The Massachusetts Elder Abuse Hotline is moving to a single intake process with one phone number for the entire state starting on June 30, 2017. The phone number to call to report elder abuse – anywhere in Massachusetts – is 1-800-922-2275. This is designed to simplify and streamline the process for elder abuse reporting. The…
Transitions
When I was at the entry station for basic training we saw a group of soldiers who were leaving basic training. Their uniforms were a little worn, they had some extra gear and accouterments, and they seemed pretty tough and rugged. Wow, I thought, will I ever be that experienced and tough-looking. Well eight weeks…
Durable Powers of Attorney
One of the most difficult situations is when a spouse, parent or other loved-one becomes incapacitated. In addition to the emotional and family issues, this creates the need to handle the affairs of the incapacitated person. Without the proper authority this cannot be done. A fairly simple way to handle this possibility is to have…
$3 Trillion is cost of caring for parents – paid by children not government!
Americans who take time off work to care for their aging parents are losing an estimated $3 trillion dollars in wages, pension and Social Security benefits, according to a new study by the insurance company, MetLife. Meanwhile, the percentage of adult children providing basic care for their parents has skyrocketed in recent years. Nearly 10…
Banks and others “practicing” law
It’s great when more service providers are willing to offer help to seniors and their families. But, you should see an Elder Law Attorney when you have legal questions and issues about aging. A banker cannot legally prepare a Power of Attorney, Will, or Trust for you, as they are not licensed to practice law….
Revoking a Power of Attorney
Your Durable Power of Attorney is your most important planning tool. It is the legal document that allows your chosen Agent (family member, friend, or trusted advisor) to continue your personal business if you cannot do so yourself. This includes paying your bills, accepting and depositing your income, filling out legal forms, contracts and tax…
Health Insurance will have to cover birth control
Birth control, breast-feeding equipment, and other medical and preventive services for women will have to be covered by health insurance plans one year from today (by August 1, 2012). The link below is to the Federal Department of Health and Human Services press release on the change in the Federal rules governing health insurance. It…
Prescription Drug Disposal
NATIONAL TAKE BACK INITIATIVE PELHAM POLICE DEPARTMENT – COMMUNITY ROOM APRIL 30, 2011 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM The “Take Back” initiative addresses a public safety and health issue. More than seven million Americans currently abuse prescription drugs, according to the 2009 Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health….
Bank refuses to honor POA – loses lawsuit
A durable power of attorney (POA) allows the person creating the document, called the “principal,” to name a trusted agent who can act on his behalf. Because of the risk of abuse, many banks will scrutinize a POA carefully before allowing the agent to act on the principal’s behalf, and often a bank will refuse…
Complex questions on reverse mortgages Realty Q&A – MarketWatch
Here is an article on Reverse Mortgages. It really only points out the issues and advises consulting an Elder Law Attorney. Complex questions on reverse mortgages Realty Q&A – MarketWatch This is good advice. Reverse mortgages have their place and can be a great tool when necessary. Alternatively, they are often pushed on people who don’t…