Among aging Americans, continuing care retirement communities (CCRCs) or life plan communities are becoming increasingly popular. These senior living communities offer the array of care options necessary for aging adults to move through the stages of independent, assisted living, memory…
The Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act was passed by Congress in 2014. This created tax-advantaged accounts for people with disabilities. Funds can grow tax-free if used for qualifying expenses. Before the ABLE Act, if a person with disabilities…
Roberto, your seven-year-old nephew, needs your help managing his Social Security benefits. In the Social Security system, you’ll be called Roberto’s “representative payee.” The situation is similar if you’re appointed to help your elderly father, who has dementia, manage his…
The American Association for Retired Persons (AARP) estimates that 10,000 baby boomers turn 65 every single day. The deluge of aging Americans and the increase in longevity in the already 65-plus population are the main reasons why the Social Security…
At 65, most people begin receiving Medicare benefits as a result of paying into Social Security throughout their careers. Individuals under age 65 who qualify to receive Social Security Disability benefits are also covered under Medicare, as well as anyone…
The American Dream is to own a home. The home is often the most valuable and significant possession people own in their lifetime. So when health begins to fail and the need for long-term care arises, we often get this…
We can find it difficult to talk about death because it is such a heavy topic. Planning for it can seem even harder. But end-of-life planning is an important part of estate planning and a gift to your loved ones.…
Guardianships and conservatorships are legal arrangements for adults with developmental disabilities who are incapable of making important decisions or caring for themselves on their own. Establishing a legal guardian is the job of the court, which appoints a person (guardian)…
Long-term nursing care has become notorious for its astronomical costs. There can be a monthly fee of up to $7,000.00 depending on location. Hundreds of thousands of people presently need that kind of care and the numbers are rising. Ten…
In elder law, a certified elder law attorney (CELA) represents aging adults and their families in legal matters. Elder law encompasses a wide range of legal matters affecting an older or disabled person. Issues related to guardianship, retirement, health care…