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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Owning a Dog May Be Good for Your HealthA recently published study has confirmed that adults over 65 who own dogs are significantly more physically active. Elder Law in Michigan.
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Elder Abuse and NeglectWhen you think of people who are vulnerable to abuse and neglect it is not always elders who come to mind. However, a sad truth is that elder abuse and neglect occurs more often than many of us realize. While it may seem that signs that an elder is being abused or neglected would be... Read More »
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Selecting the Right Power of Attorney AdvocateIn Michigan, part of your estate plan should include a durable power of attorney for finances or “POA”. Your POA allows you to name someone to act in your place concerning your finances should you become unable to do so. While you may not anticipate needing a POA for many years or at all, an... Read More »
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Overcoming the Fears of Estate PlanningWhen it comes to estate planning, talking about wills, or long-term care planning, a lot of people have reservations, or even fears, about their future. One common fear among older folks is planning for the future only to run out of money. This comes up a lot in regard to long-term care planning. But the... Read More »
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Medicaid and the Gift TaxBeing able to give a loved one a significant amount of money without having to pay gift tax is a major benefit offered by the federal tax code. This may seem like an ideal way to bequeath funds to loved ones without having to include the amounts in your estate plan. However, for individuals who... Read More »
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Get More Bank for Your Buck: How To Take Full Advantage of Your Financial InstitutionWhether you’re banking with a credit union or a national giant, your financial institution likely offers more resources, account options, and saving plans than you’re using — or even aware of. As one NerdWallet article puts it, “Banks and credit unions continue to find new ways to both delight and confound customers.” If you focus... Read More »
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FYI: Veterans’ Benefits And Discounts That May Surprise YouThere is a little-known Veterans’ benefit called “Aid and Attendance” which may be available to help wartime Veterans and their surviving spouses with their health care costs. This benefit is available to help pay for both home health care and assisted living costs, and can provide benefit payments of $2,054 per month (for a married... Read More »
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Estate Planning for Unmarried CouplesToday it has become increasingly common for people in relationships to choose to devote themselves to one another without getting married. While these couples may share a home and assets, the law limits their ability to inherit from one another outside of marriage. Therefore for unmarried couples who wish their partner to inherit their property... Read More »
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Senior Safety Travel Tips for the HolidaysThe holidays can be a festive and joyful time when family members travel to see one another. For seniors, this can mean driving or flying long distances to see grandchildren and other loved ones. With all the activity this time of year, there could be an accident. The good news is that by practicing care... Read More »
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Feel Like You Can’t Do DIY Projects Anymore?Check Out These 3 Power Tools As you age, it can be harder to tackle the home projects you once did without a second thought. That said, just because they appear harder doesn’t mean they’re impossible to do. And, luckily, with age comes experience; you know how to get a job done faster and... Read More »
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What is Age-Associated Financial Vulnerability?Difficulty managing one’s own finances is one of the most common struggles encountered during the aging process. Whether it’s falling behind on bills, getting caught up in a questionable marketing scheme, or picking up a gambling habit, these new risky fiscal decisions can be alarming. Researchers at Weill Cornell Medical College have published a report explaining this... Read More »
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Special “Child Caregiver Exception” to Michigan Medicaid RulesAs a Michigan elder law attorney, I hear it all the time: “If I go into the nursing home, can they take my home? Or do I have to sell it?” There are many exceptions – this blog only discusses one exception under Federal and Michigan Medicaid law called the “Child Caregiver Exception”, which allows... Read More »