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…

In today’s world, legal ‘forms’ are available online. Companies such as Legal Zoom make it look easy to a consumer – you download the form, fill it in, and get it witnessed and notarized. What you don’t know is: An internet form will not engage in a conversation with you to learn important details about…

There is a lot of misinformation available both on the internet and given by non-elder law attorneys to consumers about applying for Medicaid and Veteran Aid & Attendance benefits. This misinformation is costing consumers delays in qualifying for the Medicaid benefits they so desperately need. Here are just a few of the benefits that an…

Scams and fraud have been on the rise since COVID began in March 2020.  Homes have been one of the biggest targets of scams.  Victims include older adults, young adults with disabilities, and people of any age with compromised cognitive state.  Thankfully, the Broward County Property Appraiser has a program called ‘Owner Alert’ to help…

Think twice before you sign an admission agreement to a residential community (i.e. nursing home, assisted living facility) on behalf of your parent, spouse, or friend. There can be language in the agreement that may not be in the resident’s best interests or might result in waiving certain legal rights.  It is recommended to have…