Jane is in her 60’s and has been having many “stuck on the tip of your tongue” moments with names and faces lately. She used to be really good with recalling these things and sometimes worries she is beginning to experience early signs of dementia. Luckily for Jane and many others who have had the […]
Long-term Care Residents’ Rights Month- “Speak Out Against Elder Abuse”
This month, residents of nursing homes and other long- term care facilities, along with family members, facility staff, and others are honoring the rights of long-term care residents by celebrating Long-Term Care (LTC) Residents’ Rights Month. The theme for LTC Residents’ Rights Month 2013 is, “Speak Out Against Elder Abuse,” with the goal of encouraging […]
Medicare Open Enrollment Period is Now Open
Medicare Open Enrollment began yesterday and will last until December 7, 2013. During this six-week period, Medicare beneficiaries have the option to make any changes to their plan that will take effect on January 1st, 2014. View a CMS video about Medicare Open Enrollment. Below are a few things you should do to prepare and […]
When it is Time to Take the Car Keys Away: The Advance Driving Directive
It is often difficult to talk to an elderly family member about giving up his or her car keys — especially if the older person doesn’t agree that continuing to drive will be risky. Often, families are making the tough choice between safety and independence on their own. For senior citizens, the fear that they […]
Coping with the Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
Every 68 seconds there is another person diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in the United States. Since there is no single definitive medical test for identifying Alzheimer’s disease, arriving at the correct diagnosis can take time and patience. To diagnose Alzheimer’s disease, a doctor will look for symptoms, such as memory problems, difficulty identifying familiar items […]
Ask the Expert: How Can I Update A Will I Established 10 Years Ago?
Q. How can I update the Will that I established when I was in the military approximately 10 years ago? Asked on AVVO by a resident of Springfield, VA A. Just as a car needs regular maintenance, your estate planning documents need to be updated or redone, especially if it has been 10 years since […]
Down Syndrome- Planning for You Loved One’s Future
This month, we celebrate National Special Needs Law and Down Syndrome Awareness months. One in 691 children are born with Down Syndrome and there are more than 400,000 people currently living with the condition in the U.S. Although the genetic disorder has been recognized for decades, scientists still know very little about the cause. During […]
Should I Give My Home To My Children?
Planning for your family’s immediate and long term future is something most parents think about. Because your home is likely the largest purchase you will make during your lifetime, deciding what to do with it is among the most important decisions you can make. In some situations, parents desire to leave their residence to their […]
New Technology Protects Older Loved Ones from Falls
One in three older Americans falls every year, making falls the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries for people age 65 or older. Falls can result in hip fractures, broken bones, and head injuries and significant loss of independence. Those over age 75 who fall are more than four times more likely to […]
Ask the Expert: How Can the Hospital Access My Mother’s Incapacity Planning Documents, If Needed?
Q. My mother, Jane, is 68 and has arthritis and high blood pressure, and had knee surgery last spring. She lives at the home I grew up in, in Fredericksburg, and the neighbor tells me that she needs a lot more help lately. My family moved to Arizona a while back. The last time I […]
October is National Special Needs Law Month
The National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) has designated October as National Special Needs Law Month. This awareness month is a grassroots effort to educate people with disabilities and their families about their legal options in dealing with guardianship and conservatorship, Medicare, Medicaid, special education, and other important issues. Many people with disabilities need […]
President Obama’s Health Care Overhaul: What Does it Mean for You?
Three years ago, Congress wrote the law known as the Affordable Care Act (ACA), to maintain Americans’ current health coverage as much as possible, to boost consumer protections in the health insurance market for individuals, and to cover the uninsured. Today, October 1, the U.S. government launched the centerpiece of the ACA, opening new insurance […]
Capital Gains Tax Increases and Gifting to Lessen the Bite
In the early fall, taxes are probably the last thing you want to think about. But this is one year in which it may pay for you to get both your income tax planning and estate planning done early. There are a couple of provisions in the tax code that resulted in higher rates on […]
Ask the Expert: Do You Lose Medicare or Medicaid Coverage if you Leave a Nursing Home for a Family Event?
Q. At the age of 60, my younger sister Anna is getting remarried. She is hoping that our 82-year old mother, Shannon, can attend and even sent her a plane ticket to Texas for the wedding. Our mother is on Medicaid, and is in a nursing home in Virginia. Mom is in the early stages […]
Ask the Expert: Will a Life Insurance Policy Affect my Mother’s Medicaid Eligibility?
Medicaid Q. My mother never thought about life insurance until later in life. Ever since her friend Theresa died without it, she has been insistent about getting a policy for herself. She is weighing her options and hasn’t decided between “term” or “whole” life insurance. She has an extensive family history of diabetes and Alzheimer’s. […]
Part 2: Celebrities with Alzheimer’s Disease- Pat Summitt
Elder Law According the National Institute on Aging, there are estimated to be between 2.4 million and 4.5 million Americans who have Alzheimer’s. One third of all seniors in America die with Alzheimer’s or some other dementia, according to the Alzheimer’s Association. Deaths from Alzheimer’s have risen by 68% from 2000 to 2010. Alzheimer’s is […]
Part 1: Celebrities with Alzheimer’s Disease- Ronald Reagan
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurologic disorder of the brain leading to the irreversible loss of intellectual abilities, including memory and reasoning. Alzheimer’s disease is the most common form of dementia. Alzheimer’s was discovered by Dr. Aloysius Alzheimer, who was a German neuropathologist and psychiatrist. In 1901, while he worked at the city mental asylum […]
Ask the Expert: My Brother Received a Deed Processing Notice in the Mail- Is it Real or a Scam?
Q. My 65-year old brother, Sam, recently transferred his residence to a Living Trust PlusTM. Last week, he received a “Deed Processing Notice” in the mail that looks a lot like a bill from the U.S. government. There was a date on it for a couple of weeks from now by which they are requiring […]
Update Your Estate Plan to Avoid Unintended Consequences
Changes to the law and significant events in your life could alter the way that you originally meant to apportion assets in your estate planning documents. The only way to ensure that your estate plan truly reflects who you are, what you care about, and what you have today is to have your documents reviewed […]
Ask the Expert: What Does It Really Mean to Be Named as an Executor?
Q. My Aunt Fran called me to ask if I would be the executor of her estate. I am honored that she chose me because she must see me as trustworthy and responsible. Before saying yes, can you tell me what is involved? A. The primary duty of an executor is called “fiduciary duty,” which […]
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