Elder Law

Sadly, seniors are frequently targeted by criminals who perpetrate financial scams. The U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging has made consumer protection and fraud prevention a major focus of its work, including identifying scams that target seniors. If you are a senior yourself, or are a loved one of a senior, you need to read the following summaries of the top 10 elder financial scams identified by the Special Committee on Aging: IRS Impersonation Scam –While there are multiple … [Read more...] about Common Elder Financial Scams Explained

Initially declared by President Ronald Regan in 1983 and actively promoted by the Alzheimer’s Association, “Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month” is celebrated each June to help raise awareness about the disease, show support for the millions of people worldwide living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia, and recognize caregivers taking care of people living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. The Los Angeles elder law attorneys at Collins Law Group encourage you to … [Read more...] about Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month

Although it may be difficult to envision a future where you are incapacitated and unable to care for yourself and/or manage your affairs, doing so now ensures that you retain control over who will be chosen to make decisions for you and manage your affairs for you. If you fail to plan ahead for the possibility of your own incapacity, it may be left up to a court to make that decision. A Los Angeles probate attorney from Collins Law Firm explains how careful planning now could avoid … [Read more...] about Can I Avoid Conservatorship?

Today, the world is much smaller than it was just a few generations ago – at least it may seem that way given how easy it is to move across national borders. The ease with which we can all move away, however, can make it difficult to care for an aging parent when the time comes that care is needed. Consequently, you may find yourself providing care from afar.  If so, a Los Angeles elder law attorney at Collins Law Firm offers some tips for those who are providing care … [Read more...] about Tips for Long-Distance Caregivers

As we age, so do our parents. At some point, you begin to worry as much about your parents as they once worried about you. If you are at that point, you are likely spending a considerable amount of time and energy worrying about the very real possibility that one of your parents could become a victim of elder abuse. To help you keep your parents safe, our Elder Law Attorneys at the Collins Law Firm discusses what you can do to help protect your parents from elder abuse. The Reality of Elder … [Read more...] about How to Spot the Signs of Elder Abuse

The population of the state of California is growing, and this phenomenon is very eye-catching when you apply it to senior citizens. According to the California state government, the Los Angeles senior population is exploding. By 2020, the elder population should be 50 percent more than it was in 1990 according to government research. Since so many people are reaching retirement age, questions are being asked about Medicare and Medi-Cal. Let's look at some very important information that can … [Read more...] about Government Projects Growth of Los Angeles Elder Population

When you know you are going to qualify for Medicare when you reach the age of 65, the Medi-Cal program may be off your radar. Medicare and Medi-Cal are both health insurance programs, right? Why would you need Medi-Cal if you are going to qualify for Medicare? It is true that Medicare and Medi-Cal are both government run health insurance programs. If you qualify for Medicare, you won't need Medi-Cal at first. Plus, you probably wouldn't be eligible, because Medi-Cal is only available to … [Read more...] about Disability Planning Can Prevent Future Problems

There are an unprecedented number of people attaining senior citizen status at the present time in the United States. This is because of the fact that the baby boomer generation is getting older. To understand the dynamic, consider the state of Social Security applications. The Social Security Administration is accepting approximately 10,000 applications for Social Security benefits each and every day. This volume is expected to continue into the foreseeable future. If you are among the … [Read more...] about Elder Abuse Awareness Is on the Rise

For most of us, the ability to drive a vehicle is something we take for granted. For older drivers, the ability to continue to drive if often intimately linked with their sense of independence and freedom. Taking away the ability to drive, to and older driver, is equal to taking away his/her freedom. The problem is that failing to step in and take the keys, in some cases, is almost certain to lead to serious injury, even death, for the older driver and/or others who share the same the roadways. … [Read more...] about Are Your Older Loved Ones Safe Behind the Wheel?

As an adult child, one of the most difficult things you may be faced with is the realization that a parent needs help making financial and/or personal decisions. You may see the signs of incapacity; however, you may not want to acknowledge them and/or you may feel uncomfortable doing so. Often, an adult child feels that stepping in an exerting control over a parent will be perceived as taking away the parent’s freedom and/or independence. What you need to remember, however, is that failing to … [Read more...] about What Is Conservatorship?