MetLife Dropping Long Term Care Insurance – What Does it Mean for You and Me?
I have been saying it for years now. Long term care is a growing problem in this country, one that won’t go away. Not with the population continuing to age as 77 million baby boomers start to turn 65 in a little more than a month. The sheer number of
One of the Clearest Warning Signs of Dementia
More often than not, the first call we receive about a prospective client who is facing long term care concerns comes from a child or other family member, rather than the senior client. And so often the caller expresses surprise at recently discovering that Mom or Dad is slipping.
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
Obamacare – What Seniors Need to Know (Part 2)
So, last week we were discussing the highlights of President Obama’s health care plan that most affect seniors. The closing of the infamous prescription drug donut hole is one. But there are others. Beginning in 2011 Medicare Advantage plans will have to reduce members’ out of pocket expenses for some more
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
Do We Lose Benefits When Veteran Dies While Claim is Pending?
This is a common enough scenario, especially when it seems that the VA is taking longer to process claims than ever before. As with most VA questions, however, the answer is not a simple yes or no. It depends on the facts of the particular situation. But first let’s review. Specifically,
The Problem of the Unmarried Siblings – Part 2
Last week we were discussing Denise’s problem. Her Mom was one of 10 children. 2 of her uncles and 1 aunt had never married but lived together for many years. As their health declined Denise became their support system. We discussed how Medicaid views their assets and the trap that
Mary’s Dilemma – Don’t Let it Be Yours
Mary called me in desperation. Her husband Bob had recently been hospitalized with heart problems. He is also struggling with the onset of Alzheimer’s Disease. Mary has been able to administer care to this point but it has taken its toll on her physically and mentally and her children are
The Second Marriage Long Term Care Problem Revisited
Last year I wrote about the impact long term care has on a second marriage (see blog post 1/5/09). In the 19 months since then, I have seen an increasing number of second marriage “horror stories”. A call we received last week, again highlights the danger. Joe, a 70 year