What is the CSRA and How is it Calculated? (Part 1)
CSRA stands for community spouse resource allowance, that amount of money that a healthy spouse can keep and still qualify the ill spouse for Medicaid. Sounds simple but if misunderstood and misapplied, it can cost the healthy spouse tens of thousands of dollars in lost assets and additional nursing home
A Tragic Tale and a Lesson for All
Driving is always a sticky issue with aging parents and family members. Mom or Dad’s refusal to acknowledge physical and mental limitations can put their lives at risk but if they get behind the wheel of a motor vehicle they can put others at risk. A recent New Jersey wrongful
Robot & Frank – The Future of Elder Care?
A few years ago I wrote about a movie titled the Savages, which focused on the story of an elderly man suffering from dementia and his 2 children who were suddenly forced to care for him after his second wife had died. Hollywood has just released a new movie that,
Role Reversal – When the Child Becomes the Parent
It is something I explain frequently to families when discussing long term care and a conversation I had last week with Dad’s three children who flew in from different parts of the country to meet with me regarding his placement in an assisted living facility. The discussion centered on what Dad
College Debt and Long Term Care – Unrelated? Maybe not
I have written and spoken in the past about the dangers of grandparents paying for a grandchild’s college education if they haven’t planned for long term care first. That payment may not be subject to gift tax laws but will be subject to a Medicaid transfer penalty. However, there is
Mom is Helping Her Out of Work Son – Problem for Medicaid?
Click on http://www.youtube.com/HauptmanLaw to see my answer. (Sound may need to be adjusted on your computer.)
Big Changes in the VA Aid and Attendance Program on the Horizon
Eligible wartime veterans and the widowed spouses of wartime veterans can qualify for a special pension that can go a long way towards helping to pay the skyrocketing cost of long term care. In many cases we can qualify needy applicants almost immediately even though they have assets greater
I’ve Got Power of Attorney – Why Do I Need Guardianship? (Part 3)
Last week I told you that we had filed an application on behalf of Catherine, who was seeking an appointment as guardian for her dad, Jerry. Catherine was very nervous that Jerry would fight it or that he would be angry with her for pursuing it. Nevertheless, she gave us
I’ve Got Power of Attorney – Why Do I Need Guardianship? (Part 2)
Last week I was telling you about Catherine and her dad, Jerry. As a result of a recent fall, Jerry was hospitalized. His health care directive, because it had been completed incorrectly, was useless and he refused to reveal to Catherine where his power of attorney could be found. We
I’ve Got Power of Attorney So Why Do I Need Guardianship? (Part 1)
Catherine called concerning her dad, Jerry. He had always been difficult “but Mom was able to deal with it”, she said. “Since Mom died, however, things have gotten worse.” Catherine faxed over to me her dad’s power of attorney and health care directive for me to examine. But the conversation