News
Nonprofits And Programs For Seniors
I am honored and proud to be a member of the Board of Directors for two nonprofit organizations that serve the needs of seniors and their loved ones. ARTZ Philadelphia and Jewish Family and Children’s Services of Southern New Jersey (JFCS) are the nonprofits. Each nonprofit offers complimentary programs for older adults and those living with dementia. ARTZ Philadelphia is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life and well-being of people with dementia and their care partners through joyful interactions around arts and culture. Their evidence-based programs connect people with dementia and those they love with artists, cultural organizations, and each other. They help [...]
The Importance of Seniors and Technology
The relationship between seniors and technology is often overlooked or misunderstood. Many seniors may feel overwhelmed or disconnected from the modern digital landscape. However, embracing technology can enhance the overall quality of life for seniors, offering opportunities for communication, safety, and convenience. The connection between seniors and technology is not only vital but can be enriching and empowering. Here's an overview of why seniors should not be afraid of technology and how caregivers can provide education and access to tools like cell phones, medicine reminders on digital calendars, and more. Breaking the Barrier For many seniors, technology might seem intimidating [...]
Preventing Falls: Tips on Caring for Aging Loved Ones
September marks fall prevention month, and preventing falls among our elderly remains a concern all year round. Research shows that more than one out of four Americans over the age of 65 falls each year. Additionally, falls are the leading cause of both fatal and non-fatal injuries for older adults. In preventing falls, our care coordination team, with our home-modification specialist and trained occupational therapist's support, regularly assesses our clients’ environments and encourages regular communication with their physicians and treatment teams about any potential concerns. It is beneficial to have a candid conversation with your loved one’s doctor about any [...]
What is a Lady Bird Deed?
In estate planning, there are many legal tools available to protect and manage assets. One particular tool is the Lady Bird deed. The Lady Bird deed, also known as an enhanced life estate deed, is an important legal document that provides specific benefits in estate planning. The Lady Bird deed is a specialized type of life estate deed that allows the owner of a property to retain control over it while they're alive but automatically transfer the property to a pre-determined beneficiary upon death without going through probate. What sets it apart from a traditional life estate deed is the [...]
A Journey Of Bonding: Father And Daughter’s Cross-Country Road Trip With Two Bulldogs
In July, my daughter, Liza, accepted an offer to begin a Ph.D. program in canine cognitive behavior at Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas. Upon her acceptance, we began to immediately map out how she would get to Lubbock from Brooklyn and take her car. There was an important catch—she was going to Lubbock with two bulldogs. That meant it was difficult to fly due to the bulldogs' breathing issues. After much contemplation, it was agreed I would drive the 1,735 miles from Cherry Hill, New Jersey, to Lubbock, Texas, with my daughter and the bulldogs in tow. We set out on the evening [...]
The Role of a Healthcare Proxy in Elder Care
The designation of a healthcare proxy in elder care is an essential aspect of planning for the future, especially for seniors who want to honor their healthcare wishes. Understanding the role and importance of a healthcare proxy in elder care can provide peace of mind and protect the rights of elderly individuals. As age-related illnesses or cognitive decline can sometimes impair the ability to make informed healthcare decisions, having a trusted healthcare proxy becomes increasingly vital. The Role of a Healthcare Proxy in Elder Care A healthcare proxy, also known as a medical power of attorney or healthcare agent, is [...]
The Difference Between a Revocable and an Irrevocable Trust
Trusts are fiduciary arrangements that allow a third party (also known as a trustee) to hold assets on behalf of a beneficiary. However, there are different types of trusts, and it's important to understand the difference between a revocable and irrevocable trust. This distinction is vital as it can have significant implications for how assets are managed, controlled, and taxed. Understanding Revocable Trusts A revocable trust is often also called a living trust. It is a legal entity created to hold ownership of an individual's assets. What makes a revocable trust stand out is its flexibility. The creator of the [...]
