Showing 4 posts from May 2020.
Communications – Important in planning and in the workplace
The final post for National Elder Law month is focused on communication. The key to making senior care work both at home and in the workplace is thoughtful, honest and open communication. Don't know where to start? Watch "How to Talk to Your Loved Ones About Elder Law and Preplanning". It can be helpful to think about what it is like to be in the other person's shoes. Seniors, remember the challenges you faced when taking care of your own parents. Adult children, take some time to think about how you hope your children will treat you when the time comes. Also remember that planning takes time and often many revisions. It is not realistic to resolve everything in just a few conversations. Take small steps.
Communication is also important when it comes to caretakers in the workplace. Adult children are often juggling careers, their personal life, and senior care. Employers and employees alike need to consider and understand the challenges each faces. In "Employers and Caregiving Employees", Foster Swift elder law attorneys provide perspective on how having open dialogue and clear communication of policies can have a positive impact on the work environment for everyone.
Categories: Elder Law, Employment
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Medicaid Planning and Senior Scams
Medicaid planning is a hot topic among seniors and their families. Foster Swift attorneys Matt Fedor and Nic Camargo offer an excellent overview of what Medicaid planning is, key considerations before developing a plan and how to formulate and implement a plan in their National Elder Law Month Video "What I should Know About Medicaid Planning."
Scams directed toward seniors sadly remain another hot topic. Even during the COVID-19 crisis, it's unfortunately common to watch the news and see a heart-breaking story about a senior who has been targeted by a criminal. While many of these crimes are not violent, they rob our senior friends of their funds, their property and often most hurtfully, their dignity. Foster Swift's article on "How to Spot the Red Flags of Financial Elder Abuse" is a good refresher for all of us, young, old, and in between, on how to keep the seniors in our lives safe.
Categories: Elder Law, Fraud & Abuse, Medicaid Planning, Senior Exploitation & Abuse
What is National Elder Law Month? - A legacy to caring and planning
National Elder Law month traces its history to 1963 when President John F. Kennedy issued Proclamation 3527, declaring the month of May "Senior Citizens Month" and proclaiming that all "informational and educational means should be used" to pave the way for older Americans to have equal opportunities and lead "useful and satisfying lives." In 1980, President Carter changed the name to "Older Americans Month" and in 1988 with a focus on improving the quality of legal services provided to people as they age, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys established May as "National Elder Law Month."
In keeping with the spirit behind National Elder Law Month, Foster Swift attorneys Matt Fedor and Nic Camargo have prepared articles and videos to help you and your family navigate the elder law landscape.
The first video, "What is Elder Law Planning", is a great starting point and a helpful reminder that elder law is much more than estate planning. We also encourage you to check out Foster Swift's Elder Law Resource Page here and you can also access attorney Jay David's book Estate Planning: You Have to Start in Order to Finish.
Categories: Elder Law, Estate Planning
COVID-19 Pandemic Creates a Renewed Urgency for Elder Law Planning
Planning for the future is often challenging, with so many "what ifs" to consider. As the news is filled with COVID-19 stories, many individuals are wishing they had not put off elder law planning, particularly estate planning. That said, there is no time like the present. In the video COVID-19 and Elder Law Planning, attorneys Matt Fedor and Nic Camargo provide a practical framework on how to get started.
One of the most important things to remember when planning is that every person's needs are different and each plan needs to be customized; that's why it's important to select an attorney with elder law experience. Both Fedor and Camargo are members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and have helped many seniors develop and implement plans that ensure their end of life wishes are honored.
Categories: Elder Law, Estate Planning
Survivor's Checklist:
Due to the shock of the death of a spouse or a loved one, the steps of what needs to be done first can be an overwhelming process for the survivor(s). To aid in the breakdown and to act as a tool amidst the emotional days ahead, estate planning Jonathan "Jay" David has assembled a "Survivor's Checklist" of some of the important things that need to be addressed when a spouse or loved one dies.
Resources and Support for Older Adults Living Alone: A Comprehensive Guide (2024):
Below is a comprehensive guide of resources for older adults living alone, empowering them to thrive independently and access essential services. This guide was created and provided with permission by the National Council on Aging (NCOA).
Resources and Support for Older Adults Living Alone: A Comprehensive Guide (2024) (ncoa.org)
Elder Organizer Tool:
Foster Swift has created a free ‘Elder Organizer’ digital notebook to provide seniors and their caretakers with a toolkit that helps organize doctors’ appointments, medications, and more that can be shared online. The tools below are also available on the Elder Law Resources page.
*For those trying to access these links by smartphone, it is best practice to copy/open the link in a separate tab and download the free Google Sheets app from Google Play or the Apple Store.
COVID-19 Checklist:
For adult children responsible for their elderly parents and other senior caretakers concerned about protecting loved ones as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, below is a free downloadable checklist of steps to follow to prepare for any possible COVID-19-related illnesses among the most-vulnerable.
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E-book Covers Estate Planning Essentials
Engaging in estate planning, while essential, is often emotional and generates many questions. How do I protect my spouse and my children if something happens to me? What happens if I become disabled before I pass on? Who will take care of my pet after I'm gone? How do I pass my business on to my children? These questions and more are addressed in Jonathan David’s recently updated e-book, “Estate Planning: You Have to Start in Order to Finish.”
Need Help Planning?
For more tools, visit our Elder Law Resource page for additional content. Click here to view/download the Foster Swift estate planning brochure to see what our experienced team of attorneys can do for you.