Dear Family, Friends and Colleagues,

 

November is National Caregiver Awareness month and Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month.  Most of this month's '"Quick Links" provide information about dealing with Alzheimer's and tips for caregivers.  In addition to news about Social Security and long-term care insurance, we acknowledge the incredible work being done by caregivers, and have provided an article "Extraordinary People Doing Extraordinary Work" from Jane Malkoff, a Nurse Care Manager in the Indianapolis area, with observations from her many years in this field. 

 

As we move into the holiday season, let us pause to give thanks.  In the words of Charles Dickens, "Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some."  And remember that for our caregivers, and for all of our families, "Appreciation can change a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary." - Margaret Cousins.
 

Know that at this Thanksgiving holiday, our firm is thankful for your trust in us. We welcome the opportunity to serve the people you care about as well.  Click on the "Forward to a Friend" button at the top of the page to send this newsletter to someone who will benefit from our insights. If you are a facebook user, please like us on our facebook page.  
 
If you are part of an organization that is looking for a speaker, our attorneys are happy to share their knowledge with the community.  Contact Amy Cuomo at our office for more information.
 

Sincerely,

Severns Associates, P.C.

  
Elder Law News from Severns Associates, PC
  
November 2014  
    

 

  

Social Security Benefits to Inch Up 1.7 Percent in 2015

 

The nation's elderly and disabled Social Security recipients will receive a 1.7 percent increase in payments in 2015. This is expected to raise the average monthly payment for the typical retired worker by $22. The increase is slightly higher than last year's 1.5 percent cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). The same COLA will apply to pensions for federal government retirees and to most veterans.

  

Read more 


 

 Parents' Medical History May Make Long-Term Care Insurance More Expensive

 

Your parents' health could be one of the many factors that long-term care insurance providers take into account when deciding how much to charge you. One large insurer has started rating applicants based, in part, on the applicant's parents' medical histories.

 

Genworth, a major provider of long-term care insurance, announced that it would rate applicants based on whether their parents suffered from early onset coronary artery disease prior to age 60 or dementia prior to age 70. 

 

 Read more 

 

Caregivers - Extraordinary People Doing Extraordinary Work

 

 

By Jane Malkoff MSN RN NP

 

With over 25 years as a nurse and as a care-consultant/care-manager, I have had the great fortune of meeting hundreds of caregivers.  I continue to be awed by the love and commitment these individuals extend to another human being.  I learn new and better ways of caring for my clients every day because of caregivers.  It is estimated that 50 million Americans provide care to someone 18 years of age or older and 19 million Americans care for someone over the age of 75.   

 


US-31 Traffic Update

US-31/Meridian Street in Hamilton County is undergoing a transformation over the next few years to a freeway. After several months of being closed for construction from 126th to 136th Streets, it is now reopened, but will continue to have construction to access roads and side lanes.  Later in the process, access from I-465 will be suspended and by the Fall of 2015, 103rd street, where our office is located, will no longer intersect with US-31/Meridian Street. The project is projected to be completed by the end of 2015.

We will keep you updated with more changes as they occur, but in the meantime, you can continue to access our office from any direction. For more information about this project, visit Hamilton County's New US-31 website. 
 

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In This Issue
Social Security Benefits to Inch Up 1.7 Percent in 2015
Parents' Medical History May Make Long-Term Care Insurance More Expensive
Caregivers - Extraordinary People Doing Extraordinary Work
US-31 Traffic Update

 

 

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Firm Spotlight
Congratulations!

Severns Associates, P.C. has again been named to the U.S. News & World Report and Best Law Firms listing of "Best Law Firms" in the Indianapolis Metro Region for 2015. The firm has earned this honor each year since 2010.

In addition, Scott R. Severns was recently selected by his peers for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America© 2015 in the field of Elder Law. He has received this honor each year since 2006. 

Best Law Firm 2013

Lawyer of the Year detail

Community Events

MAKE ME AT THE IMA: EARLY-STAGE ALZHEIMER'S WORKSHOP
  

Free; registration required.

 

In partnership with the Alzheimer's Association, Make Me at the IMA is a studio arts program for individuals with early-stage Alzheimer's. As a vehicle for expression and relaxation, explore a variety of art forms like ceramics, drawing, painting and sculpture during quarterly classes. To register, call the Alzheimer's Association Greater Indiana Chapter at 1-800-272-3900.



 
 
If you answer yes to any of these questions, Severns Associates can help.  

-Has a family member been diagnosed with a mentally or physically debilitating disorder such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, ALS, stroke or a decline in functional capacity?

 

-Is a family member isolated due to the recent death of a spouse, or have family that either lives too far away or is too busy to provide adequate care?

-Is a family member soon to be discharged into a care facility or currently receiving in-home care?

-Does a family member have a variety of healthcare providers and need coordination and advocacy for quality care?

-Does a family member seem unusually concerned about costs of medication and services, indicating he or she may be having financial troubles?

-Does a family member have assets that fall between $50,000 and $400,000 - enough to finance a short stay in a care facility but not enough for an extended stay?

-Does a family member have a spouse whose financial needs must be considered in light of a family member's medical condition? 

 

 
About Our Law Firm
  
Severns Associates, P.C. is an elder law firm that has been practicing for over 30 years, and is regarded as one of the most experienced elder law firms in the Indianapolis region.  We focus on helping families work together without conflict to plan for both immediate and future needs. 
  
Our services include:
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Severns Associates, PC
10293 N. Meridian Street Suite 150
Indianapolis, Indiana 46290
317-817-0300