Elder Law typically refers to the planning associated with the need for long term care. This often involves Medicaid, Social Security Disability or Supplemental Security Income, and other public benefit programs. Elder Law planning also often includes dealing with long term health care insurance. Typically our clients will have a spouse or loved one who is currently in need of long term health care, or who will be in need of long term health care in the foreseeable future. Seeking out available benefits, protecting assets and spending down for Medicaid, and working with long term health care insurance benefits are common in this practice. Our goal as Elder Law attorneys is to assist our clients to obtain the necessary benefits for their loved ones, while protecting sufficient assets to allow them to support themselves.
As part of our Elder Law focus, our firm is heavily involved in the Elder Law Section of the Oregon State Bar, and with the legislative and administrative rule making processes. Our firm has been active in helping to define the term “Elder Law” in the state of Oregon for more than 25 years. We have also maintained relationships with state and national associations such as the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the American Bar Association, the Alzheimer’s Association of Oregon and the Alzheimer’s Network. The members of the firm frequently speak on the subject of Elder Law to community and special interest groups.