Erie County Senior Services, partners present Elder Law Day 2017

Free event provides information to assist older adults, caregivers in long-term care decisions

The Erie County Department of Senior Services and the Center for Elder Law and Justice have announced Elder Law Day 2017 will be held from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Thursday, June 22, at the Adam's Mark Hotel, 120 Church St., Buffalo.

Now in its 17th year, Elder Law Day features seminars on legal issues of interest to older adults, caregivers, and aging service professionals to assist them in making decisions about their health, long-term care needs, and financial well-being. Seminar topics include Medicare & Medicaid; wills and trusts; elder abuse and mistreatment; special needs trusts; LGBT issues; living independently at home; and veterans' rights.

"Elder Law Day is full of valuable information and is a great opportunity for seniors and caregivers to learn about their rights, get answers to their questions, and build a plan for the future. These events have been tremendously popular in the past and have proven to be a good way to get information into the hands of people who need it," said Erie County Commissioner of Senior Services Tim Hogues. "Elder Law Day brings together professionals from all around the aging spectrum to share their knowledge and actually help seniors right on the spot. I encourage seniors, caregivers, and anyone who needs the latest information on any aspect of senior life to attend."

Additional sponsors of Elder Law Day 2017 include AARP-NY; the Bar Association of Erie County; Network in Aging; the New York State Bar Association, Elder Law Section; and SUNY Buffalo Law School. Approximately 40 community agency partners in aging services will be on hand at the event to provide handout information and talk with attendees between sessions. In addition, for the second year in a row, free morning refreshments and a boxed lunch are available to attendees thanks to the support of these community partners.

Attendees at Elder Law Day also have an opportunity to pre-register online for free, 15-minute consultations with an attorney, health insurance counselor, and/or case manager for options counseling. For more information or to register by telephone, call 716-858-7532 or visit www.elderjusticeny.org/ELD.

The event is free and open to the public with free parking in the Adam's Mark ramp. A voluntary $5 donation will be gratefully appreciated at check-in.

For more information on the Erie County Department of Senior Services, visit http://www2.erie.gov/seniorservices/.