CENTER FOR ELDER LAW & JUSTICE INC

Provides legal assistance to help individuals navigate health insurance and long-term care systems, including preventing discharges and evictions from nursing homes and adult care facilities. Represents clients appealing denied or disputed health care claims (e.g., Medicare and Medicaid) and provides counseling on spousal budgeting for Medicaid eligibility.

Operates a Free Senior Legal Advice Helpline accessible to New York residents aged 55 and older, providing direct access to licensed attorneys for legal guidance and support. The helpline serves older adults across the entire state, with a focus on those in Western New York.

Provides civil legal services to older adults experiencing elder abuse and financial exploitation, including scam prevention and recovery, financial management assistance, and legal advocacy. Coordinates Enhanced Multidisciplinary Teams (EMDTs) in Western New York to address complex cases through cross-sector collaboration.

Produces a newsletter to raise awareness of elder justice issues and delivers educational presentations on resident rights in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Offers trainings for professional organizations and individuals on recognizing, responding to, and preventing elder abuse.

Delivers customized outreach and training presentations for community groups and professional events on legal issues affecting older adults, including financial exploitation, guardianship, and health care rights.

Provides guardianship services under Article 81 of the Mental Hygiene Law for individuals who can no longer safely care for themselves, particularly those affected by financial exploitation. Serves as court-appointed guardian for incapacitated Erie County residents aged 60 and older, including conducting assessments, regular visits, and managing personal affairs such as health care, housing, and finances.

Provides legal representation to individuals contesting guardianship proceedings and serves as court evaluator upon request by the court to assess individual circumstances and recommend appropriate interventions.

Provides legal assistance to eligible individuals in drafting basic wills, powers of attorney, health care proxies, and other advance planning documents. This includes targeted services for low-income residents of Erie County long-term care facilities.

Provides legal representation to tenants in eviction proceedings and assists homeowners facing mortgage or property tax foreclosure, including help understanding legal options, responding to court documents, and representation at settlement conferences. Aims to help clients remain in their homes and resolve landlord/tenant disputes and housing code violations.

Provides free legal representation and assistance to kinship caregivers of all ages, including help understanding legal options, preparing and filing petitions, and representation during court appearances.

Serves as co-trustee of the WNY Coalition Pooled Trust, which holds approximately $11 million in assets, enabling individuals with disabilities to maintain eligibility for public benefits while accessing supplemental funds for quality-of-life needs.

Operates the CHAMP program across eight counties in Western New York, providing free, confidential assistance, education, and advocacy to individuals, families, and providers regarding access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment.

Provides free legal services to older, disabled, and low-income adults in Western New York, including legal representation, advice, and advocacy in areas such as housing, consumer debt, health care, public benefits, advance directives, and financial exploitation. Services are delivered through office locations in Buffalo, Dunkirk, Lockport, and Olean, and support independent and dignified living.