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Bar Association Releases Legal Guide for the Seriously Ill
Staff Writer
Knowing
what vital steps to take to get your financial and legal affairs
in order when confronted by serious illness just became easier thanks
to a new guide released by the American Bar Association (ABA).
Seniors and family members facing the onset of a life threatening illness or
injury are often unaware of how to get their affairs in order to protect themselves
and their families.
“The Legal Guide for the Seriously Ill” — a project by the
ABA Commission on Law and Aging commissioned by the National Hospice and Palliative
Care Organization (NHPCO) — 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 Legal Guide for the Seriously Ill’ is a great resource
for anyone facing a serious illness,” noted ABA president Carolyn B. Lamm. “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.”
Development of the new guide was prompted by current societal issues and concerns
facing many Americans, such as paying for health care, managing health and personal
decisions, and patient rights.
“The Legal Guide for the Seriously Ill” also explores recent legislative
and regulatory changes to give users a thorough understanding of where they stand
when making important decisions.
The guide is expected to fill an important gap in resources for many Americans.
“Hospice and palliative care organizations are frequently asked for information
regarding end-of-life planning and decision-making,” observed J. Donald
Schumacher, president and CEO of NHPCO.
“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,” Schumacher concluded.
Both ABA and NHPCO anticipate that the guide will be a useful resource for many
people, but Ellen M. Klem, staff attorney for the ABA Commission on Law and the
Aging, cautioned that the book is not a substitute for legal advice but is intended
to arm readers with knowledge about the options they have during this difficult
time.
The ABA is the largest voluntary professional membership organization in the
world and acts as the national voice of the legal profession. Among its many
activities, the ABA focuses on improving the administration of justice, promoting
programs that assist lawyers and judges in their work, and it 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. Through its Caring Connections program, NHPCO provides free
resources and information to help people make decisions about end-of-life care
and services before a crisis.
NHPCO can be contacted at www.caringinfo.org or by calling 1-800-658-8898. “The
Legal Guide for the Seriously Ill” is available online at www.caringinfo.org/.
The views expressed in the guide 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.
This page and its contents ©2010
Metropolitan News Company, Inc.
