What a Time to be a Caregiver!
Being a caregiver for an elderly relative is challenging enough in normal times. It is even harder during a pandemic. Remember to be kind to yourself. Do not expect perfection. Do your best with the time you have and the situation in which you find yourself. Below are...
The “New Normal”
We are all getting restless with the “new normal.” With some states starting to open up you may be wondering how you will know if it is safe to leave your shelter-in-place. Of course it was always ok in Florida to go out for essentials (medical care, groceries,...
Surveillance Cameras in Nursing Homes
The decision to place a loved one is difficult. How will you know if they are lonely or neglected? What if a staff member is rough in helping with daily needs? You might think part of the solution could include installing a hidden camera in the room. The technology...
Coronavirus and Dementia
Everyone is still trying to adjust to the brave new world of Covid-19. Things changed so quickly and thoroughly that it can be hard to remember that just a few short weeks ago we still were not too concerned about the threat. Now events are cancelled and most people...
What is an Advance Directive for Healthcare
We are officially in a pandemic. Every aspect of our life has changed in some way. Some of the changes are not all bad-it seems we have more time to think about things. With our usual routines interrupted we are not rushing around as much. You may even have time to...
Elements of Successful Aging
When we talk about successful or successful aging, what exactly do we mean? Who defines that? Successful aging has been defined in numerous ways. Definitions usually include like disease prevention, high physical and cognitive functioning, and the ability to engage in...
Florida Probate Proceedings
What is a probate proceeding and how does it work in Florida? A probate proceeding is the process whereby assets that were held in a decedent's name alone are passed to his or her beneficiaries (if there is a will) or heirs (if there is not a will). Through the...
More Covid19 Scams on the Way
We previously blogged about Covid19 scams related to the coronavirus (link to prior blog). Since then a new opportunity has arisen for scammers in the form of the stimulus passed by Congress. All taxpayers under a certain income level will get checks or direct...
Your Estate Plan with the Onset of the Coronavirus
Your Estate Plan with the Onset of the Coronavirus is a topic that we have carefully considered for our clients. It is not too late to safely make a plan.
Burzynski Elder Law Coronavirus Update
We know here at Burzynski Elder Law that we deal with a vulnerable population. We are doing our best to ensure the the health and welfare of our clients and our staff, while still providing ongoing legal services. While we closed our doors to the public last week, we...
Coronavirus Scams to Avoid
Everyone is interested in the latest news on the fast developing situation around COVID-19 or Coronavirus. Of course, scammers are attempting to use the situation to their advantage. The following are some of the things to keep in mind to avoid Coronavirus scams: Be...
Glass Art Sculpture
Enter our drawing to win this custom made art glass sculpture made by Attorney Jill Burzynski. When Jill isn't using her left brain in the law, she is using her right brain with her art. We will enter your name in the drawing not only when you sign up, but also when...
How to Apply for Benefits
Often family members will approach our firm with questions about Medicaid. What is Medicaid? What does it cover? Can I apply for benefits for my parents? Medicaid is designed to help pay for costs associated with long term care needs. Medicaid recipients include...
Coronavirus Prevention Advice from the CDC
The disease known as Coronavirus or COVID-19 continues to spread. The Centers for Disease Control believes that it will reach the United States. The CDC reports that the disease can be especially severe for older patients and babies. As usual the very old and very...
Mediterranean Diet Benefits for Seniors
Researchers may have found another benefit of the so-called Mediterranean diet. According to a recent report in HealthDay News, the Mediterranean diet gives extra protection to seniors who are close adherents of the diet. This diet mimics the way many Mediterranean...
What is the SECURE Act and what does it change?
Congress passed the SECURE act in December of 2019 and it took effect January 1, 2020. SECURE stands for Setting Every Community Up For Retirement Enhancement. It makes important changes to the rules governing IRAs, 401ks, and other retirement accounts. Some terms I...
The Hidden Disadvantages in Medicare Advantage
Now that open enrollment season is over we finally get a break from all those ads trying to convince you to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. Medicare Advantage, also called a Medicare Part C Plan, is an alternate to traditional Medicare. Advantage plans cover...
Long Term Care Tax Deductions
As tax season gets underway, I thought it would be a good time to review the question of long term care tax deductions. The IRS allows deductions against your personal income tax for the costs associated with medical care. You must itemize these costs in order to...
2020 VA Aid and Attendance Numbers to Know
Many of our clients are war-time Veterans who may look to the VA for some help with payment of their long-term care costs. The Aid and Attendance program, a VA pension, is one way to help, if the Veteran, Veteran’s spouse or surviving spouse can meet the VA...
Do I Need a Power of Attorney?
When we are asked "Do I need a Power of Attorney?" we respond that everyone who has trusted family member or trusted close friend should have a Durable Power of Attorney. This legal document enables the agent named in the document to carry out financial business on...
Medicaid Penalty Period Will Delay Eligibility
Often, seniors give away their assets to their children in an effort to become eligible for government benefits. However, no gifts should be contemplated without fully understanding the Medicaid penalty period. When a transfer of assets is made and Medicaid is needed...
Glossary of Legal Words
legal words Advance Directive: a written or oral statement about how you want medical decisions made should you not be able to make them yourself. Asset Protection: involves examining resources available to pay for care considering benefits that may...
What is Healthcare Fraud and Abuse?
DNA testing is one of the answers to the question “What is healthcare fraud and abuse? This is just one of the scams which target seniors.
How to Pay For Senior Home Care
Frequently, clients come to us to help create a plan for their future. Whether the plan involves preparing to protect their assets, creating a Durable Power of Attorney, or seeking advice about moving into an assisted living facility or nursing home, we remain...