by Dedra Jize, OT, CSAGeriatric Care Manager, Law Offices of Roy W. LitherlandA trip or stumble can easily become a fall to the ground for an older adult, which can have devastating consequences physically, emotionally, and financially. Fall statistics have improved over the years for older adults aged 65+, but they are still unacceptable as one-fourth of older adults will fall each year. The unsettling fact is that a senior falls every 11 seconds resulting in a trip to the emergency room, … [Read more...]
Hospital Discharge: Making the Transition to Home or a Skilled Nursing Facility
by: Guest Blogger Renee Seligman, Patient AdvocateWhen caring for a senior who is going to be discharged from the hospital, it is important to address the following: Medication Reconciliation: Often the attending physician at the hospital will make changes to a patient’s medication list. It is important to reconcile the list prior to discharge with the hospital’s Discharge Coordinator or Nurse Case Manager to ensure accuracy. All prescriptions that need filling must be sent to the … [Read more...]
Limits to Medi-Cal Recovery (An Elder Law Today Blog)
By: Matthew M. Shafae, AttorneyLaw Office of Roy W. LitherlandThe future of Medi-Cal eligibility has been the subject of speculation for a little over a decade now. Will the California implementation of the federal Medicaid system, known as Medi-Cal, finally implement federal laws enacted back in 2005? And now, with a Republican president-elect and a Congress with a Republican majority in both houses, it appears Medicaid funding may be an additional topic for speculation. How will Medicaid … [Read more...]
Hospice Care —Benefits for Those with Life-Limiting Illnesses (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Hospice care is a team-oriented approach to medical care, designed to enhance the quality of life as it nears its end. It is designed to aid in pain management and offer emotional and spiritual support through palliative therapy, education and counseling. It is tailored to meet the needs and wishes of the patient as well as the patient’s family and friends. Hospice care focuses on caring for the patient as opposed to curing the illness.Generally, hospice care is available to people of all … [Read more...]
Long Term Care Insurance—Is It Right For You? (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Long term care insurance (LTC insurance), unlike most health insurance plans, pays for the cost of your care when you need permanent help with activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, eating, etc.). Depending on the LTC policy, covered services may include nursing home care, personal care at home, assisted living facilities and/or adult day care. While some insurance plans, including Medicare and Medigap, may pay for a limited number of days in a nursing home or short term health care … [Read more...]
Should I Purchase Long-Term Care Insurance?
When you think about retirement planning, you naturally focus on the positive times that you can have as a senior when you put your working years behind you. This is fantastic, and everyone should make the most of their golden years. However, there are the twilight years that will follow, and you should be aware of the potential long-term care costs that you could face as a senior.The majority of Americans will qualify for Medicare at the age of 65 under currently existing laws. This would … [Read more...]
A “Goodbye” Message from Our Director of Geriatric Care Management
On May 12th I, Lois Tager, will be retiring from this wonderful Law Firm. I wanted to take this opportunity to say “Goodbye” to all our exceptional clients. Together with Roy and his superb staff, building our Geriatric Division has been one of the most rewarding endeavors of my career. Helping to service the needs of our clients has been most rewarding and I shall miss you all.The field of Geriatric Care (also known as Elder Care) associated with a Law firm was unheard of just a short … [Read more...]
The Dangers of Social Isolation (An Elder Law Today Blog)
by: Lois G. Tager, M. Ed., CSADirector of Geriatric Care Management, Law Offices of Roy W. Litherland“Nobody relishes the prospect of aging without a spouse or family member at their side, without friends to help them laugh at the ridiculous parts and support them through the difficult times.” (Senior Living Blog)Unfortunately, that is what many seniors face. Due to the lack of socialization, seniors are less able to contribute to their communities. Seniors who are involved in their … [Read more...]
Do You Need to Speak with an Elder Care Law Firm?
The question of when you might need to speak to an elder care law firm can be a difficult one to answer. What is an elder care law firm? How can they help you? What if it is a loved one who needs help? This blog article will address these questions to assist you in determining when you or a loved one might need to speak with an elder care law firm.When you need an elder care law firm for yourselfElder law attorneys specialize in the legal issues that affect seniors. These issues can include … [Read more...]
How Expensive Are Nursing Homes in California?
When you are devising a long-term financial plan, you should consider the eventualities that you may face during your twilight years. Nursing homes are very expensive, and many elders do require nursing home care at some point in time.There are various different reasons why people ultimately need this level of care. However, when you gain an understanding of the widespread nature of Alzheimer's disease, you can see why so many seniors need long-term care eventually.The Alzheimer's … [Read more...]
