Many Americans pay their assisted living costs out of pocket. Income sources such as Social Security, veteran pensions, regular pensions, and savings are often key to covering these costs. A recent article discusses several other resources that may assist qualified seniors in paying for needed care. Veteran’s Aid and Attendance Benefit If you or your[...]
According to the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, at least 70 percent of Americans over the age of 65 will require long-term care services. As the costs associated with long-term care provided in skilled nursing facilities continues to grow, more Americans consider purchasing long-term care insurance. A recent article discusses whether long-term care insurance[...]
By the year 2050, experts estimate that 277 million older Americans will be dependent on another person. This dependence will largely be due to increasing instances of dementia in varying forms. A recent article discusses several things a person can do to protect him or herself from the possibility that he or she will suffer[...]
While it may be difficult, it is important to have financial conversations with your elderly parents. These conversations are important because they will best prepare your family to cope when a parent loses the ability to handle his or her money and other affairs. A recent article discusses several issues you should be sure to[...]
Assisting a family member after he or she has been diagnosed with dementia is often a difficult and daunting task. Luckily, there are scores of online resources available to help. A recent article discusses several of these web sites. One helpful web site is The Hartford. This site provides information on the interaction of dementia[...]
A common estate planning strategy often discussed is the “Medicaid spend down.” This occurs when a person reduces his or her assets so that he or she can qualify to receive Medicaid benefits. Medicaid, of course, is an entitlement program. Individuals rely on Medicaid as a last resort to cover the astronomical costs of long-term[...]
Those who know me, know that I'm a tremendous geek. One of the things I do for fun is put on a conference for lawyers who use Apple products to run their office and practice called MILOfest. I also speak at[...]
When people are young and healthy, they don’t often take the time to plan for their possible incapacity by executing legal documents including a power of attorney and living will. As a recent article explains, however, these documents should be completed sooner rather than later. These documents are especially important given the fact that a[...]
An important facet of elder law is determining how your potential long-term care needs will be addressed. While many people consider long-term financial needs, few consider long-term emotional needs. As a University of California study reports, feelings of isolation and loneliness in senior citizens may cause a deterioration of their physical health. In extreme cases,[...]
As a recent article points out, elder law is a “serious and growing problem we know too little about and, worse, too often ignore.” The article explores how various communities are attempting to deal with situations of elder abuse, whether they be physical, financial, or emotional. A caregiver’s first instinct may be to call the[...]