Florida Elder Care & Senior Health

Choosing an Elder Law Attorney

Attorneys who work in the field of elder law bring more to their practice than an expertise in the appropriate area of law. They also have knowledge of the senior population and their unique needs as well as the myths related to competence and aging. They are aware of the physical and mental difficulties that often accompany the aging process. Because of their broad knowledge base they are able to more thoroughly address the legal needs of their clients.

For example, when planning an estate, an elder law attorney would take into consideration the health of the person or couple, the potential for nursing home care and the wishes and concerns of the person or couple if that event were to occur.   If need arises, the elder law attorney will associate other legal experts.

Elder law covers all aspects of planning, counseling, education, and advocating for clients.  Elder law attorneys are a resource to their clients because they understand their clients’ needs may extend beyond basic legal services and stay informed about and connected to the local networks of professionals who serve the elder population.

ELDER LAW SPECIALISTS
Some elder law attorneys are certified as elder law specialists by the Florida Bar.  This certification requires that attorneys must be a member in good standing of The Florida Bar and must have practiced law for at least five years. The applicants must have demonstrated substantial involvement of their practice -- 40 percent or more -- in elder law, in the three years preceding their application.  The lawyer must also pass a comprehensive written examination and peer review in order to be certified as a specialist.

QUESTIONS TO ASK WHEN CONSIDERING AN ELDER LAW ATTORNEY:  
·       How long has the attorney been practicing?
·       What percentage of the attorney's practice is devoted to elder law?
·       Does his or her practice emphasize a particular area of elder law?  (for instance, guardianship or other specific work)

·       What is the attorney's experience regarding the specific matter with which you are concerned?
·       How much elder law training has the attorney had, and from what organizations?
·       Is the attorney a Florida Bar Board Certified Elder Law Attorney?
·       Will the attorney be able to work within your time limitations?

PREPARE FOR YOUR MEETING
Should you decide to meet with an elder law attorney it will be helpful to prepare in advance.  Make a list of the questions you will want the attorney to answer.  When you review your list of questions, consider what information the attorney will need from you in order to answer your questions.   Bring with you any information or documents you think will be helpful.  The attorney may or may not need it but, either way, the information will be readily available. 

By April D. Hill, Board Certified Elder Law attorney
www.HillLawGroup.com

Nursing Home Medicaid... Fact or Fiction??

Nursing Home Medicaid is a big mystery for Seniors! So many rumors and so much misinformation is out there!  It is hard to figure out what is right and what is actually within the Medicaid rules. 

Some have heard that you have to sell your house to get Medicaid benefits. Others have heard that Medicaid can 'take" your house.   Another tidbit floating around is that, in Florida, you have to wait for five years before you can apply for Medicaid.  Another one heard around the pool deck is that you should transfer your home's deed to your family to qualify for benefits.    Even some Bank advisors may say to transfer your CD's when they mature to your children, to qualify. 

All are well meaning people who have information and want to help. But so much of what we hear is  "misinformation".  Would it surprise you to know that the "information" about the house, bank accounts and time periods mentioned above are not true??!!

I have heard Seniors say that they have "too much money" to qualify for Medicaid benefits.  Well, your assets can be protected in most circumstances, all while following the current Medicaid rules.  And with that asset protection, you can qualify for Medicaid. 

The Senior Information Center can meet with you for a free consultation.  They will discuss your situation and then tell you how you may qualify for Nursing Home Medicaid.

For more information, please visit the Senior Information Center website at

www.elderplanner.com

Carol Goldberg, BSW, CLA
Senior Information Center

Helping elderly individuals remember to take medication

I recently read a very good idea on how to help elderly individuals remember whether or not they took their medication. Often when seniors do not remember if they took their medication, they will take it twice. The obvious solutions is to have a medication container that contains a place for each day or even morning and evening medications to be taken.

However, one clever idea, came from HHS HealthBeat.

[Mark McDaniel speaks] "Older adults who were asked to put their hand on their head when they were also making the prospective memory task appeared to remember having made that task, and the repetition errors declined substantially."

Karen Best Wright
SeniorPro Marketing
www.SeniorPro.com
www.RaisingYourGrandchildren.com