The Importance of Family Caregiving

 

Family caregiving has always played an integral role in American society; and the need for this essential service will only continue to grow as our population ages. The following statistics highlight the importance of family caregivers in the United States:

Last month, The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) issued new rules and regulations for skilled nursing care centers that receive Medicare and Medicaid funding.   This 713-page overhaul is a comprehensive revision of nursing home regulations and affects almost every aspect of the lives of residents of these facilities.
 
One of the significant changes included is the outright ban of pre-dispute arbitration agreements in nursing home admission contracts as a condition of acceptance.

 

Recently, the state of Tennessee enacted a groundbreaking and widely praised law focused on preventing one type of elder abuse. The Campbell-Falk Act provides protection to individuals who have become wards of the state or whose appointed conservators control all aspects of their lives, from living arrangements and finances to their visitation schedules.

 

As adults, we don’t like to think about ever being in a position where we cannot make decisions or speak for ourselves. Unfortunately, sometimes situations arise where we need to rely on others to look out for our best interests. One such situation is when a person becomes incapacitated due to illness, trauma, or a disease such as dementia or Alzheimer’s. Because there is no way to predict if any of these circumstances will arise, either very suddenly or over time, it is important to have a legal document in place that names a specific individual to make decisions for us if we cannot do so ourselves. 

 

Retirement Plans and Estate Plans: How You Can Make Them Work Together

 

 

The estate planning process is a great opportunity to take a fresh look at retirement plans and determine if any changes or updates should be made. Since retirement accounts are often the most valuable assets for many individuals, it is important to review them on a regular basis. When planning to leave retirement accounts to chosen beneficiaries, there are many things to consider.

 

Avoiding Family Disputes After Your Death

 

 As we all know, disagreements among family members are a part of life.  Even the closest of families experience dustups every now and again, but most of us don’t like to think of them happening as a result of our deaths. In fact, avoiding family disputes is often one of the primary reasons to have a carefully drafted estate plan. It can be very helpful to identify (while you are alive and well) some situations that often lead to disputes so that you can try to prevent them. Here are some common reasons why disputes arise following a family member’s death, and some tips on how to avoid them from happening.

 

Some Helpful Tips for Downsizing (Baby Boomers, Take Note!)

 

 

 

The trends set by Baby Boomers have been monitored and scrutinized for decades. After all, this group represents 26% of the entire U.S. population, and therefore has a significant effect on the nation’s economy, political landscape and healthcare system.

May is National Pet Month


Happy National Pet Month! It might be fun to celebrate with our beloved pets by taking an extra walk, adding an additional day at doggie daycare, or buying a new toy. These are all great ideas, but there’s something even better (and often overlooked) that we can do to show our pets love and appreciation. We can plan ahead for our pets’ care during a time that we’re no longer able to take care of them due to prolonged illness or death. There are a few ways to ensure long-term or permanent care for pets which will be discussed below.

“Death with Dignity”:  Where does New Hampshire Stand?

End-of-life choice, oftentimes referred to as death with dignity, is a hot-button topic frequently making national and international headlines. The debate over whether physician-assisted suicide should be legalized is very contentious, and both supporters and opponents of the concept fiercely defend their positions.

Currently, the decision rests with the individual states.

Choosing An Executor and Trustee . . . Some Things to Consider

 

One of the most common questions I receive from clients is, “Who should I choose to administer my will and trust?” In providing clients with advice on this topic, I like to start by explaining what each role is, describing some of the typical tasks and responsibilities involved.