The overarching goals of the Older Americans Act (OAA) are the protection and enhancement of the autonomy, dignity, financial security, health and rights of older Americans. Legal assistance is a critical service in meeting these goals. Legal issues facing older individuals in Colorado often have more serious outcomes than those same legal issues facing any other segment of the population. Vulnerable older individuals are less likely to seek the assistance of an attorney, either due to affordability or because the person does not recognize that he or she has a legal need.
Colorado's Legal Assistance Program assists older people with:
- Understanding legal rights
- Exercising choices
- Benefiting from services, opportunities and entitlements
- Protecting rights promised and provided by law
- Ensuring access to the system of justice by offering advocacy, advice and representation
Based upon the needs of the community, each Area Agency on Aging establishes the types of legal services that may be provided through the Legal Assistance Program, within the legal services guidelines established by the Older Americans Act. These may include:
- Abuse and neglect
- Age discrimination
- Defense of guardianship
- Health care
- Housing
- Income
- Long-term care
- Nutrition
- Protective services
- Utilities
Services are targeted to adults age 60 and older with the greatest economic and/or social need. Legal services are provided free of charge.
To learn more about Legal Assistance, call your local Area Agency on Aging and ask to speak with the local legal assistance provider.