Aid & Attendance

Posted on February 20, 2014

Most of my clients need a little extra help around the house but aren’t sure how to pay for it. When we look at their savings and project how long those funds will work for them, the bottom line is usually this: If the client had just a little more cushion, they could stay...

Department of Public Health Survey on Health Needs for People with Disabilities

Posted on May 20, 2013

This landed in my inbox. It took about 5 minutes to fill it out. Due date is May 31. Here are the details: Help influence health care in Massachusetts! The Health and Disability Program, part of Office of Health Equity at the MA Department of Public Health (DPH) is conducting a health...

Prepare for the ASAP Nurse Screening Visit

Posted on March 23, 2012

So you finally convinced your parent or spouse to let you call your local ASAP - around here, that's South Shore Elder Services or Old Colony Elderly Services. You have a date for the nurse to come meet your spouse or parent. What do you do next? First, make a list of everything you...

Circuit Breaker Tax Credit = Free Money!!

Posted on March 23, 2011

It’s that time of year again, time to do your taxes. Even if you don’t file taxes, be sure to check the math on this one: The Circuit Breaker Tax Credit helps Massachusetts senior homeowners whose real estate taxes, sewer, and water bills combined consumed more than 10% of their total income. ...

More Reasons to Write up a Caregiver Contract

Posted on November 13, 2009

I've been writing a lot about caregiver contracts lately. That's because they represent the ideal solution for so many families. Many children become part-time or even full-time caregivers for their aging parents. Sometimes a child needs to be paid for this - usually that is the only way she can afford to leave her...

Veterans Benefits: Aid & Attendance Benefits

Posted on October 26, 2009

Most of my clients need a little extra help at home but aren’t sure how to pay for it. When we look at their savings and project how long those funds will work for them, the bottom line is usually this: if the client had just a little more cushion, they could stay...

Howard Gleckman’s Caring for Our Parents

Posted on October 23, 2009

I’ve been reading Howard Gleckman’s book, Caring for Our Parents, in which he examines the long-term care system of today and the future. Essentially, if we keep on doing things as we are now (expect people to use up their savings to stay at home or in assisted living, have...

What Goes into a Caregiver Contract?

Posted on September 21, 2009

If as a parent and child, you have agreed that the child will care for her parent in exchange for compensation, you need to work with an elder law attorney to draft a caregiver contract, as discussed in earlier posts. What will your attorney put into the contract? She will list...

Paying Your Children to Care for You? Put it in Writing.

Posted on August 30, 2009

As they need more help with daily tasks, many parents prefer to have their kids helping them rather than hiring an aide. And many children want to be helping their parents, if only they could afford to quit their job. One solution is for the parent to hire the child. I discuss...

Always Keep Time & Expense Records When Helping Another

Posted on August 6, 2009

So many children, nieces and nephews, and good neighbors pitch in to do heavy lifting for an aging or disabled family member or friend. You may be running errands, cleaning out a basement, doing weekly grocery trips. We do these things on a volunteer basis, usually receiving just reimbursement for purchases made. And...