LEGAL RIGHTS OF SENIOR ADULTS
Dear Friends:
Your state Legislature is dedicated to the responsibility of helping
people live full, productive lives. As we grow older, we should see
broader horizons and increased options. Unfortunately, that is not the
case for a number of our senior citizens.
This book has been specially prepared as a reference guide to
provide information helpful to senior adults. Our hope is that your life
will be enriched and empowered by this knowledge and that your
senior years will truly be golden. In all cases, the more you know, the
better you can provide for your own well-being.
Please take the time to read this information. It is designed to
help you understand your legal rights. An integral and continuing
aspect of the well-being of senior adults is access to information and
education concerning legal issues. Our intention is to give you infor-
mation, not legal advice. It is toward that end that this publication is
directed. May you find it useful.
Introduction ...........................................................
Page 2
Disability and Consent ...........................................
Page 3
Guardianship..................................................... Page 3
Conservatorship................................................. Page 6
Durable Power of Attorney ................................ Page 7
Advance Directives ............................................ Page 9
Civil Commitment............................................... Page 14
Wills and Estate Planning......................................
Page 18
Distribution of Estate if No Will ......................... Page 26
Choosing a Nursing Home ......................................
Page 27
What to Look For ............................................... Page 28
Services.............................................................. Page 29
Administration and Routine............................... Page 31
Rights of Nursing Home Residents.................... Page 32
Nursing Home Residency ..................................