Elder Law & Advocacy

Programs: Health insurance counseling and advocacy program:the health insurance counseling and advocacy program (hicap) is staffed by trained medicare counselors who give the information needed by clients to make informed decisions about their healthcare choices. All counselors are trained by the hicap program and then registered with the california department of aging. Staff and counselors provide unbiased, impartial information to san diego and imperial county residents on medicare and related topics such as long term care insurance, low-income programs to pay for premiums and medications, choices available to medi-cal and medicare dual beneficiaries, and medicare fraud. Staff attorneys provide representation regarding complex cases and appeals. Staff and volunteer counselors are available at many community sites and participate in over 120 community education and health fair events each year.

legal services:senior legal services:the senior legal services program provides no-cost legal services to residents of san diego and imperial counties who are age 60 or older. Legal services consist of an initial counsel and advice session with an attorney licensed in the state of california, and follow-up legal work as indicated. Senior legal services attorneys collectively assist over 4,000 clients each year. Attorneys travel to sites throughout the region in order to serve clients in the communities where they live. Community education presentations on a variety of legal topics are offered to seniors throughout the year. Caregiver legal services:the caregiver legal services program provides legal support and information to family caregivers of elderly frail persons who have alzheimers disease or other debilitating brain injuries or conditions, and have difficulty caring for themselves. Caregiver legal services attorneys provide legal counseling, advice, advocacy and referrals to community resources at no cost to family caregivers, in matters related to their caregiving role. Community education presentations covering a wide range of legal topics are offered to family caregivers throughout the year. Imperial court clinic:the imperial county unlawful detainer/elder abuse restraining order clinic is in its 2nd year of operation at the imperial county superior court. In partnership with the court, california rural legal assistance and the access center, elder law & advocacy provides services related to landlord/tenant issues and elder abuse restraining orders. Participants receive help with court forms, court procedures and general information about related rights and responsibilities for california residents. Virtual legal services program:virtual legal services program was designed and funded in 2016 as a response to the needs of older adults with legal programs but who have transportation limitations and who do not have the skills necessary to access technology. Through the program, the attorney and the client have a visual consultation without either having to travel long distances or without having to wait several weeks for an in-person meeting. Documents are transmitted through a scanner/copier and pro bono attorneys and other are also able to join the meeting virtually from their own locations.

nursing home rights enforcement project:the nursing home rights enforcement project advocates for residents of skilled nursing, assisted living and group home facilities. The project provides early intervention to address serious health-related concerns about care, monitors residents during project intervention and offers litigation services to address physical, mental and financial harm which has occurred as a result of abuse or neglect. The program works closely with government monitoring and enforcement agencies and other nonprofits in order to correct deficiencies in care.