National Senior Citizens Law Center (NSCLC)
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"Up" is the number of experts who agree that the nonprofit has had the most impact in the
field. "Down" is the number of experts who disagree that the nonprofit has had the most impact in field.
Headquarters Location: Washington, DC
Founded: 1977
Mission: The National Senior Citizens Law Center mission is to protect the rights of low-income older adults.
Tags:
health care, court access, economic security, elderly poor, adults with disabilities, medicare, social security, long-term care, advocacy, litigation, education, counseling, 2011
Summary
Stories
Expert Reviews
Leadership
From the Nonprofit
Leadership
Paul Nathanson.
For over four decades, Paul Nathanson has been a groundbreaking leader in the field of aging advocacy. A past president of the American Society on Aging and a founder of the American Bar Association Commission on Law and Aging, and has received and administered several million dollars in grants and awards primarily in the field of legal services for the…
See full bio.
Transparency Information
This organization has earned the GuideStar Exchange Seal, demonstrating its commitment to transparency
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Financial Data
Overhead Ratio:
20.32%
Total Revenue:
$2,525,074
From the Nonprofit
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Contact Info
Address:
1444 Eye Street Nw Suite 1100
Washington, DC 20005, USA
Story:
WASHINGTON -- A majority of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) older adults who answered a national online survey believe that staff of long-term care facilities would discriminate against an LGBT elder who was open about his or her sexual orientation, and more than half believe that staff or other residents would abuse or neglect an LGBT elder. Released today, the groundbreaking report - LGBT Older Adults in Long-Term Care Facilities: Stories from the Field -utilizes survey results for the first glimpse into some of the issues faced by LGBT older adults in long-term care facilities. Of the 769 individuals who completed the survey, 328 people reported 853 instances of mistreatment in such facilities. The survey, conducted from October 2009 through June 2010 did not use a representative or scientific sample, but includes hundreds of personal comments offered by the respondents, ranging from reports of staff harassment to staff refusals to provide basic services or care. Of the 769 individuals who completed the survey, 284 identified themselves as LGBT older adults. Others said they were family members, friends, social service providers, legal services providers, or other interested individuals. "Our hope is that this report provokes thought, raises critical questions, and compels future systematic research that can be used to dive deeper into the issues raised by these findings and the many personal stories we received," says National Senior Citizens Law Center Executive Director Paul Nathanson. Some of the comments point to possible violations of federal nursing home law, while others signify that far more training and awareness by staff is needed in addition to enhanced consumer awareness. The report also points to a wide array of policy remedies that could be enacted to support LGBT elders better and improve the facilities where they reside. The report's recommendations are directed toward policymakers as well as long-term care providers. The survey, website and the report were prepared by the National Senior Citizens Law Center in collaboration with Lambda Legal, National Center for Lesbian Rights, National Center for Transgender Equality, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force and Services & Advocacy for GLBT Elders (SAGE). Survey results, comments and personal videos from LGBT older adults can be found as well as profiles of the authors at www.LGBTLongTermCare.org. Source: Press Release from The National Senior Citizens Law Center (NSCLC)
Expert Reviews of National Senior Citizens Law Center (NSCLC)
Evidence of Impact Summary:
National Senior Citizens Law Center has effectively litigated on behalf of low-income older adults. They have been instrumental in helping older adults maintain access to their Social Security benefits, even in the face of federal budget cuts.See expert comments.
Organization Strengths Summary:
Experts have pinpointed the knowledge and expertise held by the staff and leadership of the organization as the primary reasons why this organization has been effective.See expert comments.
Areas for Improvement Summary:
National Senior Citizens Law Center could benefit from greater visibility among the general public and from stronger partnerships and collaborations.See expert comments.
Expert Comments: Evidence of Impact
Select the boxes to display the results according to expert type.
