State Bar offers up new seniors guide

A new version of "Seniors & the Law: A Guide for Maturing Californians" has been released by the State Bar of California.

The free guide speaks directly to seniors and their grown children on a wide range of law-related topics that affect California's seniors, from housing options to health care issues to elder abuse to estate planning and government assistance.

"The information in this guide can help seniors stay in charge of their lives for as long as possible," said Helen Karr, who became an attorney at age 64 and researched and helped develop the publication. "In the current economic crisis, it's even more crucial that seniors know their legal rights, and the resources and options available to them."

With more than 4 million residents age 65 or older, California is the most seniorpopulated state in the nation — and the ranks are growing. So, too, are the many laws related to seniors and the many programs geared for them.

"Seniors need to be aware of the many ways in which con artists and abusers may try to harm them, particularly during these difficult times," said Karr, a former member of California's Commission on Aging.

Written by Kristina Flaherty, the new guide was partially funded with a $65,000 grant from the California Bar Foundation and is the third guide in a three-part series published by the State Bar. The other two guides are "When You Become 18: A Survival Guide for Teenagers," which was last published in 2008, and "Kids and the Law: An A-to- Z Guide for Parents," which will be updated in 2010.

Topic areas in the guide include:

. Choosing Where to Live. Can I be evicted if my landlord loses my apartment in a foreclosure? Can a younger person live with me in an age-restricted senior housing development?

. Obtaining Health Care and Benefits. Can I get health insurance after my retirement? How is Medi- Cal different from Medicare? As a veteran, am I entitled to additional health benefits?

. Planning Ahead. How can I help ensure that my affairs will be handled my way if I become incapacitated? What is a revocable living trust? Will my beneficiaries' inheritance be taxed?

. Getting Around. Can the DMV simply limit my driving rights rather than revoke my license? Are there any special accommodations for me if I am disabled or unable to drive?

Orders for Seniors & the Law should be sent by e-mail to seniors@calbar.ca.gov. The new publication is available in English and Spanish. Specify the number of guides (there are no restrictions on amounts) and language versions desired and include a complete mailing address (P.O. boxes are not acceptable but should be included from Trinity County). While the guide and shipping charges are free, contributions are always acceptable, especially for larger orders. If you do not have access to the Internet, call toll-free (888) 875- LAWS.