A Hunter law firm has produced a free legal guide to help people successfully plan for and navigate the challenges of growing older.
Catherine Henry Lawyers’ team of wills and estates, family law and health law solicitors have produced Growing Older to help people protect their interests and wishes to grow old gracefully, happily, financially strong and with dignity.
Lead author and wills and estate planning and family law solicitor Jessica Rea said many people don’t like to think about growing older, so they don’t plan for it. Ms Rea said it is essential to plan for growing older especially as we are living longer and more people are living in blended family situations.
“As we age, our accommodation needs, relationships and health issues change,” Ms Rea said.
“Our personal legal issues can become more complex, and we can be at risk of elder abuse,” she said.
“The law can help us navigate these changes and make the most of our hard-earned assets – while we are living and after we have passed away.”
“Having an updated will is a great start but there are other legal documents that can help such as an advanced care directive, power of attorney, and enduring guardian.”
“Understanding your legal rights is important when navigating aged care and the law can help protect you against the growing issue of elder abuse, particularly financial elder abuse.
“It is never too early or too late to start planning for growing older and we hope the eBook will help people to start or continue that process.”
The eBook was launched at an event at Fort Scratchley on September 21. At the event, a panel of experts discussed topics including, healthy ageing, aged friendly cities, aged care accommodation and contracts, elder abuse, wills and estate planning, and planning for retirement.
Panellists included senior solicitor and Elderlaw Legal Services principal Rodney Lewis, senior geriatrician and co-founder of the citizen-formed advocacy group Hunter Ageing Alliance Dr John Ward, financial adviser and accredited aged care specialist at Central Coast Financial Planning Group Rosie Copp, and Ms Rea. Principal of Catherine Henry Lawyers, Catherine Henry was the panel moderator.
The topics in the guide are also being covered in episodes of the firm’s monthly Law Matters podcast.
The firm has produced other free community resources on topics including the NDIS, women and the law, women’s health, and family law. Download the eBooks here.
Newcastle based Catherine Henry Lawyers is a leading and award-winning law firm serving people in regional NSW. Its solicitors work in the areas of health and medical law, family and relationship law, elder law, and wills and estates.
