In our regularly updated blog, we discuss a wide range of topics of interest to Michigan seniors and their families. Learn what estate planning documents are essential in case of incapacity due to illness or injury, why you might benefit from creating a trust, how to use Medicaid benefits to pay for long-term care needs, and much more. To discuss your specific concerns, please contact our office to request a free initial consultation.
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Planning for the Silent Thieves: Dementia, Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s DiseaseI search your eyes, So empty and blue, Hoping for a flicker Of what used to be you.1 If you are the wife, husband, son or daughter of someone with, dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or Parkinson’s disease, you may be overwhelmed emotionally, physically and financially. You are consumed with the day-to-day care, behaviors like agitation and... Read More »
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What is Portability Election and How Does It Relate to You?Portability election refers to the right of a surviving spouse to claim the unused portion of the federal estate tax exemption of their deceased spouse and add it to the balance of their own exemption. To elaborate, it is an estate and gift tax provision allowing the personal representative (the person in charge of the... Read More »
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Choosing Between Hospice and a Nursing HomeWhen someone you love is approaching their final days, it is devastating and hard to fully comprehend. Often families are left reeling from this heartbreaking reality only to be faced with the difficult choice of having to decide between nursing home care for their loved one, hospice at home, or a hospice care facility. Choosing... Read More »
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Challenging ConservatorshipWhen a person experiences cognitive impairment due to a medical or mental health disorder, injury, or disease, it can have a profound impact on their daily life. Under some circumstances, the person’s condition may be so severe that it is questionable if they can effectively manage their finances. In this situation, it may be necessary... Read More »
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Dementia Friendly CommunitiesDementia friendly communities can offer education on the various stages of dementia and we can always become more inclusive and mindful to others' needs.
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Livingston County, Michigan Reverse MortgageMichigan Reverse Mortgage One benefit of modern medicine is that people are living longer. It’s important to have options to ensure your retirement savings will last and that you can be comfortable during retirement. Many times your house is your largest asset. A reverse mortgage allows you to tap into the equity of your home and... Read More »
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The Joint Ownership Exception to the Transfer of OwnershipWhen a family buys a cottage or other vacation home it is often with their intention of passing the home to their children. As the original owners prepare to transfer ownership of the property to their children or other loved ones, there is an option which will help ensure that that the property can be... Read More »
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Why you need an Estate Planning AttorneyEstate planning is an area which at first glance may appear simple. However, the preparations you make for your estate can have long-lasting and significant legal implications for you and your loved ones. If your estate plan is not done correctly, your family will be confronted with complicated issues during a difficult time. Having the... Read More »
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Tackling Senior Depression : How You Can Lift Your Spirits When You Feel DownWith age comes change. You retire, you move out of the family home, your health needs change, and things just aren’t the way they used to be. These changes may come all at once, or they may occur gradually over the years. One side effect of such change is depression: the constant feeling of sadness,... Read More »
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Half of Penalized Nursing Homes Continue Giving Poor TreatmentPatients falling out of wheelchairs, taking medicine meant for their neighbor, or being bullied by staff members are nightmare situations that should never occur at a nursing home. Nursing homes face fines and restrictions when they violate safety rules in order to prevent these things from happening. Unfortunately—and outrageously—many homes continue to violate patients’ safety... Read More »
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Dementia Support Programs for CaregiversBeing a caregiver to a loved one with dementia requires a high degree of dedication and selflessness as well as a tremendous amount of patience. Caring for someone with this condition can mean spending hours taking them to various appointments and keeping up with their medication and health care needs while providing a safe and... Read More »
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Common Problems of Trustees in Trust AdministrationTrust can serve a variety of functions such as preserving family assets, avoiding estate taxation, and keeping wealth out of the probate process. While these invaluable legal constructs can serve to protect what you have built their management can be complicated. Here are some common problems of trustees in trust administration. The Trustee When a... Read More »