News
How to Choose the Right Assisted Living Community
Making the decision to transition a senior loved one into an assisted living community can be a complex and emotional process. Families want to ensure their loved ones are safe, happy, and receiving the support they need while maintaining as much independence as possible. We’ve put together a few tips so you know how to choose the right assisted living community for your loved one’s needs, preferences, and lifestyle. Understanding Assisted Living vs. Long-Term Care Before selecting a community, it’s important to understand the difference between an assisted living community and a long-term care facility. Assisted living communities are designed [...]
Dementia Education: The Importance of Hand-Under-Hand & PPA
Each year, Alzheimer's Disease and Dementia Care Staff Education Week serves as an essential opportunity to raise awareness and highlight the vital role that care staff play in the lives of individuals with dementia. As our understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia continues to grow, so too does our recognition of the need for comprehensive, compassionate care. Among the many strategies and techniques for supporting those with dementia, two stand out: Hand-Under-Hand and the Positive Physical Approach. These approaches are rooted in respect, dignity, and empathy, and they are essential tools for improving both the quality of care and [...]
Rothkoff Law Group Celebrates 25 Years
February 1, 2025, marked an incredible milestone for Rothkoff Law Group, celebrating 25 years of serving our clients and the community. From starting in a one-person office at 20 Brace Road in Cherry Hill, NJ, in February 2000 to now opening our newest and eighth office in Malvern, PA, this journey has been one of growth, dedication, heartfelt connections, and personal fulfillment. Thank you to everyone who has been part of this incredible journey. A special thank you to a few individuals who helped jump-start my elder care law career. Robert Newman and Jeff Weiner sublet a tiny office to [...]
Understanding the Differences Between Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts
When planning for the future, it's crucial to understand the tools available to manage your assets, provide for your loved ones, and ensure your wishes are followed. As flexible and powerful estate planning instruments, trusts come in various forms, with revocable and irrevocable trusts being the most common. These trusts serve different purposes and come with distinct advantages and limitations. Introduction to Trusts What is a Trust? Let's start with defining the term. A trust is a fiduciary arrangement where a trustee holds and manages assets on behalf of beneficiaries according to the terms specified by the trustor (the person [...]
The Significance of Advanced Directives in Elder Care Planning
For all of us, preparing for future healthcare needs is important, however, one of the most critical steps in this preparation involves creating advance directives. Advance directives are legal documents that communicate a person's wishes regarding medical care if they cannot communicate those decisions themselves. Advanced directives ensure individuals' healthcare preferences are known and respected, even when they can no longer express their wishes. The Role of Advanced Directives in Elder Care Planning Advanced directives in elder care serve as a voice for individuals when they can no longer speak for themselves due to incapacitating medical conditions or severe health [...]
New Jersey Senior Estate Planning Strategies
Estate planning is a process for seniors who want to assure that their assets are distributed according to their own wishes while, at the same time, minimizing the tax burden on their beneficiaries. In New Jersey, the specifics of state laws and regulations can significantly influence the strategies that seniors should consider. This blog explores key considerations and strategies for New Jersey senior estate planning, tailored to help you navigate the Garden State's unique legal landscape. Understanding New Jersey Estate Taxes and Laws One of the first steps in New Jersey senior estate planning is to understand the state-specific tax [...]
The Legal Challenges of Aging and How Elder Law Can Help
Aging is a natural part of life, but it comes with its own set of legal challenges that can seem daunting to seniors and their families. From securing healthcare and managing financial independence to ensuring wishes are respected through estate planning, the legal challenges of aging are diverse and complex. However, elder law can be a critical resource in navigating these challenges, ensuring seniors can enjoy their later years with peace of mind. Understanding the Legal Challenges of Aging The legal challenges of aging are multifaceted and affect nearly every aspect of a senior's life. Whether it’s ensuring access to [...]
State of the Firm
Dear Friend of the Firm: As we come to the end of a meaningful and productive year, we want to thank you for your continued trust in our Elder Care Law Firm. We value our relationship with each of you and look forward to an even better 2025. I want to take a few moments to reflect on the past year and update you on Rothkoff Law Group. Over the past year, we have engaged in the following activities and firm engagement: We added two additional elder care law attorneys this year. In January, we welcomed Ryan Krocker to our [...]
