Doctors Die Differently — Recently, NPR did a piece on end-of-life discussions that cited a Stanford University study showing that almost 90 percent of doctors would forgo resuscitation and aggressive treatment if facing a terminal illness. An excerpt: “Dr. Kendra Fleagle Gorlitsky recalls the anguish she felt performing CPR on elderly, terminally ill patients. “It Read More
My Parent Needs a Power of Attorney
My Parent Needs a Power of Attorney — “Hi, I Need A Power of Attorney for my Dad…” You would be surprised how many times we get that call in our office. A daughter or son calls and wants us to prepare a “simple” power of attorney for the parent. But it doesn’t always work Read More
Medicare Coverage for Skilled Care
Medicare Coverage for Skilled Care By Rebecca C. Morgan — CMS has issued updates to its manual to implement the Jimmo agreement for SNFs, IRFs, home health and outpatient coverages. Transmittal 175 to Publication 100-02 Medicare Benefit Policy (issued December 6, 2013) goes into effect January 7, 2014. Here is an overview of the changes: Read More
Financial Elder Abuse in Assisted Living Facility
Financial Elder Abuse in Assisted Living Facility By Rebecca C. Morgan — We know about under-reporting of elder abuse as well as the rise of financial exploitation. Patrick Egan’s December 6, 2013 post “Tracking a Thief, Once You Know There Is One” in the New Old Age Blog puts a face to the problem. He Read More
Special Needs Trust for Grandchild
Question: Can I leave property in my will to my special needs grandchild? — Answer: While you can certainly bequest money and assets to those with special needs, such a bequest may prevent them from qualifying for essential benefits under the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Medicaid programs. However, public monetary benefits provide only for Read More
What Long Term Care Benefits Does the VA Pay For?
What Long Term Care Benefits Does the VA Pay For? — The VA has a benefit called the Veteran’s Improved Pension, commonly known as the VA Aid & Attendance Benefit. In order to qualify for the Veteran’s Pension Benefit, the veteran must not have been dishonorably discharged, must have served at least 90 days active Read More
Reverse Mortgage Primer
Reverse Mortgage Primer — The Government’s Redesigned Reverse Mortgage Program Introduction Accessing home equity will become increasingly important in a world where retirement needs are expanding , people are living longer and face rapidly rising health care costs – and the retirement system is contracting . Social Security replacement rates are declining, and employer-funded pensions Read More
When the Bank Won’t Accept Your Power of Attorney
When the Bank Won’t Accept Your Power of Attorney Even a perfectly prepared and executed power of attorney (POA) can be rejected or called into question by a third party. Banks, brokerage firms, insurance companies, and other institutions often raise objections when presented with a POA by the named agent. They may demand proof that Read More
May Someone With Dementia Sign a Will?
May Someone With Dementia Sign a Will? Millions of people are affected by dementia, and unfortunately many of them do not have all their estate planning affairs in order before the symptoms start. If you or a loved one has dementia, it may not be too late to sign a last will and testament or Read More
Is There a Trend in “Aid-in-Dying”?
Is There a Trend in “Aid-in-Dying”? During the 1990s, Dr. Jack Kevorkian, a medical pathologist, helped dozens of terminally ill people end their lives. He was the central figure in a national drama surrounding assisted suicide, and served eight years in prison as a result of a nationally televised event in which he injected a Read More