Life insurance is a common tool used by New Yorkers to protect loved ones in the event of an uncertain future. At other times it is a useful way to transfer assets to a new generation, often with significant tax benefits. While there are different types of life insurances (term,…
It is a nightmare for many families. A senior shows signs of cognitive mental challenges–becomes forgetful and eventually is unable to live on their own. An adult child take control of the senior’s affairs in order to pay for bills and arrange for long-term care. But when the family member…
Most horror stories about poor nursing home care include tales of grotesque “bed sores,” broken bones gone undiagnosed, and similar cases of obvious caregiving lapses. But the best way to measure the quality of long-term care facilities may not be to see how many of these “big” mistakes are made.…
It is no secret that most New Yorkers would prefer to “age in place” instead of moving into a nursing home. For one thing, having access to the comforts of one’s own home and the freedom to live as independently as possible is a natural goal. On top of that,…
The Post-Star recently published a story with the provocative headline: “Old Age is Coming, and We Are Not Ready.” The article touches on some practical issues in New York state that have often been discussed in the wake of the national demographic shift that is already underway. As most know,…
Reuters published a story this week on the latest audit of the New York Medicaid system which has given leverage to those hoping to use financial worry to trim the system and the state budget overall. We have previously discussed the audit by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services…
Sunshine is often the best medicine–particularly when it comes to worries about quality of care and value of public services. When community members are able to easily find out information which explains how much services cost, error rates, and similar details, then efficiency and overall quality will likely improve. That…
Last year federal legislation was passed affecting elder care issues. In particular, the new law eliminated a floundering attempt to create a national long-term care insurance program. At the same time, the law also called for the creation of a commission to study issues of senior care financing, delivery, and…
The challenges of securing appropriate long-term care are often only understood at the exact moment when that care is needed. After a sudden medical emergency, accident, or other change in condition, many families discover that an elder loved one is in need of long-term help to get by each day.…
Earlier this week we shared information on the new guide from ElderCare Locator. The brochure (available here) provides helpful tips for all New York families to ensure theft from seniors is stopped. As noted, the problem is widespread, affecting as many as one in ten elderly community members. Unfortunately, there…