| CO-SIGNING - IS IT EVER A GOOD IDEA? |
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 By Susan Peters, JD, Volunteer Attorney, Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors
There is nothing new about the idea of co-signing a loan. Among family and friends the practice is especially widespread and often can provide an appropriate means of helping those we care about get started or weather a financial setback. However, it can also lead to unanticipated personal and financial problems when such agreements are not entered into with the proper analysis and planning. If co-signing a loan for a close relative or friend is something you are considering, there are several safeguards you can put in place to protect yourself against common pitfalls. Read the article >> |
| MICHIGAN ELDERS LIVING ON THE EDGE |
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 New Report Shows Basic Needs Are Exceeding Income
How much do Michigan Seniors need to meet the real costs of living? How much do public support programs - food, prescription drugs, medical, utility and housing assistance - help seniors meet their rising expenses? The current economic downturn has made it more difficult than ever for elders to cover their basic living expenses. Read more
If you or someone you know is having trouble paying for groceries, utilities or property taxes contact the Benefit Enrollment Center to see if you may qualify for assistance. |
| FINANCIAL ABUSE OF ELDERLY RISES AS ECONOMY SINKS |
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Wyandotte, MI -- Two years after Jeanette Cowie moved into an assisted living facility and gave her 30-year-old granddaughter control of her finances, the 78-year-old found her bank account nearly emptied and her rent unpaid for months.
Family members suspect the granddaughter. She was the only one with access to Cowie's money. "We trusted her. We had no reason not to," said Terri Cowie, daughter-in-law to Jeanette Cowie.
Hundreds of seniors across Michigan have similarly fallen victim to financial crimes. Read the article
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| WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH YOUR OLD CELL PHONES? |
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 Elder Law of Michigan Seeks Used Electronics.
Do you have old cellular phones, digital cameras or ipods collecting dust or forgotten in a closet? Don't let them end up in a landfill- instead, give us your unwanted electronic items and help Elder Law of Michigan raise funds to support our programs!
Used items will be refurbished or broken down for parts and in turn Elder Law of Michigan will earn money to
help support our important programs benefiting Michigan seniors.
How can you help? Drop off your items to Elder Law of Michigan during business hours. Hold a collection drive at your office, place of worship or in your neighborhood then bring in the items to our office.
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| CLASS ACT PROVISIONS PASS KEY HOUSE COMMITTEE |
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National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that the the House Energy and Commerce Committee voted to include provisions of the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act of 2009 (CLASS Act) (H.R. 1721) in its health reform bill.
NCOA has been concentrating its most recent advocacy efforts on working with Reps. Pallone (D-NJ) and Dingell (D-MI) to make sure the CLASS Act provisions were included. The bill would create a voluntary national insurance program with a cash benefit to help individuals who need assistance with activities of daily living remain in their communities. Find out more from NCOA |
| DR.- PATIENT TALK COULD CUT COSTS |
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 CNN- Neither of Dr. Arthur Kellerman's parents wanted to die in a hospital. His father had metastatic cancer and his mother had had multiple strokes, and Kellerman wanted to respect their wishes about the ends of their lives.
Discussing end-of-life care is difficult for everyone involved, but it should be done early on, doctors say. Read the article
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