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Foundation Professionals (F)
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Researchers and Faculty (R)
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Nonprofit Senior Staff (N)
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Other (consultants, journalists, policy makers) (O)
Influential Partnerships |
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NSCLC effectively advocates for the most vulnerable of the elder population. Their willingness to partner and share their depth of expertise is a benefit to many who serve and advocate for the aging population. | ||
Strong Political Advocacy |
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NSCLC is a strong legal advocate whose assistance to national and local advocacy partners has been instrumental in protecting the rights of low-income older adults at risk of losing access to benefits and services due to budget cuts and growing conservatism in the court system. NSCLC has protected access to vital Medicaid-funded long-term services and supports for tens if not hundreds of thousands of seniors by bringing class action lawsuits, serving as co-counsel on other such suits and providing technical assistance to understaffed local legal services agencies. | ||
Effective Litigation |
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NSCLC is focused on the rights of low-income seniors and litigates on their behalf. | ||
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They take on the hard important legal issues. | ||
Successful Reform |
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NSCLC offers indispensable analysis and explanation of legal and regulatory matters relating to older adults. NSCLC staff person, Gene Coffey, has actively participated in discussions within the Friday Morning Collaborative. His understanding of the intricacies of the Medicaid program, especially Medicaid waivers, assists national advocates as well as policy makers in accurately understanding the implications of proposed policy changes on older adults. In addition to policy work, NSCLC participates as counsel in class-action law suits on behalf of low-income older adults. Recently, NSCLC won a judgment on behalf of tens of thousands of Social Security beneficiaries whose benefits were unlawfully suspended or denied. As a result, SSA has agreed to repay more than $700 million in benefits that were unlawfully withheld from 80,000 people whose benefits have been suspended or denied since January 1, 2007. People whose benefits were suspended or denied between 2000 and 2006 will be notified of the change in policy and given a chance to re-establish eligibility. | ||
Good Understanding of the Field |
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I have monitored projects for this organization in the distant past. This organization understands policy and practical implications of legal issues related to aging and demonstrates belief in its mission. | ||
Expert Comments: Organization Strengths
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X
Foundation Professionals (F)
X
Researchers and Faculty (R)
X
Nonprofit Senior Staff (N)
X
Other (consultants, journalists, policy makers) (O)
Deep Commitment to Aging Population |
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NSCLC's strengths include their depth of expertise, commitment to improving the lives of the most vulnerable, and their efforts to include all segments of the diverse aging population. | ||
Experienced Staff |
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NSCLC runs a lean operation, headed by a passionate and highly experienced elder-law attorney. Their expertise in the field includes the broad range of elder-law issues including abuse and neglect, nursing home oversight, access to Medicaid and more. They are also experienced litigators. | ||
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In addition to Gene, NSCLC staff members Eric Carlson and Kevin Prindiville also share essential expertise for policy discussions and recommendations. NSCLC has markedly improved their communications capacity in the last two years – their website is easily navigable, and they offer regular webinars and issue briefs. | ||
Effective Spread of Information |
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They are effective advocates and have an ability to share information with stakeholders quickly. | ||
Expert Comments: Areas for Improvement
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Show:
Show:
X
Foundation Professionals (F)
X
Researchers and Faculty (R)
X
Nonprofit Senior Staff (N)
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Other (consultants, journalists, policy makers) (O)
More Consistent Sources of Funding |
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NSCLC could use a stronger development plan focused on finding large donors who can provide operating support gifts that will free the organization from having to chase down grants for projects that fit the needs of the philanthropic community, which may or may not be tightly targeted on the most pressing legal issues facing older adults. They might also form tighter, more overt partnerships with national advocacy partners whose expertise covers areas like foreclosure, reverse mortgage scams, and other related topics that are affecting an increasing number of older adults. | ||
Higher Visibility |
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The aging field knows a lot about this organization but not many people do. The AARP is well known, but an organization like NSCLC has an impact that is just as important. | ||
Leadership
Paul Nathanson
Executive Director
Executive Director
From the Nonprofit
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