When families provide care for aging parents or relatives, it’s common for one child or family member to take on most of the responsibility. Sometimes this care is provided out of love, without expectation of payment. But in many cases, entering into a caregiver contract, also known as a personal care agreement,...
Estate Planning Blog – Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes
Bayada Article: What is Sundowning?
By Barbra London, MSW, LCSW, LNHA
Know the Signs, Triggers, and Tips for Managing Sundown Syndrome
Often referred to as “late-day confusion,” Sundown Syndrome typically occurs in older adults during the twilight and evening hours. The affected individual may start to exhibit increased...
The Downside of Using On-line Estate Planning Software
The following case study is on the pitfalls of using online software forestate planning. This is a recent situation that Attorney Michelle Beneski and our office had to navigate. The names of the family have been changed but it could happen to anyone.
Bob was unmarried. He had 2 children. One of his...
AARP Article: Government Impostor Scams on the Rise
5 frauds to know and tips to stay safe from the scammers
by Amy Nofziger
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Say what you will about Washington politics, but older Americans generally still trust many of the federal government’s agencies and operations. Unfortunately, crooks know this. The AARP Fraud Watch Network...
In the Turmoil of Divorce, Don’t Forget to Alter Your Estate Plan
Going through a divorce is difficult on a number of levels. For most people, it involves alterations in living arrangements and finances, not to mention emotional distress. As you go through the divorce process, you are undoubtedly busy and harassed, but it’s important to contact your estate planning attorney. Remember -- not...
Estate Planning and Empathy
em·pa·thy /ˈempəTHē/ noun/ The ability to understand and share the feelings of another.
As we get older, we find that we become more empathetic because life has a way of humbling us to soften those sharp edges from our youth. But what does empathy have to do with elder...
Better Together Community Board
Welcome to our new community board called "Better Together." While it may not necessarily center around elder law and estate planning, it focuses on other good deeds and charitable events that are happening in our communities. If you want to submit a community event, please send it to us at
Do your parents need more care?
Unless your parents die young or are exceptionally hardy, they will need increasing care during the aging process. As you plan your estate or assist your parents in their estate planning, it is important to keep this in mind.
Having the resources to pay for additional services, home care,...
The Future of Caregiving – Things to Consider
Written by Barbara Cannon, LSW, CMC, owner of Answers for Elders
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As we continue to watch the population of boomers explode over the next 10 years we are already observing the crunch of seniors finding professional as well as personal caregivers to help them through the senior years.