Frequently Asked Questions About Elder Law

How many older Americans are there?

The number of people 65 and over in the United States on July 1, 2004 was 36.3 million. This age group accounts for 12 percent of the total population.

What is the life expectancy of older Americans?

Americans are living longer than ever before. In 1900, the average 65-year-old could expect to live almost 12 more years and the average 85-year-old could expect to live an additional 4 years. By 2001, life expectancy at age 65 had increased to more than 19 years for women and about 16 years for men, and at age 85 it was 7 years for women and 6 years for men.

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What is the Older Americans Act?

The Older Americans Act authorizes grants to states for community planning and services programs, as well as for research, demonstration, and training projects in the field of aging.

What is assisted living?

Assisted living facilities offer a housing alternatives for older adults who may need help with dressing, bathing, eating, and toileting, but do not require the intensive medical and nursing care provided in nursing homes.

What is hospice care?

Hospice programs are available to help terminally ill individuals live their remaining days with dignity. These programs can assist the family (or other designated caregiver) in making the patient as comfortable as possible, and assistance is available around the clock, seven days a week.

What is Alzheimer's disease?

Alzheimer's disease is the most common form of dementia (a brain disorder that seriously affects a person's ability to carry out daily activities) among older people. It involves the parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language.

What is elder abuse?

Elder abuse is any form of mistreatment that causes harm or loss to an older person. the abuse can be physical, sexual, psychological or financial in nature.

Are you currently seeking legal information regarding South Dakota elder laws? If so, contact one of our South Dakota elder law attorneys today!

	Did You Know?
	Estimated that 820,000 elders became victims of elder abuse in 1994 The National Aging Resource Center on Elder Abuse (now the National Center on Elder Abuse) estimated that in 2004 there were 820,000 elders became victims of elder abuse. 106 percent increase in the number of reported cases between 1986 and 1994, from 117,000 to 241,000.