When you feel perfectly healthy and of sound mind, the possibility of someday being unable to handle your own affairs may seem unthinkable to you. In truth, you would do well to understand the facts, because the human condition is not an invincible one. People are enjoying increased longevity during our current era, and it is not uncommon for individuals to live into their mid-80s and beyond. It would probably be safe to suggest that most people who consider themselves to be healthy would not … [Read more...] about Alzheimer’s Strikes High Percentage of Seniors
Longer Lives Require Bigger Budgets
Planning ahead for the future is very important because your ability to earn may not be what it once was when you reach your elder years. If you don't take advantage of your prime earning years to feather your nest for your retirement and the twilight years that will follow, you could find yourself in a difficult position toward the end of your life. People are living long lives these days, with the average lifespan for a 60-year-old woman being about 85 years. Perhaps surprisingly the 10 … [Read more...] about Longer Lives Require Bigger Budgets
Medi-Cal Limits Increased for New Year
Medi-Cal is a government program that will pay for long-term care if you can obtain eligibility. In California, this program is referred to as "Medi-Cal". This program was originally designed to help people with virtually no financial resources obtain medical care. However, it is utilized by seniors who need living assistance who have never considered themselves to be poor. The upper asset limit is $2,000, but there is some property that doesn't count toward this figure. This would include … [Read more...] about Medi-Cal Limits Increased for New Year
Be Prepared to Help Your Parents
As you go through life as an adult, the thought of being responsible for your parents to one degree or another may not enter your mind for quite a long time. However, it is important to understand the fact that there may come a time when your parents need your assistance. Most of our nation's elders will need some form of living assistance eventually, and statistically speaking this usually comes from their children, other relatives, and/or friends. In fact, 70% of the care that is provided to … [Read more...] about Be Prepared to Help Your Parents
Medi-Cal: Download Our Report to Get the Facts
You will often hear mention of the Medi-Cal program, which is a joint federal-state program that is ostensibly in place to provide access to health care to those who cannot afford it. In California, this program is called Medi-Cal. It does indeed assist people with little to no financial resources, but it is also the government program that is utilized by many seniors to pay for long-term care because Medicare will not pay for it. This is not just seniors who have been struggling financially … [Read more...] about Medi-Cal: Download Our Report to Get the Facts
Medicare Deductibles, Co-Payments, and Premiums Rising in 2013
There are people who are not that concerned about planning ahead for retirement. They assume that they will naturally accumulate resources over the years without actually trying. And they also feel a sense of comfort because they know that they will be eligible for Social Security and Medicare eventually. The above line of reasoning can result in some very challenging circumstances during the latter portion of your life. You have to understand the fact that Social Security is going to provide … [Read more...] about Medicare Deductibles, Co-Payments, and Premiums Rising in 2013
Senior Drivers Face Challenges
In our modern society driving is inherently necessary for many individuals. Of course, it is possible to use public transportation if you live in some areas, but when you become a senior citizen mobility and safety can be issues that come into play. So, it is difficult to advise an elder to start riding a bike or taking the bus. However, all of this results in a classic Catch-22. The fact is that your ability to drive safely will often wane as you start to reach an advanced age. In … [Read more...] about Senior Drivers Face Challenges
MetLife Releases Fresh Long-Term Care Statistics
As we start to reach the end of 2012, some much-anticipated annual statistics relevant to the elder law community are becoming available. We can now pass along the news about the release of the brand-new MetLife Mature Market Institute survey that provides a look at the current state of long-term care costs. Experts have stated that these costs are expected to continue to rise, and this year's survey corroborates that assessment. Nationally, the average cost for a private room in a nursing … [Read more...] about MetLife Releases Fresh Long-Term Care Statistics
Nursing Home Contracts: Proceed With Caution
It is always a good idea to consult with a local San Jose elder law attorney before you enter into a contract with a nursing home. This is not to imply that there is generally any unscrupulous intent. It is simply a matter of knowing exactly what you are signing. With the above in mind, there was recently a relevant court case (Cook Willow Health Center v. Judy Andrien) decided in the state of Connecticut. A nursing home was seeking compensation for an unpaid balance, and they cited an … [Read more...] about Nursing Home Contracts: Proceed With Caution
Healthy Seniors, Don’t Overlook Potential Assisted Living Expenses
When you feel completely healthy, you may have a hard time wrapping your head around the possibility of not being in the same condition at some point in the future. This can enter into the equation when you are planning ahead for your retirement years and the twilight years that inevitably follow. Those who have lived healthy lifestyles may assume that they are never going to need living assistance. After all, when you make the right choices over a number of decades, you should receive some … [Read more...] about Healthy Seniors, Don’t Overlook Potential Assisted Living Expenses
