For many families, keeping their elderly loved one at home will require in home assistance.  There are many quality home health care companies in the area so finding one isnât a problem.  But I find so often that clients donât go through a licensed agency  because of the cost.  While

Letâs pick up where we left off with Mary.  Her son, Jim is unemployed and Mary has been giving him funds totaling $50,000 over the last 6 months to help him pay his bills.  And she intends to continue doing so until he finds a job.  While Mary is 70,

Mary had been reading my blog posts for some time now about the need to plan ahead for long term care. Something struck a chord with her and she called.  She has a home and about $200,000 in investments.  While still healthy, she is 70 and thinking about the future. 

On September 1, 2009 New Yorkâs new power of attorney law became effective.  There has been much written about it.  The intent of lawmakers was to correct the financial abuses that seem to increase in frequency, probably due to the aging of our populace.  As with any new law, however,

One of the more common questions asked of me is âshould I take Social Security early?â.  The questioner is referring to the ability to take Social Security as early as age 62, rather than waiting till the full time retirement age of 65. (By the way that age gradually increases

The caller gives me the following fact pattern or some variation.  Momâs health is deteriorating.  Her behavior is becoming extremely erratic, in some cases violent or abusive.  In some cases itâs dementia.  In others itâs alcohol or the side effect of the medications she is taking.  Bills go unpaid.  Spending

Long term care for people suffering from Alzheimerâs Disease and other progressive, degenerative neurological diseases comes in many forms.  In past posts I have discussed nursing homes, assisted living facilities, adult day care and home care administered by professionals and family members.  Another type of care that you may or

In discussing long term care planning with new clients, very often they will tell me that they have everything covered because years earlier they set up a living trust.  Living trusts are estate planning devices designed to eliminate the need to probate an individualâs estate at his/her death.  In the

As I often tell clients, one of the most important documents that everyone should have is a power of attorney.  A power of attorney allows you to designate someone to conduct financial and other transactions on your behalf.  The ease with which anyone can execute such a document is a

As I have written previously, in speaking with families, overwhelmingly the desire is for elderly family members to remain in their own home as they age and face declining physical and mental health.   But, is that always the best thing?  Perhaps, not for everyone.  I was reading a recent post on