Dying at Home Versus in a Hospital: Making Informed End-of-Life Care Decisions
In the final stages of life, the decisions about where a loved one should spend their last moments become both deeply personal and profound. The transition from life to death is a delicate journey, and making informed choices about end-of-life care is crucial. One of the most important decisions to consider is whether to have the person die at home or in a hospital. This article will explore the details of this choice, looking at the benefits and drawbacks of dying at home versus a hospital. The goal is to help individuals and families decide the best choice for their [...]
End-of-Life Support: Caring for a Loved One Facing Death
Supporting a loved one facing death is a challenging and emotional journey. It can bring uncertainty, fear, and sadness, making the situation overwhelming. However, with some preparation, this experience can become more manageable and a time of connection and closeness. Watching someone you care about nearing the end of their life can trigger various emotions like helplessness, grief, and even anger. Dealing with your feelings of loss while providing end-of-life support and strength to your loved one may be tough, as emotions can change from day to day. It takes strength and resilience to work through this difficult time [...]
Update on CMS Care Compare Website
For nursing home residents and their families, making a decision about what facility to choose can be a daunting and frustrating process. How do you know whether the nursing home you are considering for your loved one provides quality care? One resource is the federal government website which provides quality measures for every nursing home in the U.S. For more than ten years, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has been posting information on facility staffing measures on the Medicare.gov website under Care Compare. The information supplied regarding nursing home quality measures has been of questionable quality. However, [...]
Understanding the Role of a Death Doula in End of Life Care
The role of a death doula, also known as an end-of-life doula, is to support and improve the end-of-life experience for individuals and their families. Death doulas have been around for a long time, and their practices have deep historical roots. However, in recent years, the role of a death doula has gained recognition for providing support and comfort during the aging and dying process, and many people are still unaware of what a death doula is and what we do. A death doula is a non-medical professional who offers compassionate holistic care at the end of life. We provide [...]
A Closet Full of Shoes
Shoes keep us warm, dry, active, and sometimes fashionable. Shoes are important for walking and traveling, to see and experience the world around us. I have fond memories of shoe shopping with my mom. Searching for a popular new style of boots for fall and winter, strappy sandals for spring and summer, or the perfect pair of high-heeled shoes that match a formal dress for a special occasion. There were many times we would laugh in the shoe department when we turned to each other with a shoe in hand—"Do you like this one?"—and we were holding up the same [...]
Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County v. Talevski
The United States Supreme Court recently ruled 7-2 to protect the right of Medicaid nursing home residents to seek relief in federal court when state officials do not meet a certain quality of care—a ruling being hailed as a civil rights victory for Medicaid patients. In Health and Hospital Corporation of Marion County v. Talevski, state officials challenged the right of a Medicaid beneficiary to bring suit in federal court in a case involving the alleged violation of Gorgi Talevski's federal rights under Medicaid's Federal Nursing Home Reform Act (FNHRA). By a 7-2 margin, in a remarkable opinion for the [...]
Medicaid Coverage for Assisted Living: PA Legislation Proposal
In December 2022, Pennsylvania state Senators Michelle Brooks and Judy Ward proposed legislation that would expand Medicaid coverage for assisted living facilities. The proposal is designed to provide support for older adults who require assistance with daily living but do not require the high level of care provided by nursing homes. Under the proposed legislation, eligible seniors would be able to access Medicaid coverage for assisted living services, including room and board, personal care, and medication management. This would be a game-changer for many seniors who are currently struggling to pay for these services out-of-pocket or relying on family members [...]
How to Set Up a Trust
A trust is a legal agreement between two or more parties that grants one party, or trustee, specified assets while the beneficiary, or the person for whom the trust is established, retains ownership of said assets. If you’ve ever wondered how to set up a trust or how they work, we explain below in detail how to set up a trust, from creation to distribution. The five-step process: Creation Tax Recognition Funding Administration Distributions 1. Creation The steps in creating a trust are: Identifying the person who establishes the trust, usually called the “Grantor.” Identifying an appropriate trustee. A Trustee [...]
