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...] about Long Term Care Insurance—Is It Right For You? (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Successful Planning (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Elder law attorneys assist individuals and families in developing estate plans to avoid depleting their assets should they become ill and need long term care. For those individuals who are already in a nursing home, elder law attorneys help them qualify for Medi-Cal benefits while maximizing the amount of money they are able to keep. Here is an example of a family my office was able to assist: Planning for someone to take residence in a skilled nursing home and being able to qualify them … [Read more...] about Successful Planning (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Avoiding Probate (An Elder Law Today Blog)
When an individual dies owning property solely in his or her name without a beneficiary designation, a formal procedure ("probate") is usually needed to determine to whom the property should pass. If there is a valid Will, the probate court will oversee that property passes according to the terms of the Will. If there is no Will, the property will pass to the individual's heirs at law through the probate system. However, it is possible to legally pass property to another person without going … [Read more...] about Avoiding Probate (An Elder Law Today Blog)
The Dangers of Social Isolation (An Elder Law Today Blog)
by: Lois G. Tager, M. Ed., CSA Director of Geriatric Care Management, Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law “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 … [Read more...] about The Dangers of Social Isolation (An Elder Law Today Blog)
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...] about Home Safety – Reducing the Risk of Falls (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Is It Effective Medi-Cal Planning to Add Someone’s Name to Your Bank Account? (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Don’t you hate to be the bearer of bad news? We all do. Unfortunately, sometimes we just can’t avoid it. Consider the following situation: Last month I had an appointment with Mrs. Jones. Her husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s three years ago, and the disease has progressed to the point where he needs long term nursing home care. At the time of the diagnosis, she talked to some friends of the family, and they told her to add the kids’ names to her bank accounts and mutual funds as a way to … [Read more...] about Is It Effective Medi-Cal Planning to Add Someone’s Name to Your Bank Account? (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Sundown Syndrome: How to Help (an Elder Law Today blog)
Sundown Syndrome: How to Help by: Lois G. Tager, M. Ed., CSA Director of Geriatric Care Management, Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law Sundown 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 … [Read more...] about Sundown Syndrome: How to Help (an Elder Law Today blog)
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...] about Caregiver Contracts (an Elder Law Today Blog)
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 … [Read more...] about Gifting Money to Your Children AFTER You’ve Entered a Nursing Home (An Elder Law Today Blog)
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...] about Medi-Cal Planning: How to Care for a Child with Special Needs (An Elder Law Today Blog)
