Recent Blog Posts
Pet Trusts: What happens to my pets if I die?
A study published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society in May of 1999 demonstrated that independently living seniors that have pets tend to have better physical health and mental well-being than those that don’t. They’re more active, cope better with...
The New Florida Durable Power of Attorney statute
Among the new laws which the Florida legislature passed this session were substantial changes to the Durable Power of Attorney Statute. A durable power of attorney (DPOA) is a document in which you appoint someone to legally act on your behalf. Essentially, your...
Medicaid Diversion and Waiver programs to get new enrollees
Some good news did come out of the Florida legislative session this year – they managed to budget for 1000 new slots under the Medicaid Diversion program (which helps pay for the cost of care in assisted living facilities) and 1250 new slots for the Medicaid...
Florida Medicaid Reform Legislation – Legal Update
Many of you have seen me tweeting and posting on Facebook regarding the need to contact your legislators about the Medicaid Reform legislation that was happening this season in Florida. Luckily, for our seniors, two changes were put on hold (at least for now). The...
Legislative Update: Florida Elderly First on HMO List
By Carol Gentry 05/12/11 C Health News Florida Until now, Florida's plans to transfer Medicaid patients into managed care have focused on children and families, not the sick and frail elderly who need constant care. The assumption was that HMOs' complicated rules...
Downsizing, Organizing, Handicap Remodeling or Relocating
When Robert and Anne bought their family home thirty years ago, their plan was to live through retirement in this home. They had furnished their home with refurbished antiques acquired from their many trips together. It was one of their cherished antique coffee tables...
The Hidden Secret of Elder Abuse
Many elderly people rely entirely on family or other trusted individuals to help them. Whether it is for physical needs or emotional needs, as people grow older they tend to need more and more help from others. This dependence on caregivers or family members makes an...
Need Long Term Care? Use your home equity
For many seniors the equity in their home is their largest single asset, yet it is unavailable to use unless they use a home equity loan. But a conventional loan really doesn't free up the equity because the money has to be paid back with interest. A reverse mortgage...
“The September of My Years”
Before attaining 70 1/2, you should review all of your Florida estate planning documents along with those describing financial and retirement benefit planning. Because the age of 70 1/2 has been magically designated by the Congress of the United States and the...
“Will You Still Need Me, Will you Still Feed Me When I’m Sixty-Four?”
Whether you reached an age where you have adult children but may not yet be retired, or you have reached retirement age, this stage of financial and estate planning, by this point, you should have a thorough and proper review of your retirement planning. ...
Love and Marriage….and married with children!
You are young, in love, and married with a baby on the way (or already here). Ah, to be young and starting a family again. Now you really have some responsibility. Have you thought about who is going to take care of those cute little children if something should...
Going to the Chapel and we’re gonna get….our estate planning done?
So, now you are married. Have you thought about any financial or estate planning now that you are newlyweds? Maybe going to buy your first home? As a married couple, you may begin to acquire joint assets and, if both of you were involved in a sudden accident and...
Is Your Estate Plan “Unwritten”– Yes, you, Ms. or Mr. Eighteen year old.
As Natasha Bedingfield wrote, “The pen’s in my hand, ending unplanned.” You might ask yourself, as an eighteen year old or young college student, why do I need to plan anything? All you have to do is look at the case of Terri Schiavo (and if you don’t know who that...
Last Chance to tell them to VOTE NO to Florida House Medicaid Bill
The Florida House of Representatives will vote on a sweeping overhaul of Florida’s Medicaid program by Thursday, with debate starting TOMORROW. This is a dangerous bill that puts the well-being of 3 million Floridians- including poor children, pregnant women, disabled...
The Harm Florida Medicaid Reform Will Cause Senior Citizens Proposed Medicaid Reform Based on Misconceptions
While it is common knowledge that there are budget issues in Florida, much of the Medicaid Reform proposal appears to be based on misconception, misinformation and misunderstanding. This can lead to a bill that slashes critically needed care for our senior citizens...