For an adult child, watching a parent’s physical and/or cognitive decline is extremely painful. At some point, a role reversal may occur, turning the parent into the child and vice versa. At this point, it is probably time to consider petitioning to become your parent’s conservator. Taking what seems like such a drastic step may feel like you are stripping your aren’t of his/her freedom and dignity. However, your parent may actually benefit from a conservatorship. What Is an Adult … [Read more...] about Conservatorship: Good or Bad?
Elder Law
Caring For a Distant Elder Family Member
In today’s society, family members are often scattered throughout the country and even abroad. This phenomenon can cause much stress and worry when an elder family member who is not nearby now needs additional assistance in managing his or her affairs. The first step to long-distance caregiving is to understand your loved one's situation and needs. Schedule a visit with your relative or friend spanning several days to observe how they make decisions, solve problems and complete daily tasks, … [Read more...] about Caring For a Distant Elder Family Member
Qualifying for Medi-Cal
If you are concerned about the future of an elderly loved one, you are not alone. As we watch our elderly loved ones age, we can’t help but be concerned about the care they will need and how to finance it. Health care in America is among the most costly in the world, with costs continuing to rise. As a result, the average American is unable to pay for a lengthy stay in a long-term care facility or for the costs of a serious, long-term illness. While we all hope that our elderly loved ones are … [Read more...] about Qualifying for Medi-Cal
Deciding if Some You Love Needs a Care Facility
It can be heart wrenching to decide if a family member or friend you love can no longer safely live in their own home. It can be scary for that loved one to think about his or her care needs and possible new living environments. If you have concerns about a loved one , consider the following questions when determining care needs. If you need help, consult with an experienced and qualified estate and elder care attorney. Does your loved one have medical needs that require special … [Read more...] about Deciding if Some You Love Needs a Care Facility
What Is an Aid in Dying Law?
Aid in dying laws, also referred to as physician-assisted dying or death with dignity laws, are very controversial in the United States as well as in other countries that have them. Those who support these laws typically do so because they believe that someone with a terminal illness should have the right to choose how and when they die. Those opposed to aid in dying laws often do so for ideological, moral, or religious reasons. Regardless of where you stand on the issue, if you are a California … [Read more...] about What Is an Aid in Dying Law?
Studies Indicate that Health Workers Fail to Report Suspected Elder Abuse
As the older population in the United States continues to grow at an unprecedented rate, issues that directly impact the elderly have taken center stage. Sadly, one of those issues is elder abuse. Despite efforts aimed at preventing elder abuse and at prosecuting those who prey on the elderly, elder abuse appears to be a growing problem. One reason for that is the simple fact that the majority of victims do not report the abuse. Reporting requirements, similar to those that apply to suspected … [Read more...] about Studies Indicate that Health Workers Fail to Report Suspected Elder Abuse
What Is a Reverse Mortgage?
For seniors living on a fixed income, the opportunity to access an additional income source may sound like a dream come true. A reverse mortgage offers just that; however, it is crucial that you understand how a reverse mortgage works and how taking one out might affect your estate plan before you decide to sign on the dotted line. Toward that end, we will explain the basics of a reverse mortgage. What Is a Reverse Mortgage? For seniors who have equity in a home, a reverse mortgage allows them … [Read more...] about What Is a Reverse Mortgage?
What is a POLST and Do I Need One?
In every estate plan we prepare in our office, we include an Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) and a form that authorizes disclosure of medical information to designated individuals you have appointed to positions in your estate plan. This latter form is done to comply with the so-called HIPAA law. An advance health care directive is a legal document you use to provide guidance about what types of treatments you may want to receive in case of a future, unknown medical emergency. It also … [Read more...] about What is a POLST and Do I Need One?
Questions to Ask an Elder Care Attorney
Experts tell us that by the year 2030 one in five Americans will be retirement age. Just 20 years later, in 2050, those same experts predict that the number of older Americans (age 65 an older) will outnumber their younger counterparts (age 21 and younger) for the first time in history. As the senior population grows at a historic rate, the rest of the country cannot help but pay closer attention to issues and concerns the elderly have, some of which are unique to the elderly. To address the … [Read more...] about Questions to Ask an Elder Care Attorney
Choosing a Nursing Home
Do you or a loved one need nursing home care? If so, you will likely want to make sure that your loved one becomes a resident in a home that fits his or her many needs. There are many features to take into consideration when choosing the best nursing home. Take a look at the following guide to help make the best choice. Choose a nursing home that isn’t too far away. You may want to be able to visit your loved one often. Choosing a nursing home that is relatively close to your home … [Read more...] about Choosing a Nursing Home
