Monthly Archives: April 2012

May is National Elder Law Month

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Elder Law attorney, Robert E. Romano, will observe National Elder Law Month by providing free “Estate Planning Essentials” workshops to older adults and their families:

WHERE: Thayer Public Library, 798 Washington St., Braintree

WHEN: Tuesday, May 8th

TIMES: 10:00am-12:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm

If you would like to attend one of these free workshops, please call 617-769-9843 or you may sign up under the workshops tab above.

The program is part of a nationwide observance of National Elder Law Month during the month of May. National Elder Law Month is sponsored by the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). Headquartered in Washington, D.C., NAELA was formed in 1987 in response to the growing legal needs of older adults, people with special needs, and their families.

Attorney Romano will cover Estate Planning, Medicaid Planning and Elder Law issues. “I’m always amazed at how much misinformation is out there,” said Romano. “My passion is to share the facts and dispel the myths about estate planning and Medicaid planning.” In his two hour workshop, he uses common examples to illustrate many important issues that affect seniors today.

Membership in NAELA has grown to more than 4,000 members since its inception in 1987 commensurate with the needs of the fastest growing segment of the American population.

Unlike traditional lawyers, Elder Law attorneys deal with their clients “holistically” — helping with the issues that affect a particular segment of the population rather than a narrow area of law.

When clients visit an Elder Law attorney, they generally present problems beyond the need for a will or a power of attorney. Elder Law attorneys are familiar with the network of services and providers who assist clients effectively.

NAELA devotes much of its resources to education of its members. Elder Law attorneys must constantly monitor the ever-changing statutes and regulations to which older adults are beholden for their daily existence.

 

“Estate Planning Essentials” Workshops

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Estate planning today is so much more than just having a will. Learn how you can protect your assets AND remain in control by coming to a workshop. We will unlock the mysteries for you.

Thursday, April 26, 2012 at the Quincy Council on Aging, Kennedy Center, 440 East Squantum Street, Quincy from 10:00am-12:00pm

Tuesday, May 8, 2012 at the Thayer Public Library, 798 Washington Street, Braintree from 10:00am-12:00pm and 6:00pm-8:00pm

Workshops are free and open to the public. Please call our office to reserve a seat at  617-769-9843, e-mail us KCleary@RobertRomanoLaw.com  or sign up on line under our workshops tab (above).

In the U.S. an estimated 5.4 million people are living with Alzheimer’s disease

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Are Your Legal Documents In Order?                                                                                How can anyone know the true devastation of Alzheimer’s unless you have had a loved one affected by the disease? In Massachusetts, there are 120,000 people aged 65 and older with Alzheimer’s. According to the Alzheimer’s Association, they expect that number to grow 17% by the year 2025. The need to plan while you are well and able becomesmore significant as we age.

The financial and emotional implications of becoming disabled before dying can have a profound effect on one’s family. It’s hard enough to see a loved one decline but wondering if you can afford to get them the care they need may be even more stressful. Estate planning attorneys can help you protect your assets and plan for what you hope won’t happen. In the United States, someone develops the disease every 69 seconds. None of us can be certain it won’t happen to us.

John and Karen had been married for over 40 years when John started to notice some changes in his wife’s behavior. They were subtle at first and they chalked them up to “senior moments”. She would get confused while cooking. She began to have trouble with simple math. (Karen had been an expert at calculating the discount at Macy’s in her head!) But, when she started wearing heavy clothes in the warm weather and accused the cleaning lady of taking things, he knew it was something more. And so the next chapter of their lives began.

Fortunately, they had planned ahead. They had their Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy, Living Will, and Irrevocable Trust prepared by an Elder Law attorney years before.  They had peace of mind that their legal documents were in order. John also knew, if and when he could no longer care for Karen, that their assets were protected from the nursing home.

An Elder Law attorney has the expertise to counsel seniors and their families on how best to plan ahead, with a primary emphasis on promoting the highest quality of life for individuals. For more information on Alzheimer’s visit http://www.alz.org/