Articles
My Parents Need Home Care Assistance (A Primer)
SCV Bar Association
Most of our elderly population prefer to receive any care they
need within the confines of their home. Knowing what type of care is needed, who
will render the care and how to find caregivers can improve the results of arranging
for this type of care. more
What Every Spouse Should Know About Entering a Nursing Facility
SCV Bar Association
Because long-term care in a California nursing facility can cost $50,000.00 a year or
more, many people who enter a nursing facility eventually spend their available resources
down to the level that qualifies them for Medi-Cal. Married couples used to face an
additional problem. more
How to Care for Your Aging Parent
SCV Bar Association
Virginia Morris is an award winning journalist who reports on health care
and medicine. In 1996 she published "How to Care for Aging Parents", published by
Workman Publishing Company, Inc. I have found this to be the type of book I have
used as a prize at community events I have been invited to speak at because it is
such a good source of
information. more
"Parentgiving" Website Offers Assistance to Adult Children Caring for Elderly Parents
SCV Magazine
Parentgiving.com is a new website created to help time-starved caregivers
of aging parents. Its "Learning with Parentgiving" section provides checklists at
your fingertips for securing caregivers, preventing falls, steps to take if a parent
is denied Medicare coverage, legal documents you may need and information
needed in emergencies.
more
Trouble with Driving and Update on the Sunset of Estate Taxes
SCV Magazine
The last vestige of independence for many elders is the loss of their ability to drive. The efforts to take the
automobile away to protect the elder and other drivers on the road can be met with tremendous resistance.
more
How to Revoke a Power of Attorney
SCV Magazine
If for any reason you become unhappy with the person you’ve appointed to make decisions for you under
a durable power of attorney; you can revoke the power of attorney at any time. But you must take
a few steps to ensure that the document is properly revoked.
more
Communication Is Key in Locating Estate Documents and Passwords
SCV Magazine
Where have you placed your estate planning documents? Many people tell me they
keep these documents in their dresser drawer, "strong box," or in a file cabinet. In
California, if your original will cannot be found, it is "presumed revoked." This
means any or all of the directives in your will could be ignored and the persons
to whom you wanted to distribute your estate could be disregarded.
more
The National Alliance on Mental Illness Helping the Mentally Ill
SCV Magazine
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is one of the largest
non-profit organizations in the United States, with self help, support, and
advocacy groups in every state, including Puerto Rico.
more
Advance Care Planning for Individuals with Developmental Disabilities
SCV Magazine
All individuals should have a Power of Attorney for Health Care. Recently, the
California Coalition for Compassionate Care has participated in the creation of
Thinking Ahead: My Life at the End, which is a workbook and DVD designed specifically for
people and by people with developmental disabilities.
more
Tools for Caregivers
The Signal, April 11, 2009
The Family Caregiver Alliance has compiled a list of practical tools and resources
designed to address the needs of informal caregivers and the professionals supporting
them. While a plethora of online information exists, specific tools and resources had not
been gathered into one collection where professionals and caregivers alike could quickly
and easily access them - until now.
more
Keeping Your Estate Plan Current
The Signal, Feb. 12, 2009
While many people periodically update their wills or other estate plans, they
don't remember to update the designation of who will receive distributions from
their retirement plans, such as an IRA or 401(k) fund. You should also review
any and all life insurance beneficiary designations.
more
Divide Family's Possessions Before Death
The Signal, Oct. 2, 2008
Who should have grandma's dining room table or diamond ring? How should family
photos be distributed? Dividing up heirlooms can be a touchy subject. If you
leave the decision until after you die, your children may end up fighting over possessions.
more
Plan Ahead and Plan Your Funeral Now
The Signal, Nov. 13, 2008
Disputes among family members can arise when funeral arrangements are made
after the death of a relative. Everyone may be trying to do the right thing,
but disagreements and anger can continue long after the funeral.
more
How to Make It Less Likely That Anyone Will Contest Your Will
The Signal, July 4, 2008
Emotions can run high at the death of a family member. If a family member is unhappy
with the amount received (or didn't receive) under a will, he or she may
contest the will. Will contests can drag out for years, keeping all the heirs from getting
what they are entitled to.
more
New Developments in Capital Gain, Property Taxes and Other Benefits
The Signal, June 13, 2008
Many widows and widowers will have more time to sell the family home and still
qualify for the maximum amount of gain that may be excluded under federal
income tax. A recently enacted law will offer relief.
more
Planning for Your Pet's Welfare Upon Death or Disability
The Signal, April 4, 2008
What happens to your pet if you become incapacitated or die? We have seen many beloved
pets abandoned or taken to the animal shelter because an owner has failed to include
provisions for the care of their animals in their estate planning documents.
more
When to 'Hire' Your Children to Care for You
The Signal, March 14, 2008
As people get older, they often hire individuals or companies to perform services
for them, such as housekeeping, cooking, driving, paying bills and personal care. What's
new is that a lot of seniors are hiring their own children.
more
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