A power of attorney (POA) is a legal directive that gives someone else the authority to act on your behalf – and they’re commonly used in estate planning for end-of-life management. You might, for example, empower your son or daughter to make medical decisions for...
Elder law: What it is and what it can do for you
If you’re like most people, you’re probably not entirely familiar with the practice of elder law – but elder law is going to become an increasingly important part of the social framework of this country in the future. The United States has a rapidly aging population....
How do you spot financial abuse by a caregiver?
A lot of seniors need to rely on in-home caregivers as they start to mentally and physically decline, usually because they hope to age in place. Unfortunately, that can leave them ripe for financial exploitation. Finding a trustworthy caregiver isn’t easy. According...
How seniors can protect themselves against fraud and identity theft
Identity theft and scams continue to plague the nation in epidemic numbers, and seniors are among the prime targets. The FBI reports that in 2022 those in the over-60 age group lost over 3.1 billion dollars to scammers, an increase of 84% over the prior year. Many...
What to do after your Medicaid application is denied
Applying for Medicaid can be overwhelming. This process becomes more confusing and stressful if your application is denied and you don't have additional financial resources to cover your medical bills. Thankfully, there are several options you can pursue to seek...
Elder financial abuse: How to identify it and what to do
Elder financial abuse or exploitation happens to millions of elderly adults every year. You may be unaware of this exploitation and not discover it before it is too late. Here are a few tips on how to spot this abuse and what you can do to protect your elderly loved...
Guardianship of an elder vs. power of attorney: What’s the difference?
When it comes to making important decisions on behalf of an elderly adult, guardianship and power of attorney are two options that are commonly discussed. Guardianship is a court-appointed role that grants an individual the legal right to make decisions on behalf of...
Important requirements of Medicaid that you should know
Estate planning is an essential step to ensure your wishes are executed after you pass, but as individuals age, it's also important to consider the possibility of long-term care due to a prolonged illness or disability. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, one...
What is the difference between elder care and estate planning?
When thinking about your future, you may be considering both elder care and estate planning. It's important to know the difference so you can create a long-term goal now. Estate planning involves managing your assets in the event that you become incapacitated or pass...
Trusts that may be appropriate for Medicaid planning
Individuals often assume that their health insurance will adequately cover their medical expenses, including long-term care in an assisted living facility or a nursing home. The prospect that insurance coverage will be adequate to cover these costs is low. Most...