Established in 1963 and led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. OAM is a time for us to acknowledge the contributions and achievements of older Americans, highlight important trends and strengthen our commitment to honoring our older citizens.
Through partnerships with Central Alabama Area on Aging, East Alabama Regional Planning and Development Commission, North Central Alabama Regional Council of Governments, Alabama Tombigbee Regional Commission, United Way Area Agency on Aging of Jefferson County, West Alabama AAA, ACL, Legal Services Alabama (LSA) honors Alabama’s older citizens every day by providing direct, legal services that benefit the aging population across the state.
Examples of these service areas include housing and evictions, decision-making rights, disability rights, Medicaid waivers, and wills and estate planning.
This year’s OAM theme, Aging Unbound, offers an opportunity to explore a wide range of aging experiences and to promote the importance of enjoying independence and fulfillment by paving our own paths as we age.
In support of all older adults’ rights to maintain independence and self-fulfillment at any age, LSA has published a Legal Guidebook for Older Adults in Alabama with an accompanying video series that targets both older adults and caregivers of older adults.
The guidebook and supplementary information can be found on the new Older Adult Resources tab of the main LSA website.
The LSA Legal Guidebook for Older Adults covers financial empowerment, housing, healthcare and public benefits, future planning and decision-making rights, as well as information about elder abuse and avoiding unnecessary guardianships and conservatorships. Older adults can visit the site and view or download the guidebook to learn more about their rights and responsibilities under Alabama law.
Legal aid is an imperative part of the continuum of care for older adults on fixed, low-income budgets. LSA elder law services give clients peace of mind during a time in their lives when they deserve it most by allowing them to age with autonomy, dignity and independence.
This May, join us as we recognize the 60th anniversary of OAM and challenge the narrative on aging.
