LEGAL SERVICES FOR THE ELDERLY INC

LSE’s overarching goal is that all Maine seniors can meet their basic human needs and are treated with dignity and respect.

LSE’s vision is that every economically and/or socially needy Maine resident 60 years of age or older has access to legal counsel in any situation where his or her basic human needs are at stake, such as those involving shelter, public benefits, safety, health care, and self-determination.

LSE has adopted a two year strategic plan that is focused on achieving the following results:

Maine seniors seek and obtain high quality legal assistance when facing legal problems that involve their basic human needs

Maine seniors have safe and affordable housing.

Maine seniors have ready access to publicly funded health care services including prescription drugs and long term care services.

Maine seniors have the income needed to meet their basic human needs.

Maine seniors are able to live their lives free from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

Multiple objectives and strategies have been identified under each desired result. The full strategic plan is available upon request.

Since its establishment in 1974, LSE has been providing free, high quality legal services on a statewide basis to socially and economically needy seniors who are 60 years of age or older when their basic human needs are at stake. LSE handles over 5,500 legal matters a year, and LSE’s Helpline receives over 15,000 calls for help annually. These calls are handled by a single intake paralegal. Those callers who are not eligible for LSE’s services or do not have legal problems are referred to other social or advocacy resources. Eligible callers with legal problems that are not handled by LSE are referred to a member of LSE’s referral panel of private attorneys, often on a pro bono or reduced fee basis.

LSE provides a comprehensive set of individual and systemic advocacy services. This includes: 1) brief services, advice and counseling to clients throughout Maine by LSE Helpline Attorneys; 2) extended representation by staff attorneys located across the state who work in LSE’s local offices located in Scarborough, Lewiston, Augusta, Bangor, and Presque Isle; 3) referral services including reduced fee and pro bono services through a referral panel maintained by LSE; 4) client education and outreach conducted through a website and across the state by LSE attorneys and other LSE staff; 5) assistance in obtaining MaineCare and Medicare benefits, in particular access to needed prescription drugs under Medicare; and 6) systemic advocacy and lobbying.

An integral part of LSE’s approach to reaching and serving seniors is the use of co-location of attorneys in settings that are viewed by seniors as trusted local resources. This co-location model historically involved only the five area agencies on aging but was expanded, through this program, to include a community action program. Maintaining office hours at these types of locations has the benefit of making it possible for elderly Mainers to address many of their problems in one location. This is particularly important when underlying non-legal problems, if unresolved, would manifest themselves as recurring legal problems.

The updated two year plan was adopted on January 1, 2021 and work is underway.