by Dedra Jize, OT, CSA Geriatric Care Manager, Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law “I long, as does every human being, to be at home wherever I find myself.” - Maya Angelou If you or a loved one are considering a move to a senior community, it’s important to start with a conversation to determine the wants, wishes and needs for that new home. Depending on the urgency of the matter, this talk can be done over a cup of coffee or may consist of many discussions over several … [Read more...] about Senior Living Communities (An Elder Law Today Blog)
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...] about How an Elder Care Law Firm Can Help
Take a Step Toward Preventing Falls (An Elder Law Today Blog)
by Dedra Jize, OT, CSA Geriatric Care Manager, Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law A trip or stumble can easily become a fall to the ground for an older adult, which can have devastating consequences physically, emotionally, and financially. Fall statistics have improved over the years for older adults aged 65+, but they are still unacceptable as one-fourth of older adults will fall each year. The unsettling fact is that a senior falls every 11 seconds resulting in a trip … [Read more...] about Take a Step Toward Preventing Falls (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Does an Inheritance Count for Medi-Cal? (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Timing is everything. How often have you heard someone express that sentiment? And while it’s often true of life in general, it’s certainly true in Medi-Cal planning. So, does an inheritance count as an asset for Medi-Cal purposes? For a single person, the answer is clearly, “Yes.” If a single individual is spending down his or her assets, and before the spend-down is completed, that individual receives an inheritance, then those assets are added into whatever that person has and must be … [Read more...] about Does an Inheritance Count for Medi-Cal? (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Hospital Discharge: Making the Transition to Home or a Skilled Nursing Facility
by: Guest Blogger Renee Seligman, Patient Advocate When caring for a senior who is going to be discharged from the hospital, it is important to address the following: Medication Reconciliation: Often the attending physician at the hospital will make changes to a patient’s medication list. It is important to reconcile the list prior to discharge with the hospital’s Discharge Coordinator or Nurse Case Manager to ensure accuracy. All prescriptions that need filling must be sent to the … [Read more...] about Hospital Discharge: Making the Transition to Home or a Skilled Nursing Facility
Latest Genworth Survey Released Regarding Long-Term Care Costs (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Members of the elder law community are becoming increasingly concerned about the high and rising cost of long-term care. People are living longer than ever before, with the oldest among us being the fastest growing age group. Most people who reach senior citizen status will indeed need long-term care at some point in their lives; therefore, this is something that is relevant to all of us. It is important to understand that Medicare does not cover long-term care costs. With this in mind, … [Read more...] about Latest Genworth Survey Released Regarding Long-Term Care Costs (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Limits to Medi-Cal Recovery (An Elder Law Today Blog)
By: Matthew M. Shafae, Attorney Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law The future of Medi-Cal eligibility has been the subject of speculation for a little over a decade now. Will the California implementation of the federal Medi-Cal system, known as Medi-Cal, finally implement federal laws enacted back in 2005? And now, with a Republican president-elect and a Congress with a Republican majority in both houses, it appears Medi-Cal funding may be an additional topic for … [Read more...] about Limits to Medi-Cal Recovery (An Elder Law Today Blog)
Advanced Medi-Cal Triggers – Spousal Election
By: Justin M. Kennedy, Attorney Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law While at an estate planning conference in November, one of the speakers discussed a planning strategy that may benefit many married couples. The planning strategy involves adding Advanced Medi-Cal Triggers to a married couple’s estate plan, specifically a Spousal Election to the Living Trust and testamentary special needs trust language within the Pour-Over-Will. For a married couple, upon the first … [Read more...] about Advanced Medi-Cal Triggers – Spousal Election
Keeping it Safe on the Road (An Elder Law Today Blog)
by Dedra Jize, OT, CSA Geriatric Care Manager, Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law Most people agree that driving is one of the keys to independence. However, new driving challenges arise as you age. Arthritis can make flexing and twisting painful and weakened muscles make it harder to grip. Aging also affects vision, hearing, cognitive function and reaction time. Other challenges you may face include an increased number of cars on the road, lights and sounds that vie for … [Read more...] about Keeping it Safe on the Road (An Elder Law Today Blog)
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...] about Hospice Care —Benefits for Those with Life-Limiting Illnesses (An Elder Law Today Blog)
