Before we explain the Veterans Aid and Attendance special pension, we should look at some statistics that are quite relevant. When you have been able to handle all of your own activities of daily living throughout your life, it can be hard to imagine a time when you will have significant limitations. Unfortunately, nearly 3 out of every four senior citizens will someday need living assistance. Of course, it becomes more likely as you reach your mid-70s and 80s. Some people can get all the … [Read more...]
Incapacity Planning in Vermont
Incapacity Planning in Vermont from Stephen Unsworth The road to being declared incapacitated can be slow due to a physical or mental change.Learn more about Incapacity Planning in this presentation. … [Read more...]
Better Financial Protections for Today’s Seniors in Vermont
Better Financial Protections for Today's Seniors in Vermont from Stephen Unsworth Recently, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, along with the American Bar Association Commission on Law & Aging, teamed to find ways to better protect today’s seniors from financial exploitation. Learn more about it in this presentation. … [Read more...]
Elder Abuse Act: What Alabama Did, But Congress Cannot
It’s been more than a year since Alabama passed its version of the Elder Abuse Prevention Act. Unfortunately, a similar bill has been floating around Congress for years – with nothing being done. What was Alabama able to pull off that seems to elude Congress? Alabama’s Elder Abuse Act In June, 2012, Republican Governor Robert Bentley signed into law a bill that is designed to both prevent elder abuse, but also to prosecute those who engage in it. It was a two-pronged approach written with … [Read more...]
Elderly Targeted in Obamacare Scams
Coming as no surprise, scammers are targeting senior citizens in the growing number of crimes born from the new healthcare laws. In fact, across the country, law enforcement agencies are reporting an increase in these sorts of health insurance scams, particularly efforts of preying on the public’s confusion over the massive changes. While no one is exempt from efforts of being scammed, law enforcement is reporting a higher number of elderly who are being targeted. They’re more likely to be … [Read more...]
Senior Citizens Reality: 1 in 4 File Bankruptcy
It’s difficult to even fathom, but a report released by the Journal of General Internal Medicine shows that 25 percent of senior citizens file for bankruptcy each year. The reason? Overwhelming out of pocket medical costs. The soaring costs are keeping many away from much needed medical attention, which is the true tragedy. The study shows that out of pocket expenses in the final five years of life totaled $39,000 for individuals and $51,000 for couples where one spouse dies. A staggering “25 … [Read more...]
Massive Push to Eradicate Elder Financial Abuse in Essex Junction Vermont
And who says our government can’t co-exist and even work closely from one agency to another? The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, or CFPB, has been moving mountains since it was founded three years ago as part of the new CARD Act, signed into law by President Obama. Since then, the agency has consistently improved the way consumers go about the business of running their finances. It’s been significant and it’s been impressive. Perhaps one of the crowning glories came earlier this month. … [Read more...]
How Well is Vermont’s End of Life Law Faring?
For many of us, we never expected that we’d face the reality that a parent or loved one had sought out ways to gracefully end their lives should they become so ill that there could be no recovery. In some states,it’s now legal to do so. Vermont's End of Life law has been in place for awhile and we were wondering how well it was faring. It’s a very difficult concept for many family members. There are spiritual or religious considerations and then there’s the human condition that keep the … [Read more...]
Alzheimer’s and Long Term Care
Have you thought about long term care? You may have thought about it some. We are living longer, and the longer we live, the greater the need for some care. You have probably looked through a few proposals just to see what they're selling. Would it change your perspective if you knew, really knew that you will need long term care? Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive disease that most commonly affects the elderly, but the disease can strike at any age. It affects cognition and in its middle … [Read more...]
Preventing Elder Financial Abuse
Unfortunately, elder abuse is a growing issue in the United States. But, instead of physical abuse, these individuals are the victims of financial abuse. This can be done by family, friends, scam artists, realtors and even sales representatives. With the growing number of cases going on, it is imperative that family members and individuals learn how to protect themselves so that they do not fall victim to these scam artists. Stay Connected One of the reasons individuals fall victim to … [Read more...]
