In previous blog posts, I have emphasized the importance of having a power of attorney. Without a comprehensive power of attorney, many peop

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

There is a new generation of workers who are juggling conflicting demands that previous generations rarely faced. Known as the sandwich generation, these individuals - about 45 to 60 years old - are caught (i.e. sandwiched) between caring for their elderly parents and their own children. This new phenomenon is due largely because people are living longer than ever and requiring more care.

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 over 30 years of practicing law, I have heard numerous clients repeat things they were told or

A few years ago, The National Elder Law Foundation newsletter discussed a handout the author provides to clients who have a terminal illness. The hand out is designed to help clients prepare for their eventual death particularly those who recently learned they are suffering from a terminal illness. The recommendations include:

As the founder of the Elder and Estate Planning Law Firm, I specialize in helping Michigan families protect their estates. Whether you are worried about nursing home expenses that average nearly $11,000 per month, assisted living expenses, having your estate avoid probate court or planning for a special needs child or grandchild, I have helped thousands of families obtain peace of mind when faced with such issues. Often this involves qualifying for Medicaid or VA benefits, cr

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) ordinarily releases updated figures for Medicaid qualification. These updates are released in late summer and most importantly, they reflect the cost of living increases that we all experience. For Medicaid recipients, the increases allow additional amounts to be used to pay for funerals or to allow a community spouse to retain additional amounts of their spouses's income.

In the 1990 comedy movie Home Alone, Macaulay Culkin plays the role of a young boy mistakenly left behind while his family flies to Paris

One of the most important estate planning decisions you will make is deciding who will be responsible for your affairs if you become disabled and who will administer your estate after your death. This "job" often requires a great deal of time an dresponsibility which can include making health care decisions, paying bills, managing investments, selling a home or vehicle, yearly accountings, filing tax returns, dealng with other family members, etc. Most people typically just n

One of the more challenging situations when an elderly parent is declining is having to take over their