Skip to main content
Washington LawHelp
About us Feedback News

  User Survey
  
Helping Low-Income People Find Solutions to Civil Legal Problems
    
 
Aging / Elder Law > 
View all topics
Legal Information
Find a Lawyer
  Listing of self-help materials and informational publications.
There are 104 resources
    Page 1 of 3
Guardianships & Powers of Attorney
 
   Alternatives to Guardianships for Adults This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page.
3302EN - When a person has significant problems managing financial affairs or personal care, guardianship may be considered. Guardianship should be viewed as an option of last resort, however, because it can be costly (involves going to court) and it deprives an adult of very significant personal rights. This publication provides general information about alternatives to guardianship.
By: Northwest Justice Project  
  
   
   Protecting Elders and Vulnerable Adults from Abuse and Neglect
The law protects frail elders and vulnerable adults. This publication discusses different types of abuse that these individuals are protected from under the law.
By: Northwest Justice Project  

    Other Formats:   This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. PDF File
    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Questions and Answers on Guardianship
3300EN - A guardian is a person appointed by a court to manage the affairs of a person who is incapacitated. This publication provides general information about how and when a guardian should be appointed.
By: Columbia Legal Services

    Other Formats:   This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. PDF File
    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Questions and Answers on Powers of Attorney This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page.
It is often convenient - or even necessary - to have someone else act for you. When you give someone the power to act for you, you give what is called a power of attorney. If you give a power of attorney, you are called the principal and the person you give it to is called the agent or the attorney-in-fact.
By: Columbia Legal Services

    Other Formats:   Word File
    Read this in: Russian / Pусский , Spanish / Español
  
   
   What Can Go Wrong with Guardianship? (Separate Website)
Sometimes, a person with a disability needs help making decisions. Often, a guardian will be appointed by a judge to help. But, guardianship can take away many rights, and some guardians don't do a good job.
By: Washington Protection & Advocacy System (WPAS)
  
   
Long term care assistance (COPES, nursing homes, in home care)
 
  General information
 
   Questions and Answers on the COPES Program
COPES is a program that pays for personal care and other services for people in their own homes. COPES also pays for care in adult family homes, adult residential care facilities, and assisted living facilities. It is designed to help people who, without COPES, would need to be in nursing homes.
By: Columbia Legal Services

    Other Formats:   This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. PDF File
    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Questions and Answers on Medicaid for Nursing Home Residents
Medicaid is a government program that pays for medical services including nursing home care. It is administered by DSHS -- the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services. To receive Medicaid payment for nursing home care, you must meet the financial eligibility requirements described in this publication. Also, you must need the care provided in a nursing home.
By: Columbia Legal Services

    Other Formats:   This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. PDF File
    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Understanding Your CARE Tool Assessment
This publication explains how to read the Comprehensive Assessment Reporting Evaluation (CARE) document called Assessment Details. If you have not had an assessment yet this booklet will give you an idea about what to expect. During your assessment a case manager asks you questions about the help you need. That information is used to determine what services you can receive. This includes personal care hours and nursing services.
By: Northwest Justice Project  

    Other Formats:   This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. PDF File
    Read this in: Russian / Pусский
  
   
   Protecting Elders and Vulnerable Adults from Abuse and Neglect
The law protects frail elders and vulnerable adults. This publication discusses different types of abuse that these individuals are protected from under the law.
By: Northwest Justice Project  

    Other Formats:   This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. PDF File
    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Estate Recovery for Medical Services Paid for by the State
The state has many programs that pay for medical services. The Medicaid program is one example. Under some of these programs and with important limitations, the estate recovery law allows the state to recover (to be paid back) the cost of the services it pays for.
By: Columbia Legal Services

    Other Formats:   This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. PDF File
    Read this in: Spanish / Español
  
   
   Senior Services Web Site (Separate Website)
Senior Services can provide information and assistance to seniors on many issues.
By: Senior Services
  
   
   Aging and Disablity Services Administration Web Site (Separate Website)
Provides information for people with chronic illnesses or developmental disabilities and their caregivers.
By: DSHS
  
   
   National Senior Citizens Law Center (Separate Website)
This site provides information about Medicaid, nursing homes and other programs.
  
   
  Solving problems with DSHS
 
   What Are My Rights? Dealing with DSHS
This publication lists services available by DSHS and your rights when dealing with this state agency.
By: Northwest Justice Project  

    Other Formats:   This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. PDF File
    Read this in: Russian / Pусский , Spanish / Español
  
   
   Applying for Public Assistance
Information about the application process to receive public assistance.
By: Northwest Justice Project  

    Other Formats:   This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. PDF File
    Read this in: Russian / Pусский , Spanish / Español
  
   
   DSHS Help for People with Disabilities: Necessary Supplemental Accomodations
If you get DSHS benefits, such as TANF, SFA, GAU, Medicaid, or food assistance, DSHS must accommodate your disabilities. This means that DSHS must try to make their services and benefits available to you to the same extent that they are available to people without a disability.
By: Northwest Justice Project  

    Other Formats:   This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. PDF File
  
   
   How to Fight a Denial of DSHS Public Assistance
This publication explains your rights if you apply for cash, food stamps, medical, or child care assistance from the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) and their office denies you benefits.
By: Northwest Justice Project  

    Other Formats:   This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. PDF File
    Read this in: Russian / Pусский , Spanish / Español
  
   
   How To Fight a Termination or Reduction of DSHS Public Assistance
7102EN - This publication explains your rights if the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) tells you that it will stop or cut back the cash, food stamps, medical, or child care assistance they have been giving you. The most important thing to know is that you must ask for a fair hearing soon, usually within 10 days of being mailed written notice, to keep getting your benefits while you appeal.
By: Northwest Justice Project  

    Other Formats:   This link opens a PDF file in a new window.  If you do not have an accessible Acrobat Reader, a link is provided at the bottom of this page. PDF File
    Read this in: Russian / Pусский , Spanish / Español
  
   
   How To Fight an Overpayment of Cash Assistance, Medical Assistance or Food Stamps
An overpayment occurs when you receive benefits you are not eligible for according to DSHS rules. DSHS gets the benefits back by charging you with an overpayment. This publication provides info on the types of overpayments and what you can do if you disagree.
By: Northwest Justice Project