Elder Law

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?

Sadly, elder abuse is not a new problem in the United States. On the contrary, abuse and neglect of the elderly has long been a concern; however, as the older population in the U.S. grows to historical numbers, the elder abuse epidemic has taken on a greater sense of urgency. As one story after another makes the headlines, the need to find solutions to the problem becomes more apparent. Take, for example, a recent story in the Sonoma County Press Democrat where the mummified remains of an … [Read more...] about Caregiver Charged after Discovery of Mummified Remains of Elderly Patient

Elder abuse is not a new problem; however, it is a growing problem in the United States. As the 65 and older population continues to increase at a heretofore unseen rate, issues that affect seniors and those who care for them are becoming more and more important. How to combat and punish abuse and neglect of the elderly is a problem that every state in the U.S. is wrestling with in the 21st century. California has long been a pioneer in the effort to protect seniors, enacting the Elder Abuse and … [Read more...] about California’s Elder Abuse Act – What You Need to Know

Elder abuse is certainly not a new problem in the United States; however, it is a growing problem. In fact, most people are shocked when they read some of the facts and figures relating to elder abuse and neglect. The good news is that both private advocacy groups and governmental authorities are working hard to educate the public about the prevalence of elder abuse.  Lawmakers and law enforcement agencies are also working to punish predators who commit acts of elder abuse and neglect. Doctors … [Read more...] about Can Radiologists Detect Elder Abuse with Special Training?

The matter of long-term care is a very pressing concern within the elder law community. A high percentage of seniors will need assistance with their activities of daily living at some point in time. Statistics have been compiled by the United States Department of Health and Human Services. According to their data, no less than 70 percent of individuals who are reaching the age of 65 will someday need assistance with their activities of daily living. The Wide Reach of Alzheimer's Disease Many of … [Read more...] about Discuss Dementia With an Elder Law Attorney

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

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