One option for people who need living assistance would be to enlist the services of a home aide. These individuals help people with their day-to-day needs, things like cooking, cleaning, bathing, medication taking, and other activities of daily living. Given the fact that full-time residence in a long-term care facility is extremely expensive, this can be the most cost-effective solution for many seniors who need a helping hand. However, there is concern within the elder law community about … [Read more...] about When All Else Fails: Robot Home Aides
Elders, Nursing Homes & Medi-Cal
If you are among those who are under the impression that Medicare will take care of everything once you are a senior citizen, you would do well to understand the fact that nursing home expenses are not covered by Medicare. This is a significant challenge for many individuals because nursing home care is very expensive. Across the country as a whole, the cost of a private room in a nursing home averaged over $90,000 last year. This average figure is higher in the state of California. Statistics … [Read more...] about Elders, Nursing Homes & Medi-Cal
Develop a Long-Term Plan for Aging
The statistics indicate that most people don't have a proper estate plan in place. At the same time, a significant percentage of the unprepared understand that they should take action. Everyone knows that they will die someday, but most people are also going to reach their elder years. Once you start to reach an advanced age, certain contingencies may present themselves, and this is why a comprehensive plan for aging is recommended. Long-Term Care About 40% of people who reach the age of 65 … [Read more...] about Develop a Long-Term Plan for Aging
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
MetLife: Elder Financial Abuse Losses Equal $2.9 Billion
The MetLife Mature Market Institute took the time to probe the issue of elder financial abuse, and they have found that annual losses are somewhere in the vicinity of $2.9 billion. It is actually quite difficult to determine the length and breadth of this problem because of the fact that it is not out in the open. People tend to keep their financial affairs private, and this plays into the hands of predators. Senior citizens often need help with their day-to-day needs, and as a result people … [Read more...] about MetLife: Elder Financial Abuse Losses Equal $2.9 Billion
This Military Benefit Can Defray Assisted Living Costs
The high cost of assisted living is presenting a challenge as people live longer and the population ages. The Medicare program doesn't pay for assisted living on a long-term basis, so you are on your own unless you can qualify for Medi-Cal. If you plan ahead in an effort to secure Medi-Cal eligibility with the assistance of a licensed elder law attorney, you can be sure that you and your family are retaining a maximum store of assets. Those who have served in the military may well have access … [Read more...] about This Military Benefit Can Defray Assisted Living Costs
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
Nursing Homes: What Is the Average Length of Stay?
We have frequently touched upon the high cost of nursing home care in the United States on this blog. It is important for people in the elder law community to raise awareness because so many people don't understand the facts. Medicare will pay for up to 100 days of convalescent care under certain circumstances, but it won't pay for long-term care. Nursing home expenses can devastate your savings, and of course that is going to impact the estate that you have left to leave to your loved … [Read more...] about Nursing Homes: What Is the Average Length of Stay?
Veterans Special Pension Can Help With Long-Term Care
If you are a veteran who served at least 90 days with even just one of these days taking place while the United States was involved in a war, you meet the length of service eligibility requirements for the Veterans Aid and Attendance special pension. Long-term care is very expensive in the United States as a whole, and in California it is even more expensive with a room in a nursing home typically costing more than $100,000 annually. Assisted living communities are expensive as well, and even … [Read more...] about Veterans Special Pension Can Help With Long-Term Care
Economical Alternatives to Nursing Homes
Assisted living costs are something that everyone should be aware of because most senior citizens will eventually need help with their day-to-day needs. Medicare won't pay for an extended stay in a nursing home, so you must be proactive about exploring your options. On average, it currently costs well over $100,000 per year to reside in a nursing home in Northern California. Additionally, we are seeing a steady increase in long-term care costs year-by-year. If you are someone who may need … [Read more...] about Economical Alternatives to Nursing Homes
