 Greetings, I hope this finds you at a time when you can catch a breath. It seems like the world has shifted since the first of the year. Life in our office certainly did....
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Both Attorney Jeff Stinson and I have experienced elder care issues close-up in the past month. Jeff's beloved grandfather (and best friend) became ill. Jeff split much of his time between Indianapolis and Richmond, Indiana where his family's roots extend deeply to the 1800's. Jeff supported and received support from his grandmother and extended family.
The legal planning had been done, fortunately, so he helped guide them through the multitude of rapid-fire decisions required to arrange appropriate care. Jeff intends to write about his experience in future issues.
My 90-year old mother suffered a stroke in Mid-December. She lives in an independent living apartment minutes from my home and office. I became immersed in helping manage her care, rehabilitation arrangements with great support from my wife and mom's geriatric care manager. Much rehabilitation lies ahead. The experience has given me much to ponder about the best ways to support what I call "optimal experience of aging" that has been my touchstone. I, too, have much to share in future editions.
In this issue, we feature several articles to help you and your loved-ones, friends and clients protect assets, make the best care decisions and get the right help at the right time. In these times, we all recognize the need for plans that prepare us for predictable changes, like the need for elder care help, while permitting us to move forward, even in the face of uncertainty.
We welcome your feedback, appreciate your referrals and encourage you to forward the newsletter to others who could benefit.
Sincerely,
Scott R. Severns, President
Severns Associates--Pathfinders in Elder Law
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Elder Law News from Severns Associates
February 2009 | |
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Severns Associates. P.C.
10293 N. Meridian Street
Suite 150
Indianapolis, Indiana 46290
(317) 817-0300
(317) 817-0302 Fax
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| In Poor Economic Times, Plan for Long-term Care Needs
 The following story of William and Mary illustrates the need for asset protection planning against long-term care costs even in tough economic times. |
Congress Waives Retirement Account Distribution Requirements for 2009
 Congress has passed and President Bush has signed legislation that will temporarily suspend the penalty for seniors who fail to take the required minimum distribution from IRA and employer retirement accounts in 2009. Read on |
10 Steps to Less Stressful Caretaking
 Taking care of an elderly loved one can be exhausting and stressful. Often due to the lack of outside help, a devotion to the person needing care, or the tunnel vision that can accompany exhaustion, caretakers don't take care of themselves. Here are some ways to care for yourself so you can better care for your loved one. Read on |
What Happens If You Die Without a Will?
We all know we are supposed to do estate planning, but not all of us get around to it. So what happens if you don't have a will when you die? Your estate will be distributed according to state laws, which may or may not be the way you want it to be distributed. Read on |
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Revoking a Power of Attorney
 If for any reason, you become unhappy with the person you have appointed to make decisions for you under a durable power of attorney, you may revoke the power of attorney at any time. There are a few steps you should take to ensure the document is properly revoked. Read on |
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Attorney Spotlight
Jeffery Stinson has been accredited by the Veteran's Administration enabling him to assist individuals with VA benefits. Jeff is President-elect of the Indiana Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. He and his wife, Jennifer, are expecting their second child--any day now. | |
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Pass It On
If you know others who would benefit form this information, please pass it along. Click on the blue Forward Email at the bottom of the page to send this newsletter to someone who will also find this information useful. Call us whenever we can help you, a family member or someone you work with.
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| About Our Law Firm
Severns Associates, P.C. is a law firm focused on the needs of families confronting issues with health care. We have a special emphasis on long term care issues -- an emphasis that has come to be known as "elder law." Our firm consists of three attorneys and two paraprofessionals.
Our services include the following:
- Medicaid Consultation, Planning, Applications and Appeals
- Medicare Consultation and Advocacy
- "Making It Last"™ - Supplemental Needs Trusts and Asset Protection for Persons with Disabilities
- Response Team Building - Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Declarations and Other Advance Directives
- Guardianships and Probate Administration
- Patients Rights and Care Advocacy.
Severns Associates. P.C.
10293 N. Meridian Street
Indianapolis, Indiana 46290
Severns Associates. P.C.
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