ELDER LAW

Posted by Gina Salamone Serving in the US Armed Forces is a source of honor and pride for our service members. Unfortunately, serving in the armed forces increases health risks to those who serve. Combat situations are obviously risky, but many harmful situations don’t involve direct combat, including exposure to hazardous chemicals, accidents, and mental stress. If an armed forces Veteran has a service-related injury or illness, they may be eligible for disability compensation. Surviving spouses, parents, and children of Veterans or service members who died due to service-related injuries or illnesses may also be eligible to receive disability compensation. […]

When Alzheimer’s runs in the family, prevention and a cure become personal By Edward C. Baig, AARP Reposted by Gina Salamone Nothing is remotely funny about Alzheimer’s disease. But Seth Rogen is using his fame as an actor and comedian to raise awareness around dementia and confront the stigma surrounding a subject that folks are often reluctant to talk about. About 55 million people globally live with dementia, and nearly 10 million cases are diagnosed every year, according to the World Health Organization. The financial and emotional burden on families and caregivers is enormous. An AARP study from spring 2021 […]

Posted by Gina Salamone National Caregivers Day is Friday, February 17, and the National Association for Home Care & Hospice (NAHC) is urging everyone in home health, home care, and hospice to use the occasion to draw attention to the selfless work caregivers do all over the country. On National Caregivers Day we honor those who give endlessly of their own time and energy to help our loved ones live better lives. It especially applies to those caregivers who help our elderly friends, family, and neighbors who require long-term care in home care, home health, and hospice. The third Friday […]

Reposted by Gina Salamone Reprinted from National Institute on Aging – https://www.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2020-09/getting-your-affairs-in-order%20%28PM%29.pdf Reprinted from National Institute on Aging – https://www.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2020-09/getting-your-affairs-in-order%20%28PM%29.pdf Reprinted from National Institute on Aging – https://www.nia.nih.gov/sites/default/files/2020-09/getting-your-affairs-in-order%20%28PM%29.pdf  

By:  K. Gabriel Heiser, J.D.         Medicaid Secrets Re-Posted by:  Gina Salamone It is possible to download application forms from each state’s Medicaid agency. In fact, it would be a good idea for many seniors and family caregivers to go ahead and get a copy of these forms, if only to see what kind of information the agency requires to process an application. But a serious question remains: Should you plan and apply for Medicaid by yourself or seek professional assistance? The truth is that Medicaid planning is not a do-it-yourself project, and applying for Medicaid long-term […]

Veterans Day, a U.S. federal holiday, is a time to honor and thank those who are serving or have served in the military and are still with us. Veterans Day is different than Memorial Day, which is a day to reflect and remember those who lost their lives in service to their country. This year, Veterans Day falls on Friday, November 11, 2022. On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918 an armistice between Germany and the Allied nations came into effect. On November 11, 1919, Armistice Day was commemorated for the first time. […]

By: Ashley Huntsberry-Lett Managing Editor, AgingCare.com Reposted by: Gina Salamone Dementia and other health issues that affect one’s mental capacity are devastating in many ways, but they can also complicate the basic legal planning that is recommended for all seniors. The perfect storm of questionable mental capacity and preparing for the future can breed suspicion and jealousy, often pitting family members against one another. However, adding one very simple step to a senior’s estate planning process can reduce the potential for unnecessary stress and familial discord down the road. What Is a Letter of Competency? A letter of competency is […]

Posted by Gina Salamone In general, middle-income seniors have income and assets that make them less likely to qualify for Medicaid. At the same time, they may not have adequate resources to pay for the rising costs of housing and care options they need. A NORC study done in 2019 and updated in 2022 shows that nearly three-quarters of middle-income seniors in the US will be unable to afford assisted living programs by 2033 without selling their homes. It is the first study of its kind focused on a growing health care crisis. Data Used in the NORC Study The […]

Posted by Gina Salamone If a family member is unhappy with the amount they received (or didn’t receive) under a will, he or she may contest the will. Will contests can drag out for years, keeping all the heirs from getting what they are entitled to. It may be impossible to prevent relatives from fighting over your will entirely, but there are steps you can take to try to minimize squabbles and ensure your intentions are carried out. Your will can be contested if a family member believes you did not have the requisite mental capacity to execute the will, […]

Labor Day 2022 will occur on Monday, September 5. Labor Day pays tribute to the contributions and achievements of American workers and is traditionally observed on the first Monday in September. It was created by the labor movement in the late 19th century and became a federal holiday in 1894. Labor Day weekend also symbolizes the end of summer for many Americans, and is celebrated with parties, street parades and athletic events. Why Do We Celebrate Labor Day? Labor Day, an annual celebration of workers and their achievements, originated during one of American labor history’s most dismal chapters. In the […]