A new issue brief from the National Center for Medical-Legal Partnerships at the George Washington University's Milken Institute School of Public Health describes the pressing legal needs facing older adults, and ways that partnerships between clinical settings and legal assistance providers can address social determinants of health, preserve independence, and improve their care.
In a medical-legal partnership (MLP), lawyers become an important part of the health care team, taking referrals and providing consultations. "As the U.S. population ages,
MLP is a promising approach to support older adults and their families in navigating fragmented and confusing systems of care, optimize choice and self-determination, and protect and promote health and well-being," the brief concludes.
The brief highlights six "common goals ... for the effective integration of legal, social, and health care services" including promoting "autonomy and self-determination through a person-centered approach to legal, social, and health care" and screening early for unmet social and legal need.
ACL served as a consultant and key informant on this issue brief.