Don’t Want to Live in a Nursing Home? Then Plan Ahead!
Don’t Want to Live in a Nursing Home? Then Plan Ahead! As we age, most of us do not envision ourselves living in a nursing home during the last chapter of our lives. We assume we will be healthy until our final moments or will have family care for us or hire...
Common Mistakes in Estate Planning
Estate Planning is one of the crucial steps you can take to help secure your family's financial security. Many people unknowingly make costly mistakes during this process. You must understand the risks and pitfalls in order to avoid these errors. In this blog we...
DPOA and Medicaid Planning in 2023
How a Florida Durable Power of Attorney Helps in Medicaid Planning A Durable Power of Attorney (DPOA) is a document that gives a trusted person of your choosing, the “Agent”, legal authority to act on your behalf regarding financial matters. A DPOA withstands...
2023 Medicaid Numbers
How Much Can I Keep if My Spouse is On Medicaid? Nursing home residents receiving Medicaid must meet very strict asset and income limits. Assets for a nursing home resident on Medicaid may not exceed $2000. But the "well-spouse" or community spouse is not limited to...
The Hidden Disadvantages in Medicare Advantage
The Hidden Disadvantages in Medicare Advantage Soon we will be in Medicare “open enrollment” season. Expect to be overwhelmed with all those ads trying to convince you to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage, also called a Medicare Part C Plan, is...
Pet Trusts in Florida
Pet Trusts in Florida Have you given any thought to providing for your pet in case you die? If you are an animal lover, there is a good chance that at some point you will outlive your animal(s). Luckily in Florida we have a statute on point to allow you to pre-plan...
Common Signs of Elder Abuse
Elderly individuals often go through health issues they did not experience when they were younger and may have been unprepared to deal with. Other seniors might have few living friends, and relatives scattered far from Florida. This makes aging difficult both...
Signing Requirements for Florida Estate Planning Documents
Signing Requirements for Florida Estate Planning Documents Preparing Florida Estate Planning and Medicaid planning Documents is important. But even the most well-thought out and detailed document can be rendered pointless if it is not properly signed and executed....
Why Choose an Elder Law Attorney?
Why Choose an Elder Law Attorney? You may wonder why you should choose an Elder Law attorney. Many people, even those over 65, feel that all they need are estate planning documents. A typical husband and wife may have a few health issues but no real crisis. We...
When Should I Contact an Elder Law Attorney?
When Should I Contact an Elder Law Attorney? Legal needs and financial goals change throughout our lives. Many issues arise later I life, which makes it essential to seek the guidance of someone experienced in Elder Law. Working with an Elder Law attorney can...
Personal Property: Too Much Stuff!
Personal Property: Too Much Stuff! Many clients refuse or neglect to downsize or organize their personal property while they can. It is easier to delay, thinking that there will be time in the future to declutter. This can cause problems for the children after mom and...
2023 DIY Estate Planning
The Trouble with Do-It-Yourself Estate Plans Many times clients think they have solved their division of assets (after their death) by making up an informal estate plan of their own device. They may name their most responsible child as Personal Representative or...
What Happens if Well-Spouse Dies First?
What Happens if Well-Spouse Dies First? Many of our clients have the situation of one spouse needs nursing home care, and the other “well” spouse sell lives at home. When we are able to work with families on financial planning, we often can have the “sick” spouse’s...
Steps to Set up and Manage an Irrevocable Trust
Steps to Set up and Manage an Irrevocable Trust A trust is a legal agreement between two or more parties that grants one party, or trustee, specified assets while the beneficiary, or the person for whom the trust is established, retains ownership of said assets. If...
Red Flag for Nursing Homes
Nursing Home Warning Signs If you have an elder loved one who needs long-term care, how can you be sure that the facility you select will deliver the care, services, and attention your relative deserves? How do you get past the hype in the facility’s marketing...
MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT MEDICAID
On a regular basis we meet with families facing long term care issues who make decisions based upon an incomplete understanding of the laws and rules concerning Medicaid. Sometimes the information is obtained from friends and relatives who have navigated the Medicaid...
VA Benefits
VA benefits can make a real difference in quality of life, especially for older adults. But not everyone who is eligible will apply. Some will not apply because they believe VA benefits are a government handout. They don’t want charity, so they don’t apply. If you are...
Who Oversees Assisted Living Facilities?
Recently a client asked me the question: Does an Assisted Living Facility (ALF) in Florida have to provide activities? This client said that, due to low participation by residents, their facility had given up and was not going to hire a replacement activities...
Normal Age-Related Memory Loss versus Dementia
Normal Age-Related Memory Loss versus Dementia As our parents age, it is natural that their abilities will change and decline over time. So many people are unsure how to distinguish what is to be expected from something more ominous. Certainly a memory loss may be...
Splitting an Inheritance
When you are in line to receive an inheritance, you probably look forward to improving your financial situation. But what if you do not need the money? Or if you feel someone (a sibling or step-sibling) was unfairly omitted? Can you give away part or all of your...
Top Gift Ideas for Assisted Living or Nursing Home Residents
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are fast approaching. If you have a loved one in a facility you may be wondering about gift ideas. You know space is limited. Your mom or dad is no longer actively collecting. Senior living communities are designed to provide...
How Well Do You Understand Elder Care Law?
How Well Do You Understand Elder Care Law? Many are confused about the field of Elder Care Law. It is a complex area of law that deals with legal issues affecting seniors. Unfortunately, there are many misconceptions that can lead to confusion and misunderstanding. ...
As our parents age, it is natural that their abilities will change and decline over time. So many people are unsure how to distinguish what is to be expected from something more ominous. Certainly a memory loss may be an indication of a disease such as Alzheimer’s,...
Who Oversees Assisted Living Facilities?
Recently a client asked me the question: Does an Assisted Living Facility (ALF) in Florida have to provide activities? This client said that, due to low participation by residents, their facility had given up and was not going to hire a replacement activities...