
VPLC provides legal support, advocates for stronger elder protections, and works to ensure that older Virginians can live with security, access essential services, and guard against financial or legal exploitation.
We collaborate with aging services networks, educate communities on elder rights, and push for policies that address abuse, neglect, and systemic barriers to care.
Our work in this area includes:
Protecting Seniors from Elder Abuse
Older Virginians deserve to live free from harm.
VPLC works to prevent elder abuse through legal services, advocacy, and awareness-building efforts:
- Supporting stronger laws and enforcement mechanisms to prevent abuse and neglect.
- Educating seniors, caregivers, and service providers about warning signs.
- Providing legal assistance to victims of abuse.
- Advocating for adequate staffing and oversight in long-term care facilities.
Guarding Against Financial Exploitation
Seniors are frequent targets of financial scams and coercion.
VPLC helps protect their financial security through:
- Legal support for victims of fraud, coercion, or undue influence.
- Advocacy to strengthen financial protections and reporting requirements.
- Outreach and education about common scams targeting older adults.
- Promoting bank and caregiver accountability for suspicious activity.
Ensuring Fair and Accountable Guardianship
Guardianship can protect vulnerable seniors, but it must be used with care.
VPLC works to improve and monitor the system through:
- Advocacy for stronger due process and oversight in guardianship cases.
- Supporting alternatives like supported decision-making when possible.
- Promoting training and standards for guardians and courts.
- Working to prevent unnecessary or abusive guardianships.
Medicaid Planning
Navigating Medicaid is complicated, but essential for many older Virginians.
VPLC helps make the process easier by:
- Providing legal guidance on eligibility and asset planning.
- Educating families on how Medicaid supports long-term care needs.
- Monitoring state policies that affect Medicaid access.
- Advocating for fair treatment in the application and appeals process.
Lowering Out-of-Pocket Costs for Seniors
Medicare Savings Programs help low-income seniors cover critical medical costs. VPLC supports expanded access by:
- Promoting awareness and enrollment in these underused programs.
- Advocating for streamlined eligibility and renewal processes.
- Offering guidance to seniors facing denials or delays.
- Fighting for policy changes that reduce barriers to care.

Our Elder Law Team
Featured Work
Featured:
Senior Legal Helpline
Virginia’s Senior Legal Helpline protects elders' rights and independence. This toll-free offers free legal advice for Virginians over 60 covering issues like Medicaid coverage, SSI benefits, long term care concerns, and much more.
The Helpline is available at (844) 802-5910
