Seniors suffering from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia are at an increased risk of financial exploitation. Each health condition results in a progressive cognitive impairment that can be taken advantage of by the unscrupulous. As a recent true story from Massachusetts illustrates, Alzheimer’s disease can render seniors susceptible to even the…
Adult guardianship concerns the laws governing a person’s capacity to manage their own affairs and their own estate. The law presumes that a person possesses this capacity. Therefore, satisfying the legal criteria sufficient for a finding of incapacity is prerequisite to the formation of a guardianship. Capacity There is no…
Legendary actor Mickey Rooney died earlier this month at the age of 93. Over the later course of his life, Rooney offered many important lessons related to elder law estate planning. For one thing, he was a vocal advocate against senior financial exploitation. In 2011 he testified before a U.S.…
As the first wave of healthcare insurance enrollment ends as part of the Affordable Care Act, observers are quick to comment on the changes enacted by the law. In addition to millions who took advantage of insurance sold in private marketplace exchanges, there has also been a significant increase in…
“Granny Snatching” is probably not a term you are familiar with hearing. But, believe it or not, over the years elder law advocates have popularized the concept to explain a problem affecting fights over guardianship of seniors. Specifically, granny snatching refers to a problem where a elder guardian (usually close…
Rather extraordinary claims were recently made by researchers in a Nature Medicine article that may forever change the long-term care planning landscape. Scientists from Georgetown University are claiming to have developed a blood test that can determine whether an individual will develop dementia symptoms within two or three years. Their…
Elder care advocates are understandably up in arms following reports about questionable evictions from a Brooklyn facility catering to seniors. The sad situation is a reminder of the continuing struggles faced by so many local families in their quest for quality, reliable long-term care and support. It is also a…
We have all seen the commercials. An attractive older man or woman explains a “magical” financial tool that helps senior citizens receive money they need for long-term care while remaining in their own home. The tool is known as a “reverse mortgage,” and it allows a homeowner to borrow money…
The face of New York nursing home care has been changing in recent years. The traditional model of individual counties throughout the state owning and operating facilities to provide care to ailing seniors is being phased out in may places. Instead, the counties are selling the homes to private companies…
Nursing home horror stories abound, and everyone has likely heard some tale of seniors suffering neglect at a New York long-term care facility. It is for that reason that elder care advocates always suggest doing your homework before making a final decision about where to receive skilled nursing care. One…