All medical care is expensive. Many people are shocked when they get a medical bill covering costs for even minor incidents, emergency room visits, or very short hospital stays. Consider then what the costs must be for care that occurs every day for month or years–it is staggering. That is…
The New York Times reported this week on troubling new information which suggests we should expect a wave of dementia and similar cognitive conditions in the coming years. Considering the prevalence of these debilitating brain injuries already, it is critical not to underestimate the effect this change will have on…
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…
One of the biggest mistakes that many New Yorkers make in their elder law and estate planning matters is placing too much trust in the actions of others to handle things fairly without legal preparation. This common error is understandable, as it is human nature to trust those closest to…
Hurricane Sandy brought with it many preparedness lessons. Everyone leads a busy life, and it is easy to procrastinate on matters that do not have immediate ramifications. Update the will or drive Mom to her doctor’s appointment? No contest. Often it is only when something is barrelling down on us–like…
Our city continues to dig itself out of the worst weather situation in modern memory. Hurricane Sandy tore through our area with a vengence last week, decimating areas near the water and leaving millions struggling to slowly re-gain a sense of normalcy. At these times, the elder law attorneys at…