The first annual Elder Law Awareness Day
- The Estate Planning and Elder Law Program hosted its first Elder Law Awareness Day on March 5, 2018.
The Estate Planning and Elder Law Program held its first Elder Law Awareness Day on March 5, 2018. We had a day full of events that focused on career opportunities and current initiatives in elder law.
First, we started with information booths from local vendors. The informational booths were a great way to expose the students to the various issues that the elderly encounter.
The Thrive Center, a nonprofit technology, innovation and educational center, came and showed students how technology and assistive devices can aid the elderly.
New Roots explained to students how community gardens could be used as a resource for the elderly to receive homegrown groceries.
Hosparus informed students on the administration of hospice and end of life care.
AARP and the Kentuckiana Regional Planning & Development Agency informed faculty and students on various frauds and schemes that affect the elderly and programs they are instituting to help protect those that are vulnerable.
UofL's Institute for Sustainable Health and Optimal Aging also shared a booth that showed students how we can address issues while we age to make the process easier on all involved.
The booths were rounded out by Pearson Funeral Home, which informed us on funeral planning and how pre-arranging your funeral could save time and money when you pass.
Next, we had a lunch panel discussion about elder law career opportunities. The panel provided an opportunity for students to hear and ask questions about career opportunities in elder law. The panel included:
- Dr. Anna C. Faul and Dr. Joseph G. D’Ambrosio, University of Louisville
- Kelly Gannott, partner at Kentucky ElderLaw PLLC
- Jessica Elkin, KIPDA
- Justin Magnuson, Institute for Sustainable Health and Optimal Aging
- Carol Challas, The Thrive Center
- Gerina Withers, Office of Senior Protection and Mediation
- Michelle Rudvoich, Office of Medicaid Fraud and Abuse
Students were able to learn about the different challenges faced from each panelist and how they advocate and help push policy and initiatives forward to help advance the future of elder law.
Finally, we ended our event with a presentation and Alzheimer's simulation thanks to the Institute for Sustainable Health and Optimal Aging. The presentation focused on how Alzheimer's occurs. Students were able to learn how the symptoms affected those who have Alzheimer’s and ways to help accommodate loved ones diagnosed with the disease. The simulation allowed students to feel those symptoms first-hand as they were outfitted with tools to mimic the symptoms of someone suffering from Alzheimer's and instructed to complete five specific tasks that someone unaffected could complete in six minutes. The students were only able to accomplished two of those tasks in the time allotted. It was a great exercise that taught just how difficult it is to live with Alzheimer’s, and the students really enjoyed the eye-opening experience.
Our first Elder Law Awareness Day was a success. The Estate Planning and Elder Law program greatly appreciates all of the organizations who took time out of their days to help put together such an amazing program.
