This session will discuss the types of decision-makers authorized by Illinois law to make decisions on behalf of a disabled adult including agents under Powers of Attorney, trustees, guardians, and health care surrogates. Before you can successfully work with these decision-makers, you need to (1) understand whether the decision-maker is legally entitled to make the decision at issue, and (2) know the extent of a decision-maker’s authority and what ethical standards he or she should apply when making decisions. This presentation will discuss these issues, and more, along with questions commonly asked of elder law attorneys.

Presented by: Amy Gjesdahl, JD, Elder Law Attorney

Date: Tuesday, February 18, 2020

Time: 5:00 pm-5:30 pm, registration and dinner; 5:30 pm-7:00 pm presentation

Location: Belmont Village, 700 West Fullerton Ave., Chicago, Illinois

Continuing Education and Registration: This program awards 1.5 continuing education credits to Illinois nurses, professional counselors, and social workers. A $10.00 fee, payable to Elderwerks Educational Services, is requested from all registrants prior to the event. Contact events@elderwerks.org or 847-462-0885

Presenter: Kathryn Casey, JD, CELA

Date: Wednesday, March 4, 2020

Audience: This training is for law enforcement officers attending the Elderly Services Officers Training. This training is offered through the Illinois Attorney General’s Office.

When you are diagnosed with a chronic medical condition, not only do you need to prepare medically, you need to prepare legally. Besides having the proper estate planning documents, you need to know what legal options are available in planning and paying for long-term care. That Medicare will pay for it all is a myth. This session will focus on the limitations of Medicare and how Medicaid, long-term care insurance, and personal care contracts can be used to maximize a person’s quality of life.

Presented by: Helen Mesoloras, JD, Elder Law Attorney

Date: Tuesday, March 10, 2020

Time: 5:00pm-5:30pm, registration and small-bites, 5:30pm-7:00pm presentation

Location: Elderwerks Education and Resource Center, 251 E. Northwest Highway, Palatine, Illinois

Registration for Community Members: There is no charge for community members to attend. However, advanced registration is requested. Please send an email to events@elderwerks.org or call 847-462-0885

Continuing Education and Registration: This program awards 1.5 continuing education credits to Illinois nurses, professional counselors, and social workers. A $10.00 fee, payable to Elderwerks Educational Services, is requested from all registrants prior to the event. Contact send an email to events@elderwerks.org or call 847-462-0885

Presenter: Kathryn Casey, JD, CELA

An education and support conference for persons living with primary progressive aphasia, their loved ones, and professionals.

Sponsored by Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine; Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease.

Taking care of an aging family member is one of the most important roles we will take on during our lives.  It is also one of the most daunting and demanding roles we will ever experience.  And one we should not navigate all alone.  What legal documents do you need to put in place in advance?  What health care and financial decisions are you allowed to make for your loved one?  What are you legally obligated to do or not do?  And what professionals and community resources are available to help you navigate the best long-term care plan possible for your loved one?  This session will provide valuable information and advice which every family caregiver needs to know.

Presented by: Melissa Kallio, JD

Date: Saturday, March 28, 2020

Time: 10:00 AM – Noon

Location: Oak Lawn Public Library, 9427 Raymond Ave., Oak Lawn, Illinois

Registration: There is no charge to attend. However, advanced registration is required. Please call PLOWS Council on Aging at 708-361-0219

If the only certainties in life are death and taxes, then one of the major uncertainties is how our golden years will play out. We all hope to age well with excellent physical and mental health, but we should all prepare for the possibility that we might become ill, disabled, or lose cognitive function. Attend this program, presented by an elder law attorney, to learn how the proper advanced legal planning can help ensure a smoother and safer journey.

Presented by: Kathryn Casey, JD, CELA

Date: Wednesday, April 1, 2020

Time: Breakfast 8:00 – 8:30 AM; Presentation 8:30 – 9:30 AM

Location: Belmont Village, 500 McHenry Road, Buffalo Grove, Illinois

Continuing Education and Registration: One continuing education credit will be awarded for Illinois social workers, counselors, nurses, and nursing home administrators. There is no charge is attend but advanced registration is required. Please contact Elderwerks at events@elderwerks.com or 847-462-0885 to register

Presenter: Helen Mesoloras, JD

Presenter: Kathryn Casey, JD, CELA
Date: Thursday, April 23, 2020
Location: Chicago, Illinois

Registration: This session is being offered in conjunction with a program offered by Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine; Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease. For more information, please go to https://www.brain.northwestern.edu/

How can we determine when an older adult client cannot make their own decisions?  This workshop will explore both the legal and psychological elements of assessing those in need.  Both an attorney and neuropsychologist will consider areas such as mental capacity, when to seek a neuropsychological evaluation, power of attorney and guardianship.  Participants are invited to bring their questions to experts in their respective fields.

Presenters: Amy Gjesdahl, JD and Christina Blodgett Dycus, Ph.D

Location: Amita Bolingbrook Hospital, 500 Remington Blvd., Bolingbrook, Illinois

Continuing Education:  3.0 continuing education credits are available for Illinois social workers, counselors, Psychologists, Nursing Home Administrators, and Nurses.

Cost $30.00

Registration: Call 1-855.myamita or go to https://www.amitahealth.org/services/behavioral-medicine-institute/professional-education/

If the only certainties in life are death and taxes, then one of the major uncertainties is how our golden years will play out. We all hope to age well with excellent physical and mental health, but we should all prepare for the possibility that we might become ill, disabled, or lose cognitive function. Attend this program, presented by an elder law attorney, to learn how the proper advanced legal planning can help ensure a smoother and safer journey.

Presented by:Amy Gjesdahl, JD, Elder Law Attorney

Sponsored by Northwestern University, Feinberg School of Medicine; Mesulam Center for Cognitive Neurology and Alzheimer’s Disease.