Life Care Planning and the Elder Law Attorney

The practice of life care planning is familiar to members of the International Academy of Life Care Planners and others who regularly read this publication; however, the practice of elder law as related to life care planning may not be as familiar. This article provides a description of and historical overview of the elder law forensic life planning function (not to be confused with life care planning as provided by the professional life care planner). For purposes of this article, rehabilitation professionals who practice life care planning are referred to as “Professional Life Care Planners.” In comparison, the life planning function of attorneys who concentrate in the field of elder law is referred to as “forensic life planning.” Beneficial collaboration between elder law attorneys who practice life planning and Professional Life Care Planners is discussed. Ethical considerations also are addressed.