Can I Give Gifts This Holiday Season (Part 1)?
As the holiday season is upon us again, so is the season of gift giving, whether it be Christmas, Hanukah, Kwanzaa or any other life event, for that matter, that we typically associate with gift giving. Many of our elderly clients ask us the following common question, “Can I make
Mary and Bob – Almost Divorce and Then Tragedy Strikes (Part 2)
Last week we were discussing Mary and Bob, in the process of getting divorced and then Bob was seriously injured in a car accident. He survived but now faces a long recovery road ahead, one which will result in his need for long term care. Mary, since she is still
Mary and Bob – Almost Divorced But Then Tragedy Strikes
Mary and Bob were married 40 years and raised a son together. Over the years, however, they grew apart and when their son entered the military and his career took him overseas they realized that there was no reason for them to stay together. They agreed that a divorce and
But Mom Wanted Me to Have the Money
In the last few years readers of my blog know that many of my posts are real stories that highlight the pitfalls and dangers of not putting together a plan for long term care until you are on the doorstep of the nursing home. Here’s another one, with names changed
The Money Wasn’t a Gift – It Was a Transfer to a Caregiver (Part 2)
We were discussing Jim’s dilemma with Medicaid last week. The State discovered additional assets that his grandmother owned, which were not disclosed by Jim’s dad when he filed the Medicaid application a year ago. They are now seeking $50,000 back. Jim believes the money was legitimately Dad’s but he probably
The Money Wasn’t a Gift – It Was a Transfer to a Caregiver (Part 1)
I received a call last week from Jim. His tale was a variation on the same theme you have heard me reiterate for the last few years if you have been reading my blog – how the Medicaid rules are a trap for the unwary. Jim’s dad had cared for
The Problem of the Unmarried Siblings (Part 1)
Denise called me regarding her family. Her mom was one of 10 children. 3 of the siblings had never married but lived together for many years in a home they owned together. As they reached their 80’s the siblings’ health began to decline and Denise, as the closest family member,
If We Apply for Nursing Home Medicaid are We Giving Up?
When working with families struggling with the sudden realization that long term nursing care is necessary for a loved one, two issues so often cause internal conflict. One is the fear that, at $10,000 a month or more, “we’re going to run out of money”. The other is the desire
Can I Be Paid to Provide Care for Mom? (Part 2)
So, we were talking last week about a recent New Jersey case in which Daughter and Mom entered into a life care contract for Daughter to provide personal care services to Mom. Mom then applied for Medicaid and her application was denied. Mom appealed that decision and lost at the
Can I Be Paid to Care for Mom?
In times of crisis, families pull together. Long term care is no different. So much of the care is administered by family members. And it doesn’t take too long before the question is asked. “Can I be paid to care for my mom or dad?” A recent New Jersey case