Those of us who think of our companion animals as family members are aware of our responsibility to these dependent creatures. It is important to make sure that their care and comfort continue uninterrupted should we become incapable of caring for them ourselves. One way to plan for that contingency is to...
Estate Planning Blog – Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes
ElderLaw Answers Article: Caregiver Contracts: How to Pay a Family Member for Care
Although people are willing to voluntarily care for a parent or loved one without any promise of compensation, entering into a caregiver contract (also called personal service or personal care agreement) with a family member can have many benefits. It rewards the family member doing the work. It can help alleviate tension between family members by...
AgingCare Article: The Importance of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs)
When it becomes obvious that a loved one can’t get through a day without assistance, the logical next step is to begin looking into resources that can provide the support they need. One of the first things a long-term care insurance company, home care company, adult day care center or assisted living...
April 16th is National Health Care Decisions Day
Today, we will be celebrating the 14th annual National Healthcare Decisions Day (NHDD)! National Health Care Decisions Day is an initiative that encourages all adults to plan for the possibility of a health crisis of their own, bringing peace of mind for themselves and their families! It is important that health care decisions are done ahead...
TED TALK: The Strongest Predictor of How Long You’ll Live with Susan Pinker
"What does it take to live to 100 or beyond? The answer is not what we expect."
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The Italian island of Sardinia has more than six times as many centenarians as the mainland and ten times as many as North America. Why? According to psychologist Susan Pinker, it's...
Medicaid / MassHealth Planning for Long-term Care
What is Medicaid Planning?
Medicaid, through its state affiliates, is the largest single payer for nursing home care. While estimates vary, it is safe to say that Medicaid pays between 45% and 65% of the total nursing home costs in the United States. While on the surface, this may...
CNBC Article: How to get it right when naming an executor and filling other key roles in your estate plan
In addition to deciding who gets what when you die, you have key roles to fill that deserve thoughtful deliberation as part of the estate-planning process, experts say.In addition to choosing an executor — the person who ensures your wishes are carried out and that your estate is settled — it’s wise...
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What’s More Expensive Than an Estate Plan? Regret.
Failing to complete your estate plan may not be among the top 5 lifetime regrets but it can certainly have the same impact.
Estate Planning is one of these tasks that often fall under “discretionary spending,” and because it has the stigma of having to contemplate your own death,...
AgingCare Article: Estate Administration: Know What to Do When a Loved One Dies
The strong emotions that come with a love one’s passing are often followed by bewilderment when survivors realize all of the financial and legal steps they must take to settle their affairs. The spouse who passed away may have handled all of the couple’s finances, leaving the other uninformed and overwhelmed. Or...
National Institute on Aging Article: Aging in Place: Growing Older at Home
"The stairs are getting so hard to climb."
"Since my wife died, I just open a can of soup for dinner."
"I've lived here 40 years. No other place will seem like home."
These are common issues for older people. You may share the often-heard wish—"I want to stay in...