Introduction: the scope and diversity of elder law -- Ethical considerations in dealing with older clients -- Health care decisionmaking -- Medicare and Medigap -- Medicaid -- Long-term care insurance -- Nursing homes, board and care homes and assisted living facilities -- Housing alternatives and options -- Guardianship -- Alternatives to guardianship -- Social Security benefits -- Supplemental Security Income (SSI) - Veterans' benefits -- Pension plans -- Age discrimination in employment -- Elder abuse and neglect