Legal Support for Elder Care and Dementia
Navigating the healthcare system and legal frameworks can be hard for both patients and their families when it involves elder care and dementia. Understanding how elder care law can provide necessary support cannot be overstated. Elder care law plays a pivotal role in assisting individuals with chronic illnesses in managing their healthcare needs and financial affairs and ensuring their quality of life remains at the forefront. Elder Care and Dementia: A Growing Concern As our population ages, the occurrence of chronic conditions such as dementia is on the rise, bringing to light the need for specialized legal advice and support. [...]
Understanding New Jersey Medicare Supplement Plans
Navigating healthcare options as a senior can be complex, especially when considering the costs not covered by Medicare alone. New Jersey Medicare Supplement Plans, commonly known as Medigap, provide essential coverage to fill the gaps left by traditional Medicare. There are a variety of Medigap plans available in New Jersey, which we touch on below to help seniors make informed decisions about their healthcare needs. What are New Jersey Medicare Supplement Plans? New Jersey Medicare Supplement Plans are insurance policies designed to cover expenses like deductibles, medical copays, and coinsurance that Medicare Parts A and B unfortunately do not cover. [...]
Understanding Pennsylvania Medicare Supplement Plans
As seniors consider their healthcare options, it is important to keep in mind the coverage gaps left by Medicare. Pennsylvania Medicare Supplement Plans, which are also known as Medigap, offer an essential solution to fill these gaps, providing coverage for expenses not covered by traditional Medicare. This blog provides an overview of the Medigap plans available in Pennsylvania, helping seniors choose the best option for additional coverage. What Are Pennsylvania Medicare Supplement Plans? Pennsylvania Medicare Supplement Plans are private health insurance policies designed to supplement original Medicare (Parts A and B). These plans help cover some of the healthcare costs [...]
Jerry Rothkoff Receives the Artz Philadelphia Community Catalyst Award
On November 21, 2024, Jerry Rothkoff was honored to receive the Artz Philadelphia Community Catalyst Award in recognition of his service to the Artz Philadelphia Board and the Philadelphia area community to help enhance the lives of those living with dementia and their care partners. The Community Catalyst Award recognizes remarkable dedication to building community through the arts; generosity of spirit and action; and work towards a world in which creative community brings people together in mutual respect and understanding. Excerpts from Jerry’s award acceptance remarks on November 21, 2024, are included below. For more information, please visit Artz Philadelphia. "I want [...]
What is the 5-Year Medicaid Lookback Period?
The 5-Year Medicaid Lookback Period is a specific provision that is often confusing, but it plays a vital role in determining Medicaid eligibility. Understanding the 5-Year Medicaid Lookback Period The 5-Year Medicaid Lookback Period refers to a five-year timeframe during which Medicaid reviews all financial transactions, asset transfers, and gifts made by an applicant. This period is designed to prevent people from giving away or transferring assets at less than fair market value to qualify for Medicaid benefits. If an applicant has made such transactions within the five-year window prior to applying for Medicaid, penalties may be imposed, potentially delaying [...]
7 Simple Holiday Wellness Tips for Seniors
The winter holidays are filled with an abundance of family, food, and celebrations. While it is a season associated with joy and cheer, it’s also a time of year when seniors need to be extra mindful about their well-being. Colder temperatures increase the risk of illnesses, large gatherings can be overwhelming, daily routines may be disrupted, and unfamiliar environments can lead to falls. The good news is that many of these situations can be avoided with simple steps and planning ahead. Here are 7 simple holiday wellness tips for seniors to stay healthy and enjoy the season. Stay Active For [...]
Understanding Your Rights in New Jersey Nursing Homes
When choosing the right care for an aging family member, the decision can be emotional and overwhelming. One aspect of this process is understanding the rights in New Jersey nursing homes that you and your loved one have as a resident. These rights are enshrined in law to ensure that residents receive the quality of care, respect, privacy, and dignity they deserve. This guide to the rights in New Jersey nursing homes will navigate you through various aspects, empowering you to make well-informed elder care decisions for yourself or a loved one. Quality of Care The foremost priority in any [...]
