Elder Care Newsletter

October Seems To Be The Month

Of SCARE Tactics

By Susan B. Geffen

This month I have seen two advertisements by two different Los Angeles attorneys scaring people about creating a living trust. One was a direct mail piece to my husband!!!! This is what it said "If you do not have a trust you are a ticking time bomb!"

THAT IS SIMPLY NOT TRUE. I am suggesting a will for a woman who owns property. A less expensive option, this woman was never married, has no children, is worth $700,000.00 (inclusive of a condominium) and has very specific ideas about to whom she will bequeath her worldly belongings.

She does not care if they have to wait a year and half to get their money or that it will cost the estate close to $15,000. That is a choice. And, this choice does not have any impact on her whatsoever. She can accomplish having a surrogate decision maker and avoid being conserved by using an Advanced Health Care Directive and Power of Attorney.

Click here to read the rest of this article

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ALZHEIMER'S CORNER

Join my Alzheimer's & Dementia Support Group and Caregiver Training Course

Many of you have loved ones that have Alzheimer's or other form of dementia. This is extremely difficult, and you need as many tools as possible to cope and provide the right kind of care.

After working with scores of individuals suffering with Alzheimer's, and having attended special training on the subject, I have learned a thing or two. I want to share this knowledge and expertise with you to make your life, and the person you're caring for better and more manageable.

I will be starting this Alzheimer's Support and Training Program in the South Bay on Tuesday, November 12, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm at my conference room in Redondo Beach. Additional sessions will be once per month.

If you would like to attend, there is a nominal fee of just $25 per session. (If you have trouble affording this fee, let me know so we can figure out something. I want you to come.) Space is limited so be sure to reserve your spot by emailing me at susan@susanbgeffen.com.

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MY WATCHDOG

Alerting you to the latest SCAMS, Elder Abuse,

and things that are just plain WRONG!

Governor Brown signs more bills to protect against elder abuse

California Governor Jerry Brown recently signed Assembly Bill 381 (AB 381), which allows courts to award attorney's fees and costs to seniors who have been victimized by someone using a power of attorney in bad faith to commit financial elder abuse.

Prior to the passing of AB 381, victims of financial elder abuse were only able to be rewarded twice the determined damages. The cost of litigation often dwarfed the reward cap under California law, leading to many uncharged cases of financial elder abuse . Victims often were left with the choice of either letting the perpetrator get away with the crime or losing more money by filing a lawsuit.

Being able to recoup legal fees should afford seniors more protection against financial elder abuse, a crime which often goes unreported.

Governor Brown due to sign more bills to protect against elder abuse

Gov. Jerry Brown is expected to sign three more bills that are intended to prevent elder abuse. SB543 would ensure criminals who commit crimes against seniors are prosecuted and sentenced to the fullest extent of the law.

Another bill, AB140, would modernize the definition of undue influence for elder financial abuse. Said state Sen. Mark Wyland (R-Carlsbad) "Some of this stuff is so egregious, like this financial abuse where people literally, I mean, you can imagine the emotional, as well as financial devastation. These are good bills."

The third measure, AB477, would require a notary public to report any suspected abuse.

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Click here to learn about more bills to protect against elder abust soon to be signed by Gov. Brown. http://www.medicare.gov/Pubs/pdf/11219.pdf

Susan's Picks

L.A, O.C., and Ventura County Companies that have been vetted by me and my staff

Coming Soon...My first commercial for Susan's Picks. Soon everyone will have heard about Susan's Picks and not have to go to the internet to find elder care and baby boomer services. Look for it!

Susan's Picks to help you find companies that have a proven track record of integrity and excellent service.

Each week we add more companies that measure up to my standards of service and care. Remember to keep checking the site for updates.

If you know of a company that you believe qualifies as a Susan's Pick, let me know and I will check them out!

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Almost 5,000 LIKES in 6 months!

Featured Article-

October Seems To Be The Month Of SCARE Tactics

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My WatchDog

Governor Brown signs more laws to protect against elder abuse

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UPCOMING EVENTS:

Saturday, October 12

Torrance Doubletree Hotel, "Raising UP Your Parents" 10 am - 1 pm

Click Here To Register!

Tell your friends!

Tuesday, November 12, 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

Susan's Alzheimer's & Dementia Support Group and Caregiver Training Begins

Click Here

to register or ask questions

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Click on the blue links to learn more about them. If there isn't a Susan's Pick in your area, feel free to call me and I will help you find one.