If not, the decisions for your well-being can be made by the State, and not by your loved ones, who have your best interest at heart. Most of us prefer not to think about what may happen or even discuss what may happen to us if we are in an accident or die. But avoiding it, you place yourself and your family in jeopardy. Getting your key estate planning documents in place will give you and your family peace of mind. If you would like an initial consultation with someone who has helped other local Maryland families deal with the…
Once you have selected a nursing home, the focus should shift to assuring that your loved one receives the best care possible. Federal law mandates that nursing home must perform an initial resident assessment within two weeks of admission to determine the resident’s physical and mental condition, as well as the medical and nutritional needs. Based on these findings, the facility develops what is called a “plan of care” to meet the needs of the resident. A care plan represents the critical first step to ensuring proper care. Moreover, it is a legal part of the nursing home contract. Nursing…
Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed and confused by all the family and legal decisions you have to make at this moment? You don’t have to do it alone. With the guidance and knowledge of my office we help you take the decisive steps necessary to protect yourself and your loved ones. I am available consultation on issues that concern you on: Health Care Power of Attorneys Living Wills Financial Power of Attorneys Wills and Trusts Call me today today at 301 663 9230 or visit my website at www.davidwingate.com For a complete list of upcoming seminars, visit our website…
A: WHEN YOU’RE IN GOOD HEALTH B: WHEN YOU’RE IN A COMA THE ANSWER, OF COURSE, IS “A.” THE PROBLEM? WE ARE RELUCTANT TO TALK ABOUT OUR MEDICAL WISHES AND ASSETS IN CASE OF SERIOUS ILLNESS OR END OF LIFE. TOO OFTEN THE RESULT IS FAMILY CONFLICT AND CONFUSION AT A TIME WHEN YOU ARE MOST VULNERABLE …AND CANNOT SPEAK FOR YOURSELF. DON’T DELAY, PROTECTING YOUR ASSETS AND APPOINTING SOMEONE TO SPEAK FOR YOU WHEN YOU CAN NO LONGER SPEAK FOR YOURSELF. FOR INFORMATION ON ASSET PROTECTION STRATEGIES … AND FOR DOCUMENTS YOU NEED TO NAME A DURABLE POWER OF…
America is aging. Today, a baby boomer turns 65 every 7½ seconds. As life expectancy continues to increase, so too does the need for nursing home care. The older we get, the more likely it is that we will require around the clock assistance nursing homes are supposed to provide. Some experts estimate that 75% of all Americans age 85 and older will one day need nursing home care. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that 85 plus age group will be over 7 million in 2020 doubling the number of people in nursing homes. That can make a bad situation…
Alzheimer disease is a heartbreaker. Not only is it awful for the patient, but is devastating for the caregiver. Someone who hasn’t dealt with Alzheimer’s disease, can’t imagine the stress of constant pacing, up at all nights of day and nights, the fidgeting, the safety concerns, and of course the memory loss. Imagine the heartbreak you feel looking into the now empty eyes of your spouse of 40 or 50 years and recalling all the wonderful times you spent together and then sitting down and crying over the horrible truth that your spouse no longer recognizes you. Your marriage vows…
The decision to move a family member into a nursing home is one of the toughest and most difficult decisions you can ever make. Over time, caring for an aging or disabled love one can deplete your energy, time and finances. The legal and financial ramifications can cost you plenty. Your income, assets and financial security can be a serious risk. Stop, before it’s too late. If you and your family are overwhelmed or confused by all the decisions you have to make. If you want to know your individual rights, or this is an urgent matter, please call us…
Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Senator Edward J. Markey (D-MA), and Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) have sent a letter to the largest assisted living operators asking a series of questions about COVID-19 outbreaks at their facilities and the actions they are taking to prevent and mitigate outbreaks when they occur. The letter was sent to Brookdale Senior Living Sunrise Senior Living, Five Star Senior Living, Atria Senior Living, Life Care Services, Senior Lifestyle Corporations, Capital Senior Living, Affinity Living Group, Enlivant, Eclipse Senior Living, and Gardant Management Solutions, each of which owns or operates more than 5,000 assisted living units…
Will Stimulus Checks Affect My Medicaid Eligibility? No. Under Medicaid rules, a stimulus payment is not counted as income. Therefore, receiving a stimulus payment does not change a resident’s monthly payment (often called a “patient pay amount” or “share of cost”). The resident pays the same monthly amount to the nursing facility and keeps the stimulus payment for their own use. In addition, the stimulus payment does not count as a Medicaid resource for 12 months. In other words, for the first year, the payment cannot cause you to have “too much” savings. EXAMPLE: An unmarried resident receives $1,082 monthly…
Consumer Voice has sent a letter, along with other advocacy organizations, to leaders of the Senate Judiciary Committee opposing granting immunity to nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic. AARP also sent a letter on the same topic. Giving immunity to nursing homes strips residents of their right to hold nursing homes accountable for substandard care. Legal liability has always functioned as a safeguard for nursing home residents by incentivizing nursing homes to provide quality care and comply with laws and regulations. By providing immunity, Congress would be placing nursing home residents in jeopardy at a time when they are the…
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