Attorney Heffner attends annual National Elder Law Foundation program in Dallas
On January 17th and 18th, Attorney Heffner joined 40 other Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELAs) from throughout the United States for a two-day program focused on matters faced by elders and their families.
“A terrific aspect of this NELF (National Elder Law Foundation) program is that it presents nationally known speakers on not just legal topics, but on the day-to-day problems faced by our clients. For example, this year we were provided with a fascinating presentation by two members of MIT’s Age Lab on the prevalent problem of driving and elders with cognitive impairments”.
“We heard a very useful presentation by Dr. William Dale, a board-certified physician in both geriatric and palliative medicine at the University of Chicago. Dr. Dale reminded us of the persistent problem of “ageism” in medical care, and reminded us that a patient’s age, though a factor in any medical decision, should never be thedetermining factor”.
In addition to the formal presentation, CELAs attending the conference had the opportunity to divide into small groups to discuss best practices in areas such as the use of Trusts and advising clients regarding employment of caregivers. “These colleagues are among the experienced and innovative Elder Law attorneys in the country. It is a pleasure and a privilege to spend time with them, and to take back to my clients in Rhode Island ideas and techniques which can help them”.