Mastering Elder Law

Book excerpt: Mastering Elder Law explains basic topics of concern in the burgeoning field of elder law. The book examines public benefits available to the elderly, retirement systems, age discrimination in employment, wealth transfers, medical decision making (including the “right to die”), guardianships and conservatorships, durable powers of attorney, long-term care insurance, housing for the elderly, nursing homes, and elder abuse. The book also explores overarching themes of elder law, such as the tension that results when the state is obligated to protect its vulnerable elderly citizens while simultaneously obligated to promote their autonomy to the maximum extent consistent with their abilities. The text is designed to facilitate the novice's understanding of complex topics such as Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid. It discusses relevant statutes and cases, includes many examples, and provides practical observations about the laws that address the problems of the elderly.