Blog: Elder Law
Alzheimer’s Caregiver Tips
One of the best tips I think an alzheimer's caregiver can rely on is to educate themselves. Â An educated caregiver can make all the difference in dealing with the stress of the unknown. Â For instance, many caregivers are unaware that there are support groups available...
Florida Department of Children and Families fails the poor and elderly…again.
There was an article in the Tampa Bay Times on Sunday, February 24, 2013 - (view article)Â discussing DCF's proposal of a bill that targets Florida Medicaid fraud among those trying to hide their assets. Â Once again, DCF is trying to use scare tactics to hurt the most...
Florida Medicaid Look-Back For Long Term Care Programs
Florida Medicaid Look-Back For Long Term Care The Florida Department of Children and Families has finally decided on the implementation of a period of Medicaid look-back for long term care programs. What is a look-back period?  When you go to file for Medicaid, they...
Why Elder Law? Why Do I Do What I Do?
Why Elder Law? Why Do I Do What I Do? Fifteen years ago today, one of the most precious people in my life passed away - my Nana, Elsie Gonzalez. Â I adored my grandmother and have so many wonderful memories of time spent with her. Â She was always around while I was...
What is an Elder law attorney?
What is an Elder law attorney? An Elder Law Attorney explains....When I started my own practice, like most attorneys who open their own office, I took on all sorts of cases. I took on divorces, child custody, personal injury, adoptions, probates, wills – I did a...
Top 10 things you need to know about Florida Nursing Home Medicaid
Top 10 things you need to know about Florida Nursing Home Medicaid: Your homestead is protected from creditors.  Creditors include the nursing home and Medicaid liens (not so in other states, like Ohio, that force you to sell your house if you or your dependent do not...
Florida Homestead and Medicaid
Florida Homestead and Medicaid: What You Need to Know Florida is one of a few states that has a very broad homestead protection. Florida’s Constitution states that a person’s homestead is protected from their creditors (this includes nursing home or other medical...
Medicaid and Qualified Income Trusts in Florida
Medicaid and Qualified Income Trusts in Florida Applying for Medicaid benefits to pay for nursing home care in Florida can be a confusing process. The person applying must meet certain asset and income limits. For example, you may not have more than $2,000 in assets...
Dear Abby – A legacy of love and humor
I was so sad to hear about the passing of Pauline Phillips, the original "Dear Abby" last week. I can remember reading her column from the time I was old enough to read a newspaper. I'm not ashamed to admit that, even today, her column is one of the first things I...
Discussing Estate Planning Around the Holidays with Elderly Family Members
The holidays are always time to be with family and enjoy each other’s company. Many of us travel great distances to see relatives whom we may only get to see once or twice a year. We visit with our parents and grandparents and listen to stories of past holidays and...
Paying your parent’s bills and need help from siblings?
Paying your parent's bills and need help from siblings? "4 Great New Tools to Manage Your Money" discusses a new company called "PayTap" that will allow you to work with family members to pool the money to help pay Mom and Dad's bills. I have quite a few clients whose...
Florida Senate wants your comments….
The Florida Senate has created a web page for people to give their views and get more information on the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The page was made public on December 10th and can be visited at http://www.flsenate.gov/topics/ppaca. The page allows...
Top 7 Things to Know About Moving Your Parents into an ALF or Skilled Nursing
Moving Your Parents into an ALF or Skilled Nursing Do you have a loved one who needs care in a nursing home or assisted living facility? Â Are you concerned about how to pick out the best placed for your loved one? Â Or, if the loved one is already in assisted living or...
November is National Caregiver Month
National Family Caregiver Month is observed every November and has been nationally recognized since President Clinton signed the first presidential proclamation in 1997. Â The focus is on the many challenges that family caregivers face and it is an opportunity to offer...
Medicare Enrollment in Florida
Between October 15th - December 7th every year, seniors age 65 and over and enrolled in Medicare have the opportunity to: Change from Original Medicare to a Medicare Advantage Plan Change from a Medicare Advantage Plan to Original Medicare or Switch from one Medicare...