What Does It Mean to Be Estranged?
Estrangement refers to a breakdown in a relationship, such as a relationship with a spouse or family member, where there is no longer any communication, or communication has become hostile, and the individuals lead separate [...]
What Can I Do During the Medicare Open Enrollment Period?
Each year from October 15 to December 7, Medicare offers you the option to make changes to your Medicare coverage. Changes you make during this Medicare Open Enrollment Period will go into effect the following [...]
Honoring Family Caregivers Month: Resources for Grandparent Caregivers
November marks National Family Caregivers Month. Today, roughly 3 million children reside with grandparents who have committed to being their primary caregivers, according to Pew Research Center estimates. Grandparents may step in when the child’s [...]
How Changes to Portability of the Estate Tax Exemption May Impact You
On July 8, 2022, the Internal Revenue Service issued new guidance that allows a deceased person’s estate to elect “portability” of their unused gift and estate tax exemption for up to five years after their [...]
3 Foot- or Leg-Related Health Issues Medicare May Help Cover
From plantar fasciitis to varicose veins, there are numerous bothersome ailments that can crop up and cause chronic foot or leg pain or related issues. For Medicare to cover the costs of addressing these types [...]
What Is Spousal Impoverishment?
Spousal impoverishment is a concern for older couples when one spouse needs long-term care and applies for Medicaid. If one spouse requires care in a skilled nursing facility and the other remains at home, the [...]
Majority of Adult Children Cannot Support Boomer Parents, Surveys Find
A recent survey by the American Advisors Group (AAG) finds that 55 percent of adult children say they are not financially prepared to help their Baby Boomer parents cope with rising inflation and living expenses. “Americans want [...]
After a Dementia Diagnosis: Preparing for the Future
A diagnosis of dementia, a category of diseases affecting memory and thinking that includes Alzheimer’s disease, can feel overwhelming and upsetting. You might worry that you will lose control over your life and ability to make [...]
Seniors and the Benefits of Downsizing
You spend a large portion of your life and your hard-earned money on the concept of the American dream, buying and living in your forever home. Your home is a special place, filled with memories, [...]
Savings for Seniors: Lower Medicare Part B Premiums in 2023
For the first time in more than 10 years, Medicare Part B enrollees will see some of their costs decline. In an announcement issued by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), the agency outlined changes to the [...]
Study Reveals Unmet Needs of Seniors Relying on In-Home Care
When an older person requires help with daily living, options range from residential facilities to in-home care. Typically, less expensive than care facilities, professional in-home care can benefit older adults by allowing them to remain [...]
Be Cautious of Generic Health Care Proxy Forms
Doctors, nurses, and hospital staff work hard to care for their patients when they are sick or hurt. However, even when a procedure is done to save a patient’s life, a hospital cannot act without [...]
11 Common Acronyms in Elder Law and Estate Planning
In helping clients prepare for their future, estate planning and elder law attorneys use many acronyms. Understanding some of the common medical and legal terms in this field can give you added confidence in your [...]
Medicare’s Telehealth Coverage Has Expanded Due to Pandemic
Before the pandemic, few people receiving Medicare used telehealth services, which allow patients to connect with providers through the internet. A telehealth appointment is a real-time, full-service visit with a health care professional. The critical distinction between [...]
Can a Nursing Home Hold Friends or Family Members Responsible For a Resident’s Care?
If your loved one is entering a nursing home, you may worry whether you could be liable for their care. Under federal law, a facility cannot require a family member or friend to co-sign an [...]