4 Ways to Maximize Senior Independence
February is Senior Independence Month Thoughtful legal planning is a key aspect of aging gracefully. As you enter your senior years, it is important to create documents that allow you to maximize your independence and keep your legacy intact. For most seniors, having plans in place for the healthcare, financial, and legal decisions is an […]
When Is Guardianship of an Elderly Parent Needed?
When people think of guardianship, they often think about children or disabled adults who need care. However, guardianship of an elderly or aging adult, is also fairly common. While the process is similar, there are some distinct differences between adult guardianships and minor guardianships. Additionally, the legal guardianship process can be complex. At Michaelson Law, […]
Estate Planning or Elder Law: What Do You Need?
As you get older and begin to plan for living life in retirement, you may hear the terms “estate planning” and “elder law” brought up regularly. There are some clear differences between estate planning and elder law, but they also have some important similarities. Even though these two types of law are technically utilized for […]
When to Talk About Your Parent’s Financial Future
Finances is one of those topics that many families avoid talking about. The stigma around talking about money can leave many wondering what to do as our parents get older. But financial experts agree that waiting to talk about finances with your aging parent is a mistake, especially if they are already experiencing cognitive decline […]
Estate and Long-Term Care Planning for Veterans
Are military veterans are permitted to use their Department of Veterans Affairs benefits to help cover the cost of long-term care? The answer is, unfortunately, complicated. For example, a much-underused pension benefit known as Aid and Attendance can provide some money to cover costs for daily living assistance. Aid and Attendance benefits may even be […]
Social Security Changes Coming 2021
Every October, the Social Security Administration (SSA) publishes upcoming changes to its social security program. The social security program is dynamic and impacts nearly 65 million people as of 2020. In 2021, social security payments will grow by 1.3% and the changes made will take effect on January 1. These changes can impact your retirement age, how […]
Aging in Place: Tools and Technology for Seniors and Caregivers
Technology is central to 21st century life in America. It’s also becoming surprisingly popular among senior populations as tech companies target this growing market demographic. By 2030, AARP projects that close to 132 million Americans aged 50 or more will spend more than $84 billion annually on technology products. Today, 91 percent of people aged 50 […]
Alzheimer’s Disease: What to Know for Your Estate Plan
Did you know that there are over 400 different types of dementia? The number of different types is staggering but the most common cause of dementia is due to Alzheimer’s disease. At least, that’s what the Alzheimer’s Association‘s published 2020 Facts and Figures reports. Other relatively common types of dementia include vascular, Lewy Body disease, […]
Isolation May Increase the Risk of Elder Abuse
The American Bar Association (ABA) reports that an unfortunate consequence of continued isolation increases the risk factors for elder abuse and exploitation. Older adults represent some of the most at-risk American citizens because of COVID-19. Many of them are choosing to stay home to lower their risk of infection as the rest of the world […]
