Medicare’s 3-day Hospital Inpatient Status Rule
Seniors should be aware of Medicare’s 3-day hospital rule. There are significant implications for beneficiaries of Medicare, particularly those who may need skilled-nursing facility care after a hospitalization. Inpatient Status is Critical To be eligible for Medicare...
Can Medicaid Move From State to State?
What happens if you decide to move to another state while you are receiving Medicaid for healthcare needs? Or what about those Medicaid recipients who move to Florida from another state? Does Medicaid move with you from state to state? Medicaid Basics Remember...
May is the Month to Celebrate Older Americans
The month of May is when our nation celebrates the contributions of Americans aged 65 and older. Americans have been doing this each May since President Kennedy made the official declaration in 1963. To show its support, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys,...
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 still lives at home. When we get the chance to work with families on financial planning, we often can have the “sick” spouse’s nursing home bill largely covered...
The Problem with Resisting Assisted Living
Making the decision to move an older person from their home to a place where they can live safely is a tough choice for all involved. A move to an assisted living facility is one option. These facilities provide care for people who need services such as medication...
Gifting Real Property Poses Problems
Sometimes we deal with seniors who want us to prepare a deed gifting the home to their children. Some believe that they could wait out the five year ineligibility period and obtain Medicaid. We always try to explain that such actions can cause a detrimental effect...
Smart Devices for Seniors Aging in Place
Smart home devices for seniors are changing how people age in place. Style, convenience, aesthetics, and comfort have long been the primary concerns of the home setup. However, for seniors, successful aging in place also requires a well-implemented plan for home...
Importance of Discussing Medicaid Planning with an Attorney
When it comes to ensuring the best possible care for ourselves and our loved ones, it is important to understand Medicaid planning. This process involves making strategic decisions about financial matters to secure future healthcare needs. Seeking guidance from a...
Assisted Living Tax Deduction
Now that we are in tax season, many caregivers and clients who are residents of an assisted living facility ask about tax deductions for assisted living costs. The IRS provides rules for deducting certain qualified long-term care costs as medical expenses. Normally,...
Avoiding Caregiver Burnout
I just got back from visiting my father and step-mom in a nearby state. My dad had covid in the hospital and has become bed-bound and needing complete care. Watching my step-mom struggle to meet his needs brought home to me in a personal way the importance of these...
Will Need a Qualified Income Trust?
If you or a loved one needs long term care, you might have to rely on the Medicaid program to pay for most of the cost of that care. Since nursing home care on average costs over $10,000 per month in Florida, most people do not have enough income to pay that without...
Understanding UTIs in Aging Adults
As we age, our bodies go through various changes, and one common issue that can affect older adults is urinary tract infection. UTIs might not always be easy to recognize in aging adults, but they can have serious consequences if left untreated. It is important for...
When to Use Beneficiary Designation Forms
A client asked this week whether and when he should use the bank’s offered beneficiary form for his investment account. While this might seem like an easy question, the answer is “it depends.” Filling out a beneficiary designation form can change your entire estate...
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...
Does Medicaid Pay for Memory Care?
Memory care services go beyond traditional long-term care, offering specialized support for individuals experiencing Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other cognitive impairments. These secure environments are designed to minimize confusion and maximize resident...
Incapacity Planning in Florida
Have you thought about how you would handle a sudden illness or life-threatening injury? More people are thinking about the implications of the possibility of a bad bout with COVID-19 and where that would leave them legally and financially. The good news is there...
How to Declare Florida Your Domicile
Each year it seems that more people move to Florida to enjoy their retirement in our warm weather and low tax rates. Many come from higher-tax states and may hope to be “let go” by their old home state. The question of domiciling has two prongs- based on the rules...
Mental Health in Seniors
We’ve reached a time where taking care of your health no longer refers solely to your physical self. However, for many, addressing mental health as a senior doesn’t come as naturally or easily as physical health. When it comes to physical health, we know that...
Holiday with Families
We are officially in the time of the year for gathering with our loved ones, including extended families and elders. While the holidays are a time for celebration, we must be mindful of the potential changes in our older loved ones’ well-being. Paying attention to...
Senior Holiday Gift Guide
The Holiday season is a time for joy, remembrance and the spirit of giving. Whether you are shopping for a beloved grandparent or parent, this guide will help you find thoughtful and practical gifts that will brighten their holiday season and make their lives more...
Increases in Long Term Care Costs
The aging population is growing at an unprecedented rate worldwide, and with it comes a rising demand for elder care services. While providing the best possible care for aging loved ones is a top priority for many families, the rising cost of elder care can be...
Planning at the Time of a Dementia Diagnosis
Most patients and their family members are not entirely surprised when a diagnosis of dementia is made by a physician. The patient and the family members have probably been noticing subtle changes for some time. However, when these suspicions are confirmed by a...
Plan Ahead for Aging Alone
An often-overlooked aspect of the aging process relates to those without close relatives. According to a 2021 Census Bureau report, there are 22.1 million seniors living alone. Furthermore, the trend has been growing in recent years. The same report found 15.2...
Questions about Medicare Open Enrollment?
This month, we are in the midst of the open enrollment process for Medicare. This Medicare blog can clear up some myths, answer some basic questions and get you headed in the right direction. Enrolling in Medicare Some people get Part A and Part B...