior Tenant
New York seniors who live in rent controlled or rent stabilized apartments are at risk for being harassed by landlords and their employees. This is a major concern because it’s illegal for landlords to interfere with their tenants privacy and comfort.
5. Medicare Fraud and Abuse
Medicare fraud costs $60 billion a year in the United States, so it’s important for senior citizens to receive adequate education on how to avoid this problem. Similarly, pension fraud is a concern for those who have worked their entire lives to earn their retirement benefit.
6. Documentation of Personal Choices and End-of-Life Care
Another aspect of elder law is to document personal choices and plans regarding end-of-life care and the disposition of assets and property. This documentation enables the person to be certain that their wishes are respected and honored.
7. Medicaid and Social Security Disability
It’s also important to make sure that seniors have legal coverage for medical expenses. This can be especially difficult for older adults on a fixed income who may not have the means to pay for these costs out of their own pocket.
8. The Need for Elder Care Advocacy
The elderly are a growing segment of our population. This means that they need more attention than ever before. Whether it’s inadequate healthcare, financial abuse, neglect, or transportation needs, seniors need advocates to speak up for them.
9. Letter Writing Campaigns
Finally, seniors can advocate for themselves by contacting their local and state representatives to tell them that they are concerned about certain issues related to the elderly. This can be a great way to show the legislators that there is a large voting population that wants to see these issues addressed. Legal advocate for seniors may be able to point you in the right direction to get the information that can help.