For years, doctors, lawyers and even bankers have walked the fine line between remaining ethical and loyal to their clients/patients while also seeking to not overshare intimate information with family members. It’s a difficult balance and breaking confidentiality is something no professional ever wants to do. It’s about making preparations now to avoid problems later, especially when it involves the privacy of an elderly parent. For many of us, it never occurs to us that we could be on the … [Read more...] about Your Elderly Parent, Her Doctor and His Loyalty
CMS Issues New Rules for Senior Housing
A new rule issued this year by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services means housing for seniors and those with disabilities who live in assisted living and residential care centers is no longer in jeopardy around the nation. “The original draft proposed rule by CMS was a real threat of possible dislocation to the seniors and individuals with disabilities our members serve every day,” said David Kyllo, Executive Director of the National Center for Assisted Living. “This is a major … [Read more...] about CMS Issues New Rules for Senior Housing
The Weather and the Elderly
Granted, Hurricane Sandy was a fluke and the odds of a Hurricane Camille or Katrina making landfall in our region is as likely as the Democrats and Republicans finding a workable budget. Still, even without the threat of a massive hurricane, the fact is, the 2014 hurricane season is less than two weeks away. It’s a great time to explore some of the special needs of the elderly in inclement weather. It could a blizzard, a hurricane, a heat wave or a tornado – Mother Nature cares little about the … [Read more...] about The Weather and the Elderly
Free Report: April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month
April is Parkinson's Awareness Month and it's an ideal time to take a look at your estate plan to ensure you've made accommodations should you or a loved one is diagnosed. Topics covered in this report include: Identifying Parkinson's diseasePlanning Ahead Click here to read the whole article or download the PDF. … [Read more...] about Free Report: April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month
Promising News for Alzheimer’s
Typically, when elder clients come to us for assistance in long term health planning, preparing an estate plan or updating their powers of attorney, it’s often because they have received upsetting medical news or because someone else they’re close is suffering. Even those who have established their estate plan well before retirement will often review those efforts to ensure they’re current – and it’s not uncommon that the diagnosis of dementia or Alzheimer’s for someone they’re close to that … [Read more...] about Promising News for Alzheimer’s
New Hampshire Medicaid Waivers
Medicaid waivers are opportunities for states to make decisions associated with delivering and paying for health care services for that state’s residents. In 1981, the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1981 put these options into place. It un-tied states’ hands in many ways and allowed each to determine its various needs associated with institutionalization, children’s healthcare, healthcare for the elderly and other important community based services. Political Channels A group of … [Read more...] about New Hampshire Medicaid Waivers
Bankruptcy on the Rise for Elderly
Imagine working hard your entire life, raising children, paying off a mortgage and putting money back for that glorious day when you walk out of your employer’s door for the last time and into retirement and all that it promises. And then imagine the moment you realize your efforts weren’t enough. You believed they were and you’d been told to play by the rules and it all falls into place - except, it didn't fall into place. A new report reveals that bankruptcy filings among senior citizens and … [Read more...] about Bankruptcy on the Rise for Elderly
New Hampshire and its Balancing Incentive Payments Program
If it seems as though the laws associated with Medicaid in New Hampshire are confusing, you’re right. There are several confusing aspects to providing long term care either in home or in a hospital or similar facility. Now, though, it could be shifting if New Hampshire lawmakers are able to incorporate the Balancing Incentive Payments Program. Balancing Incentive Payments Program BIPP is being incorporated not only in New Hampshire, but other states as well; it’s a $3 billion … [Read more...] about New Hampshire and its Balancing Incentive Payments Program
Is Assisted Living Right for Your Family?
Assisted living has become that long overdue “happy medium” that families have waited for to provide peace of mind while also helping their elderly loved one maintain some degree of independence. It’s often a preferred option to a nursing home while also having skilled medical care on the grounds. While it’s not the right choice for many, many of us know that our parents are living longer and healthier in a modern society – which makes it right for those families. Remember, each state has its … [Read more...] about Is Assisted Living Right for Your Family?
