Long-term care insurer John Hancock has begun the process of seeking sharp premium increases nationwide for certain types of coverage. Initial reports from shocked policyholders surfaced in two midwestern states that have approved increases that are sometimes nearly double the previous premium. ElderLawAnswers contacted the insurer and learned that it is going state to state […]
Senior Homeowners: When does a Reverse Mortgage Make Sense?
For many seniors the equity in their home is their largest single asset, yet it is unavailable to use unless they use a home equity loan. But a conventional loan really doesn’t free up the equity because the money has to be paid back with interest. A reverse mortgage is a risk-free way of tapping into home […]
Happy Valentines Day From The Farr Law Firm!
Happy Holidays from the Farr Law Firm!
To all of our colleagues, business associates, and previous, current and perhaps future clients, here is a special Holiday Card just for you! First and foremost, we would like to thank all of you for another productive and prosperous year at the Farr Law Firm. The year 2011 brought about a few changes to the […]
Stay Safe on Thanksgiving Day: “4 Critical Thanksgiving Safety Tips”
Whether you’re delightedly hosting the big Thanksgiving dinner this year, inherited the privilege, or were delegated the duty, it can be a lot to handle! With so many things to think about–the food, the decor, and the family–it is sometimes difficult to keep an eye on everything and everybody. To avoid ending the day in […]
Three Tips to Outsmart Timeshare Reps
If you and your family are fortunate enough to go on that well-deserved resort vacation this year, then there is a good chance you’ll find yourself listening to the all-too-familiar ‘timeshare marketing pitch.’ Most people are familiar with the concept of a timeshare, but there is more to it than meets the eye. The repercussions […]
The outlook on Gold
In this day and age, is gold a worthy investment? CNN reports: There are many ways to plan for the future – IRA accounts, Medicaid Asset Protection Planning, pension accounts, savings accounts, bonds, etc., – but gold is gaining popularity amidst market volatility. Evan H. Farr on Google +
Pain should never be considered a “normal” part of the aging process
Pain should never be considered a “normal” part of the aging process. It is a symptom, and can be a sign of a serious problem and should never be left untreated or under-treated. In both cases, the pain can lead to depression, fear, anxiety, and even suicide. This is especially true for senior citizens. […]
Aid and Attendance Pension Benefit: What is the “Eligibility Verification Report?”
An important document for the veterans entitled to the Aid and Attendance benefit is a form called the “Eligibility Verification Report” (EVR) which VA sends at the beginning of the year and must be filled out every year in order to continue receiving benefits. Even when someone receives help from a loved-one when it comes […]
What is the Individual Mandate? Plus: Oral Argument Audio from 4th Circuit Court of Appeals Released
Today, two key cases concerning the constitutionality of the hotly debated federal health care law took place in the U.S. 4th Circuit Court of Appeals. The two cases: Liberty University v. Geithner, No. 10-2347, and Commonwealth v. Sebelius, No. 11-1057. The audio of the oral arguments are now available for download! Click here to listen. […]
Give the Gift of ‘Peace of Mind’ this Mother’s Day
You could forget your mother’s birthday and she would probably let it slide – you might even evade scorn if you forgot her anniversary. But good luck, my friend, if you forget Mother’s Day!
Sign placed over a patient’s bed reads, “I Am Somebody’s Sweetheart”
The month of February and Valentines Day brings a celebration of love and stirs couples to rekindle feelings of romance and devotion. Not so different from young couples are aging seniors, celebrating memories of sweethearts and romance in days gone by. Sit a while with a senior couple and they will soon be telling you […]
No More Reverse Mortgages, Announces Bank of America
“[E]ven if you are paying your payments on time, you could still have a clouded title to your home because your mortgage and deed of trust were never properly recorded by any of the major banks that used this system.”
Reverse Mortgage Industry in Trouble?
I’ve written several times over the years on the topic of Reverse Mortgages. My first article explained the concept and requirements of a Reverse Mortgage and how seniors can use a reverse mortgage. My second article, entitled Using a Reverse Mortgage to Pay for Home Care, explained how the Reverse Mortgage can be used as a tool […]
Working with Elder Parents in Planning Financially for their Long Term Care
You may be taking care of elderly parents now or looking at that possibility in the near future. According to a report from USATODAY/ABCNews/Gallup Poll, 41% of baby boomers are helping take care of elderly parents by providing personal help or financial assistance or both. If financial planning and long term care planning have not […]
Increased awareness of anxiety in elders leads to user-friendly site updates
Stress, anxiety, and fear are normal emotions we all experience at some point, but when does fear cross over the line from “normal” to “excessive?” NIH SeniorHealth.gov realizes the need for more readily available information for older adults on the internet. “It is estimated that anxiety disorders affect between 3 and 14 percent of older […]
Walking speed may be used for predicting health, survival for elderly
Could walking speed analysis, also referred to as “gait speed,” be a worthy tool for predicting remaining years of life? Inexpensive and simplistic, gait speed is being touted in a recent study that suggests there is a correlation between gait speed and longevity. The study recently appeared in the Journal of the American Medical Association […]
How expensive will nursing homes be in 2020?
The cost of growing old is a concept Baby Boomers are beginning to wrestle with as they contemplate long term care options for both themselves and their aging parents. But in today’s age of economic uncertainty and rising care costs, more dependent adults are relying on family members for care. The Wall Street Journal recently […]
Physicians and social media: AMA weighs in
Recently, the American Medical Association (AMA) adopted a policy aimed at educating physicians on the use of social media. Many industries use social media to gain attention, but the AMA is taking steps so that the integrity of the medical profession remains intact, and so that the patient-physician relationship is not undermined. The AMA issued […]
Reverse Mortgage Rules Changing Again
I’ve written several times over the years on the topic of Reverse Mortgages. My first article explained the concept and requirements of a Reverse Mortgage and how seniors can use a reverse mortgage. My second article, entitled Using a Reverse Mortgage to Pay for Home Care, explained how the Reverse Mortgage can be used as a tool […]