If you have a loved one or friend who requires rehabilitation or skilled nursing care, it is important for you and the resident to know the law that protects the resident’s rights.  The following are some false statements that may be made by nursing facilities and how to effectively respond: 1. “We can’t give the…

The phrase ‘Durable Power of Attorney’ is frequently used but often misunderstood as to who needs it, when it should be created, and what the document does. The goal of this blog is to correct misunderstandings among consumers and professionals and encourage all adults to create a Durable Power of Attorney when they are physically…

ABLE became law in 2014 to allow family members to make gifts (during the donor’s lifetime) for the benefit of an individual with a disability, while allowing and encouraging that person to seek employment and independent living, knowing they are not limited to owning $2,000.00 in order to maintain SSI and Medicaid assistance.  The ABLE…

By Shira Moolten | smoolten@sunsentinel.com | South Florida Sun Sentinel South Florida assisted living home accused of evicting dozens of residents to convert into luxury apartments Linda McNamee thought she could relax once she and her husband finished moving into their new assisted living home at Oasis Living Quarters in February. They’d had their doubts…

Have you been named as a fiduciary for a loved one in a legal document but don’t understand what you can or cannot do?  If you answered ‘yes,’ keep reading to learn more. A ‘fiduciary’ is a person who is given a responsibility and held to a standard of care in carrying out their responsibility. …

In today’s world of technology, we are constantly getting hit with advertisements on the newest gadgets, fashion trends, and the latest deals on our cell phones, email, and computers. This also means that scammers have found new and creative ways to prey on individuals who are most vulnerable. This includes people with cognitive and physical…

Are you worried about your ability to make financial decisions for a loved one, such as a parent or sibling, in the event of their future incapacity? Or are you worried about who will be making decisions for you if you suddenly become sick or incapacitated or are in an automobile accident? If you answered…

New SSI Update: The Social Security Administration has updated its rules, effective September 30, 2024, regarding counting the value of food given to an individual who receives Supplemental Security Income (SSI).  ‘In-kind support and maintenance (referred to as ISM) previously included ‘food’ and ‘shelter.’ Now, the value of food no longer reduces an SSI recipient’s…

Happy and Healthy New Year! Have you made your 2025 resolutions, or are you finding it challenging to become motivated? You are not alone. Here are some tips to motivate you to go from setting goals to implementing an action plan: Update Your Will: If you haven’t reviewed your Will in a few years, take…

The simple answer is ‘yes.’ Medicaid will pay for a home health agency to provide services to assist you with activities of daily living (‘ADLs’). Alternatively, you can select ‘Consumer Directed Care’ and have your family caregiver paid for providing services to you. Here is what you need to know: Community Medicaid (services provided in…