Protecting assets from nursing home expenses is an issue that I am frequently asked about. Sometimes it may arise after a heart attack, stroke or other concern. Other times it may arise after a loved one moves into an assisted living facility or nursing home due to Alzheimer's disease. Whatever the motivation, it is a topic that is full of misunderstanding and misinformation. After 25 years of practicing law, I have heard numerous clients repeat things they were told or read

In previous bog posts, I have emphasized the importance of having a power of attorney. Without a comprehensive power of attorney, many people are unable to handle the financial affairs of their loved ones, nor make health care decisions without court intervention (conservatorship and guardianship). Unfortunately, it continues to be our experience that many people, including financial advisors, accountants and even some attorneys do not understand what exactly is a power of

Alzheimer’s disease affects more than five million older Americans and is the most common form of age-related dementia. Yet despite decades of research, there exists no definitive biological test to identify it – no blood test or brain scan for example. A diagnosis is commonly based upon a number of cognitive and physical assessments with sometimes inaccurate or conflicting results. Research by the National Institute on Aging suggests that about one-third of Alzheimer’s dia