MARVA’s Clinic for the Rights of the Elderly and Holocaust Survivors, now in its third year at the Academic Center of Law and Science in Hod Hasharon, handles cases concerning the physical, mental, and economic well-being of the elderly person.

The clinic is staffed by 15 law student interns who receive academic and supervisory support by MARVA staff. The interns study elder law while under close professional guidance from MARVA’s Dr. Yael Waxman as they handle legal cases referred to them by municipal welfare offices as well as through direct contact with clients. Their work deals with guardianship issues, court orders protecting the vulnerable, rights protection, and many other areas of law that can help elderly people live better lives: Power of Attorney arrangements; issues of wills and inheritance; rights regarding long-term care insurance, assets, spousal rights, entitlements, and the employment of home health aides.

From the Field: Ahuva is an older woman who suffered a debilitating stroke. Her son was named her guardian, a development she learned of only after a lengthy rehabilitation process. She approached the Clinic asking for assistance in revoking the guardianship arrangement since she was now able to manage her affairs. The Clinic contacted the doctor who signed the initial medical certificate regarding her need for guardianship support, and, after a new examination, confirmed that she was competent to handle her own affairs. MARVA then applied on her behalf to the court, which revoked the guardianship arrangement and gave her back her right to manage her own life.