Estate Recovery Law More Aggressive Than EverYour mother is in a nursing home and has qualified for Medicaid. She’s been able to keep her home because it is an exempt asset so long as she is living and “intends to return home.” But what happens to the house after she dies? What if it was your spouse on Medicaid and the state has paid thousands in benefits? Will they attempt to recover benefits upon your spouse’s death?After a Medicaid recipient dies, the state has the right to recover any ass... Read Full Story

I'm still dumbfounded that Congress determined it was necessary to take away much of the Medicaid Planning that was available to the public. What is Medicaid you ask?Well, it's complicated.This is a federal and state funded and state administered medical benefit program which can pay for the cost of the nursing home if certain asset and income tests are met.There are basically four ways to pay for nursing home care:1. Private Pay. This is the method many people are required to use at ... Read Full Story

Personal Care ContractsMillions of Americans are currently caring for an elderly family member or friend, without receiving compensation. Depending on the circumstances, however, it may actually be beneficial for both parties to enter into a care contract wherein the caregiver accepts payment for the care they are providing their loved one and also formally assumes responsibility for that care.If the loved one you are caring for reaches a point where nursing home placement is the only option,... Read Full Story

As Alzheimer’s progresses, simple, day-to-day functions become increasingly difficult and mealtimes could present significant challenges for your loved one. They may experience a loss of appetite or interest in food or could forget that they have already eaten. If you notice that your loved one is having difficulty maintaining a healthy, regular diet, there are several things you can do to encourage independence and make mealtimes easier. Begin by setting up a regular mealtime and sticking ... Read Full Story

As your loved ones Alzheimer’s progresses, you may notice that they become more aggressive and tend to shout and become physical with you and your family members. Seen more often in men with Alzheimer’s than women, this behavior often occurs suddenly, with little warning and no apparent reason. Because it is probably difficult to understand where your loved one is coming from, it’s easy to become frustrated, but patience and understanding is necessary to calm him or her down and find out why ... Read Full Story

As Alzheimer’s progresses, it diminishes a person’s ability to communicate with others and makes it difficult for caregivers to fully understand a loved ones needs. Alzheimer’s patients not only have a difficult time speaking and expressing their thoughts, feelings and emotions, but also have trouble understanding others and tend to confuse words and general conversation. Learning to communicate with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s is essential because it helps to understand their daily needs... Read Full Story

Personal Care ContractsMillions of Americans are currently caring for an elderly family member or friend, without receiving compensation. Depending on the circumstances, however, it may actually be beneficial for both parties to enter into a care contract wherein the caregiver accepts payment for the care they are providing their loved one and also formally assumes responsibility for that care.If the loved one you are caring for reaches a point where nursing home placement is the only option... Read Full Story

Estate Recovery Law More Aggressive Than EverYour mother is in a nursing home and has qualified for Medicaid. She’s been able to keep her home because it is an exempt asset so long as she is living and “intends to return home.” But what happens to the house after she dies? What if it was your spouse on Medicaid and the state has paid thousands in benefits? Will they attempt to recover benefits upon your spouse’s death?After a Medicaid recipient dies, the state has the right to recover any... Read Full Story

I'm still dumbfounded that Congress determined it was necessary to take away much of the Medicaid Planning that was available to the public.What is Medicaid you ask? Well, it's complicated.This is a federal and state funded and state administered medical benefit program which can pay for the cost of the nursing home if certain asset and income tests are met.There are basically four ways to pay for nursing home care:1. Private Pay. This is the method many people are required to use at ... Read Full Story