One of our readers recently contacted our office to ask if we had literature on the difference between a Durable General Power of Attorney and a Conservatorship. Due to the number of times our office has been asked that question, we chose to make it the topic of this month’s Elder Law Today. What is a Power of Attorney? A power of attorney is a legal document where one person (the principal) authorizes another (the agent) to act on the principal’s behalf. There are financial powers of attorney … [Read more...] about Power of Attorney vs. Conservatorship (An Elder Law Today Blog)
A” Quiet” Change in Medicare (An Elder Law Today Blog)
by Lois G. Tager, M. Ed., CSA Director of Geriatric Care Management, Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law A “Quiet “change in Medicare is often one where physicians and health care providers are informed but not the general senior population. Susan Jaffe of the New York Times recently wrote about a change of which we believe seniors and all beneficiaries should be aware. Previously, a patient could be denied coverage for physical therapy and occupational therapy because … [Read more...] about A” Quiet” Change in Medicare (An Elder Law Today Blog)
When Is The Right Time To Do Medicaid/Medi-Cal Planning? (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Our office receives numerous calls from concerned loved ones and family members wondering if or when they should start Medi-Cal planning (Medicaid is called “Medi-Cal” in California). The answer: It is never too early or too late to discuss the planning options available. Below are just two examples of the many types of calls we get every day where we advise clients that Medi-Cal planning is an option right now. Mrs. Jones is an 81-year-old widow experiencing short-term memory loss. She is … [Read more...] about When Is The Right Time To Do Medicaid/Medi-Cal Planning? (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Keep Your Memory Healthy (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Keep Your Memory Healthy by Dedra Jize, OT, CSA Geriatric Care Manager, Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law Who hasn’t gone into a room, only to stare blankly and wonder why you went in there? When we were younger, we would laugh it off and go back to where we started just to be reminded what we wanted in the first place. However, as we get older, these types of occurrences may trouble us and make us question our memory or even ask, “Am I getting Alzheimer’s?” Be assured … [Read more...] about Keep Your Memory Healthy (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Travel Tips for Seniors (An Elder Law Today Blog)
by: Lois G. Tager, M. Ed., CSA Director of Geriatric Care Management, Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law The holiday season is fast approaching. Preparing for travel with a senior will save many anxious hours before and during your trip and allow you to enjoy your journey. Airline travel preparedness will save you many moments of anxiety and exhaustion. Wendy Perrin, Conde Nast Traveler’s Consumer Travel Expert, tells us to be sure to confirm your flights at least 72 hours … [Read more...] about Travel Tips for Seniors (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Durable Property Powers of Attorney (An Elder Law Today Blog)
What is a durable property power of attorney? A durable property power of attorney is a legal document where one person (the principal) authorizes another (the agent) to act on the principal’s behalf regarding financial decisions. It is an estate planning document which allows a person to plan for the care and control of property in the event he or she becomes incapacitated. Powers of attorney are the single most important documents to put in place so that a family member or trusted friend will … [Read more...] about Durable Property Powers of Attorney (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Strategies for Effective Communication with Seniors – An Elder Law Today Blog
Strategies for Effective Communication with Seniors by Dedra Jize, OT, CSA Geriatric Care Manager, Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law As we age, our senses change and become less acute. Hearing decreases, with one out of every three seniors over the age of 60 experiencing significant hearing loss. In addition, seniors experience changes to vision as the lens may become yellow or opaque. The most common vision problem is Presbyopia (farsightedness), but seniors also may have … [Read more...] about Strategies for Effective Communication with Seniors – An Elder Law Today Blog
Medi-Cal Planning for Single People – An Elder Law Today Blog
Nancy Watson feels worn out. Four years ago her father died and for the past three years she has been caring for her aging mother. At first, it was little things...grocery shopping, trips to the doctor, help with her mother’s medication, and things like that. But as her mom’s health deteriorated, Nancy’s burden has increased. The last six months have been very difficult. That’s because Nancy had to move her mom to a nursing home. Mom couldn’t live at home any more. Nancy thought her job would … [Read more...] about Medi-Cal Planning for Single People – An Elder Law Today Blog
Sundown Syndrome: How to Help (An Elder Law Today Blog)
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 changes. Symptoms are … [Read more...] about Sundown Syndrome: How to Help (An Elder Law Today Blog)
