James H. Pietsch and Lenora H. Lee

"THE AGING POPULATION of our nation has had and will continue to have a major effect on people of all ages. Experts in the field of aging estimate that the number of persons sixty-five years of age and over will double by the year 2030. The number of Asian-Pacific elders in the U.S. is expected to increase by over 600 percent during this same period." --From the Preface

The Elder Law Hawai`i Handbook describes the essential information needed by individuals and their families or partners who face some of the most serious issues of the later years-declining health and the need for long-term care; appropriate legal and financial planning; and dealing with death, bereavement, and grief. In straightforward language, the authors begin by discussing basic legal, financial, and health-care preparations, including information about lawyers and how they can help in planning your future; drawing up a valid will; probate; executing a durable power of attorney; eligibility requirements for Medicare, Medicaid, and other state and federal medical assistance programs.

This up-to-date reference covers the legal rights of reciprocal beneficiaries, unmarried couples, and survivors. It also covers the dilemmas faced by health care professionals who often are asked by family members to intervene when an individual is no longer able to make personal decisions. (See new chapter 4, revised August 1999). Dealing with grief and how family and friends can help is discussed. Survivors will benefit from simple but effective tips on getting organized and taking full advantage of hidden assets.

Although not intended to serve as a "do-it-yourself" legal guide or as a substitute for professional legal advice, The Elder Law Hawai`i Handbook is the appropriate starting point for any Hawai'i resident planning for their future or their parents' future. The book is a valuable resource for Hawai'i's attorneys, financial planners, social service providers, elder care counselors, care-givers, and health-care professionals.

A Latitude 20 Book University of Hawaii Press
March 1998, 6 x 9, 296 pages, illus.
ISBN 0-8248-1888-1, paper $19.95

THE ELDER LAW HAWAII HANDBOOK

University of Hawaii Press 1998

1. YOU WILL NEED SOMEWHERE TO LIVEYOU WILL NEED SOME MONEY TO LIVE ONYOU WILL NEED SOMETHING TO DOYOU WILL NEED SOMEONE TO CARE
2. YOU WILL NEED TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF FIRST
3. PUTTING YOUR HOUSE IN ORDERESTATE PLANNINGPERSONAL AND BUSINESS/FINANCIAL AFFAIRS AND LEGAL PREPARATIONSMEDICAL TREATMENT DECISIONS AND MAKING HEALTH CARE DECISIONS IN ADVANCE--July 1, 1999 Changes to the LawIN SICKNESS AND IN HEALTH--Federal law adds Medicare Part CPROTECTIVE SERVICES, ELDER ABUSE AND NEGLECT
4. OWN YOUR OWN--FIRST THINGS FIRST

• KOKUA PACKETSETTLING YOUR CASE WITHOUT AN ATTORNEYEUTHANASIA, THE SLIPPERY SLOPE AND THE COURTSHIRING A CAREGIVERNA KUPUNAPROBATE AND THE DISTRIBUTION OF PROPERTY UPON DEATHSELECTED FEDERAL BENEFIT PROGRAMSAGE DISCRIMINATION IN EMPLOYMEBNT AND THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACTHOUSING AND LANDLORD-TENANT ISSUESTELEPHONE REFERENCE GUIDE TO COMMUNITY RESOURCESGLOSSARYINDEX
• ABOUT THE AUTHORS--James H. Pietsch and Lenora H. Lee

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