Elder law and Alzheimer's disease.

The elder-law practice focuses on the particular needs of older individuals and their families. Thus, elder law is truly "family" law because the needs of older clients are inextricably interwoven with the needs of their families. This is particularly true for the client who is chronically ill or has some form of dementia, such as Alzheimer's disease. Elder-law attorneys may now be certified to identify to the public those lawyers who demonstrate enhanced knowledge, skills, experience, and proficiency in elder law. Elder law draws from many substantive areas, such as trust, real property, agency, health care, tax, guardianship, will and probate, Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid law. Together, the client and family are educated on legal options and are assisted in making decisions, formalized through legal documentation. The emphasis is on advance planning. Among legal practitioners, elder-law attorneys understand most clearly that the client's needs must be understood in the context of cultural and family dynamics, and addressed through a team approach involving other professions.