Free Legal Guide for the Seriously Ill Written by
American Bar’s Commission on Law and Aging
Guide for caretakers and those who are ill was
commissioned by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization
Dec.
29, 2009 – Knowing how to get personal financial and legal affairs in
order is a consideration every senior citizens should consider – before
the onset of a serious illness or injury, which can affect much more
than a person’s health. This information is often vitally important not
only to the affected individual, but to his or her loved ones as well.
The "Legal Guide for the Seriously Ill" - a project
by the American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging commissioned
by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization - was designed
for both the seriously ill individual and those caring for someone who
is seriously ill.
The guide explains “Seven Key Steps” in a brief,
clear way while offering additional tips and resources for readers
looking for more detailed information and guidance.
The recently released guide addresses societal
issues that have gained prominent media attention in recent years, such
as paying for health care, managing health and personal decisions, and
patient rights.
In addition, the Legal Guide for the Seriously Ill
sheds light on recent legislative and regulatory changes, such as the
recently enacted American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, which
provides a 35 percent subsidy of the COBRA premium for up to nine
months.
“The Legal Guide for the Seriously Ill is a great
resource for anyone facing a serious illness. The book provides critical
tools that help readers understand their options, make informed
decisions, and minimize some of the anxiety they may be feeling about
their financial and legal affairs at this stage of life,” said ABA
President Carolyn Lamm.
J. Donald Schumacher, president and CEO of NHPCO
added, “Hospice and palliative care organizations are frequently asked
for information regarding end-of-life planning and decision-making. This
guide will be a tremendous resource to them as well as faith
communities, caregiver organizations, aging service providers, hospitals
and others who work to support people living with a serious illness.
Ellen M. Klem, staff attorney of the ABA Commission
on Law and the Aging, reminded readers that the book does not give legal
advice, but will “arm readers with knowledge about the options they have
during this difficult time.”
The views expressed in the book have not been
approved by the House of Delegates or the Board of Governors of the
American Bar Association and, accordingly, should not be construed as
representing the policy of the ABA.
With nearly 400,000 members, the American Bar
Association is the largest voluntary professional membership
organization in the world. As the national voice of the legal
profession, the ABA works to improve the administration of justice,
promotes programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work,
accredits law schools, provides continuing legal education, and works to
build public understanding around the world of the importance of the
rule of law.
NHPCO is the oldest and largest nonprofit
membership organization representing hospice and palliative care
programs and professionals in the United States. NHPCO’s mission is to
lead and mobilize social change for improved care at the end of life.
NHPCO's Caring Connections provides free resources and information to
help people make decisions about end-of-life care and services before a
crisis. Learn more at
caringinfo.org or by calling the HelpLine at 1-800-658-8898.
Keep up with the latest news for senior citizens, baby
boomers
Dec.
29, 2009 – Knowing how to get personal financial and legal affairs in
order is a consideration every senior citizens should consider – before
the onset of a serious illness or injury, which can affect much more
than a person’s health. This information is often vitally important not
only to the affected individual, but to his or her loved ones as well.
