by Dedra Jize, OT, CSAGeriatric Care Manager, Law Offices of Roy W. LitherlandNovember is National Family Caregivers Month. It is a time to recognize and honor family caregivers across the country. A special “thank you’ to all you Caregivers. It is something not said often enough, and the words feel insufficient for all that you do to care for someone and for all that you have given up to allow you to be a Caregiver. A “thank you’ feels inadequate to express gratitude for all you do, all … [Read more...]
Caregiver Burnout
Caregiver Burnout by Dedra Jize, OT, CSA Geriatric Care Manager, Law Offices of Roy W. LitherlandIn California, there are over 4 million ‘informal’ caregivers that provide care for their parents or friends. There are a wide range of responsibilities that caregivers provide. It may be that the older adult wants to remain in their own home and needs occasional assistance, or the caregiving is long distance which can be logistically and emotionally difficult. Perhaps you are providing live-in … [Read more...]
How an Elder Care Law Firm Can Help
Elder Care Law Firms specialize in the issues that affect seniors. They are equipped to address the legal, healthcare, social and psychological needs of seniors and to develop a plan to meet those needs in an economical fashion that protects and preserves the income and assets of the elder to the greatest extent possible.How Can an Elder Care Law Firm Help You?If you are facing legal issues that include planning for Medi-Cal qualification, incapacity planning or end-of-life planning, an … [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...]
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...]
Home Safety – Reducing the Risk of Falls (An Elder Law Today Blog)
The home which was ideal while you raised your family may now have safety issues as you age. An American Association of Retired Persons study showed that 90% of all older Americans preferred to remain in their homes as they age. Having your home reviewed by a qualified person for Home Safety is a very important element if this is your plan. Although there are numerous potential safety risks in a home (i.e., fire, poison, drowning, electrocution), falls are the leading cause of injury-related … [Read more...]
Sundown Syndrome: How to Help (an Elder Law Today blog)
Sundown Syndrome: How to Helpby: Lois G. Tager, M. Ed., CSADirector of Geriatric Care Management, Law Offices of Roy W. LitherlandSundown Syndrome, sometimes referred to as sundowning or sunsetting, describes the onset of behaviors such as agitation, confusion and irritability. These behaviors are often found in people who have cognitive losses or Alzheimer’s disease; although some research suggests that they can also be found in seniors simply because of age-related changes. Symptoms are … [Read more...]
Caregiver Contracts (an Elder Law Today Blog)
Our office writes the Elder Law Today each month to provide useful information for the elderly and disabled, their family members, friends, and advocates. Recently, one of our readers asked us to write an article regarding Caregiving Contracts. We thought that was a great idea, as so many of our clients care for their aging or ailing parents, friends, or relatives.Millions of Americans are currently caring for an elderly family member or friend at home, without receiving regular compensation. … [Read more...]
Gifting Money to Your Children AFTER You’ve Entered a Nursing Home (An Elder Law Today Blog)
There are so many misconceptions surrounding Medi-Cal with respect to financial gifts, that we thought we would address some of the more frequently asked questions:Q: “Is it true that under current Medi-Cal laws, a parent cannot make financial gifts to their children once they have entered the nursing home?”A: No. In fact, a proper gifting program is a great Medi-Cal planning technique. At the time an applicant applies for Medi-Cal, the state will “look back” 30 months to see if … [Read more...]
Medi-Cal Planning: How to Care for a Child with Special Needs (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Jim and Marie Anderson live in San Jose, California. They are now in their mid-70s and they recently celebrated their 50th anniversary.The Andersons have been blessed with three wonderful children. One is a nurse, one is a school teacher, and their youngest child, Joe, is not able to work.Joe is now in his late 40's and lives in a group home. He receives Social Security (SSI) of about $500 a month and his parents have always supplemented his income.Mr. and Mrs. Anderson have lead a modest … [Read more...]
