With legal actions and media attention surrounding resident evictions, skilled nursing facilities (SNF) are learning more about what they can and cannot do. Seniors and families also need this information. It’s hard to imagine an 83 year old being booted out of a nursing facility, but as seen in the…
A recent case of elder abuse in Michigan that resulted in only a misdemeanor, may have been the last straw for legislators. They introduced a law that would make it a felony, if a person was convicted of harming a vulnerable adult or senior citizen. The punishment for causing serious…
It is premature for anyone who depends upon either Medicaid or Obamacare to breathe a sigh of life. While recent attempts to repeal Obamacare have failed, both of these programs are being targeted. Medicaid is far more important to more Americans than most people know. It does provide healthcare for…
A federal judge has ruled that a police officer’s uninvited entry into a house to check on the well-being of an adult with dementia, is shielded by qualified immunity. The response to a possible crisis was correct. Given the number of elder abuse cases, it is encouraging that New York…
Planning for life with Alzheimer’s includes selecting trusted family members or friends who can assist with legal and financial matters. It was at least three years after his diagnosis that comedic actor Gene Wilder revealed he was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease. This is not unusual, according to experts discussing his…
Midlife singles are used to directing their own lives, but many worry about what will happen when they die. With strains of The Beatles' song Eleanor Rigby in their ears, they worry that their funeral will be unattended and sad. This is one problem that has a solution: planning ahead.…
Talking with aging parents about their finances, their wishes, and the future, is never an easy conversation. When it became clear that her mother was starting to suffer from memory loss, Gwen started to speak with her mother about finances, accounts and final wishes. While she felt uncomfortable pressing her…
Can you imagine not being notified if your parent had been injured, fell ill or had even passed away? With a recently increasing occurrence across the country, state representatives are proposing changes to ensure children have visitation rights to ailing parents. Fox News shared Catherine Falk’s story in an article…
At Hospice of Anchorage, end of life planning is what clinical director Alison O'Donnell encourages. Having advanced directives, or a living will, and a power of attorney in place is a gift to family, she said. Near retirees all over the country are starting to think about downsizing for retirement.…
"In America" discusses elder law and the way that legal standards and details are changing over time. What exactly is Elder Law? Why is this so important for Americans? Elder law is a general term that describes the laws and regulations that affect older men and women. This term can…