Blogs

Caretaker Meltdown

Amy Goyer writes a regular blog for AARP.org that revolves around her troubles and experiences as a caregiver for her parents. Her real-life experiences and she dealt with them are beneficial for any caregiver to read and relate to. The following article addresses how easy it is for a caregiver to become too stressed and […]

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Long Term Care Insurance

Having practiced Elder Law for more than thirty years, it becomes more and more apparent to me that our current “needs based” system that provides government benefits to pay the cost of long-term care may become a thing of the past. As “baby boomers” approach their senior years, they should consider the purchase of Long […]

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Why You Need to Plan for Long-Term Care

From: ElderLawAnswers.com Thinking about a time when you will need help taking care of yourself is not fun. That is why most people put off discussing long-term care until it can’t be ignored. But it is better to start long-term care planning early. Here are some reasons to start planning now: People are living longer […]

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The Best Approach to Nursing Homes

Stephen Silverburg, an Elder Law attorney from New York, recently published the following blog regarding nursing home care and how to make sure your loved ones are being treated properly in these facilities. This article gives great advice and pointers on finding the best home and care for your loved ones. Choosing the right nursing […]

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Have Your Needs Taken the Back-Burner to the Needs of a Loved One?

The beginning of summer is a great time to take a step back, and remind yourself that while caring for your loved one is very important, caring for yourself is equally important. The National Family Caregivers Association published the following tips for family caregivers: Choose to take charge of your life. Don’t let your loved […]

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Are You A Senior Thinking About Remarriage?

It is common in our society for senior individuals to contemplate second marriages. Many times one of the people will have a higher Social Security earnings record from a prospective spouse from an earlier marriage. So, consider before remarriage, how will your earnings record and Social Security benefits be calculated? If you remarry prior to […]

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Tax Tips for Caregivers

According to IRS Publication 502, caregivers are entitled to the following benefits: Dependents – You can claim your parent or other loved one as a dependent if you provide more than half the support for a relative. This includes nursing home and assisted living expenses if you are helping with financial support. Wheelchair – If […]

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How to Finance for Longevity and Aging in Place

According to an AARP survey, 70-80% of respondents say they would prefer to live out their days in their own homes. It is understandable that people would want to be in their own home rather than re-locating to a nursing home or assisted living facility. Sometimes, the option is simply too expensive if you or […]

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Estate Planning and Retirement Plans

Couples in second (or more) marriages, especially those with children from previous marriages, should review their retirement plans. Certain qualified retirement plans are required to be paid as joint and survivor benefits unless the spouse has properly waived the right to receive survivor benefits. A waiver of this right prior to marriage (e.g., in a […]

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New Estate and Gift Tax Laws…For Awhile

For 2011 and 2012, we have an estate tax with a 35% rate and a $5 million unified-credit exemption equivalent. That means that if you have an estate of under $5 million, there will be no federal estate tax. For all wills and trusts that have been drafted with any type of formula clause, whether […]

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