Gelbman Law PLLC 525 Meade Avenue, Charlottesville, VA 22902

"My brothers and I went to Doris Gelbman for help with my 91 year old mother who needs in-home care. She has been paying for long term care for decades but we were declined financial assistance which caused extreme stress and anxiety as my mother cannot live independently without this help. Doris spent an hour with us "in consultation" and passed on multiple resources and next steps that would put us on the right path in appealing the insurance company. Upon leaving we felt we had the right tools, and professional advice to pursue compensation. Doris was professional, empathetic, and knowledgeable. We left her feeling we had the right scaffolding to get what my mother needed, and the assurance that if not, she would be there. This was all done in an hour, and being an initial visit we were not charged even though we expected to be. All in all, we left feeling someone cared and had the right answers. She just made us feel better."

"The layers and complexities related to assisted living facilities (ALF) are not for the weary — nor for those who believe (as I had) that ALFs are, by default, safe places where our loved ones are cared for by competent, compassionate people. After speaking with countless experts in the field of elder care, I was still at a loss. Then things changed — for the better. I called Ms Gelbman in hope she could direct me to an attorney in my area. She did that — and so much more. Ms Gelbman was a breath of fresh air. She’s direct, compassionate, and generous with her knowledge. Her deep understanding of long-term care (especially ALFs) and elder care issues is informed not just by a “legal toolkit” but also by her personal experience as a caregiver, advocacy work, and former careers in computer science and media. Why this matters to me? Ms Gelbman thinks in systems — not in a silo. She explained the “business” of assisted living facilities. By the end of our call, I felt as if I’d just attended a personal master class. She explained — amongst many things — the role of the Department of Social Services in ALF licensing, the role of investors, and how ALF directors are charged with two competing interests: to ensure residents’ care and guide their family and to uphold a fiduciary duty to corporate’s bottom line. For me (and any Type A-yet-overwhelmed caregiver), this “big picture” knowledge is critical. It has helped me identify what issues to prioritize, who to contact, and how to make the best decisions regarding my mother’s care. In summary— Ms Gelbman listened. Really listened. Though our call was not a formal consultation, Ms Gelbman didn’t try to send me on my way by rattling off a litany of generic next steps. Instead, she asked clarifying questions. She also followed up with more recommendations and resources the day after our call. She’s a guide — and a reminder that there are people who care and who will go the extra mile to help."

"Doris Gelbman is knowledgeable, passionate about her work, and one of the kindest people I've ever met. She was a steady head and provided great insight and guidance during a very stressful time for our family after a loved one had a stroke and brain aneurysm. We cannot recommend her highly enough."

"Doris Gelbman is an experienced elder law attorney. But she has so much more to offer. She is a warm and caring person who is truly interested in helping people deal with current concerns and their plans for the future. Based on her years of experience, she has a breadth of knowledge about community resources that enables her to address all kinds of needs. She gives generously of her time by making informative public presentations. Doris listens carefully to your concerns and ideas and can help put them in a broader perspective to clarify your approach."

"I had the pleasure of speaking to Doris Gelbman on the phone. She was incredibly helpful and professional. Infact, she listened to my needs on behalf of my ailing father and disabled brother and actually recommended I talk to another entity. So basically she turned down my business because she knew there was someone else who could better serve my needs. This shows a marvelous moral compass which in refreshing to say the least. I have no doubt she is a trustworthy and compassionate individual!"