As we all know, tax season has been in full swing for many weeks now, and it is almost over for some. But, did you know that even if you did not have to file a tax return, as a senior, it may be beneficial for you to do so? Did you know there is a tax credit only available to seniors in Massachusetts who pay rent or real estate taxes? There is, and it is called the Massachusetts Circuit Breaker Tax Credit. Even if you don’t owe any taxes at all, you may be eligible for this credit, and it is just like money in your pocket. [Read more…]
What Documents Do I Need When Someone Dies?
In a previous blog we discussed the new probate law changes that were about to happen in Massachusetts. The effective date of those changes has been pushed back to the end of March, 2012. Although the estate administration process itself is designed to be quite simpler going forward under the new Massachusetts Uniform Probate Code, there will still be many details that will need to be tweaked by the courts and attorneys who appear there during initial implementation. [Read more…]
Why Single People in Worcester County Should Consider Estate Planning
When we typically think of estate planning, we see grandma and grandpa putting together a Will and possibly setting up some trusts for the following generations. It’s all about providing for our offspring, right? [Read more…]
How Do I Bring Up the Topic of Estate Planning to My Parents?
In Worcester, just as everywhere else in the nation, there is a tendency for people to put off estate planning. Elder law attorneys, like Kristina Vickstrom, recognize that there are multiple factors that lead people to procrastinate when it comes to the estate planning process. [Read more…]
Choosing the Right Executor for Your Estate
In the event of illness or incapacitation, most individuals have an idea as to how health matters and property distribution should proceed. However, delegating complete authority over your estate administration to one individual to serve as Trustee, Personal Representative (formerly Executor in Massachusetts), and agent under a Health Care Proxy and financial Power of Attorney can be a significant and oftentimes difficult decision. Personal integrity, familiarity with the needs of your estate, financial knowledge, competency, and willingness to take on such responsibilities are the more obvious qualifications of a Personal Representative, but there other important considerations. [Read more…]
I Take Care of My Mother. Can I Legally Get Paid for That?
As the number of family members providing care for aging parents increases, the solutions to find help with loss of income because of time off from employment for caregiving has become a major concern for many. The demands on both the time and energy needed to provide the needed care can make it impossible to maintain both a full time job with full time caregiving. [Read more…]
Fall Prevention in the Aging Population
From time to time I like to feature local experts with tips and advice for improving senior’s lives. This week’s blog is written by my colleague, Dr. Don Pelto of Central Massachusetts Podiatry. Dr. Pelto specializes in many foot ailments and writes about how you can be proactive by avoiding falls among elders. [Read more…]
The Difference Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia
Many people use the terms Alzheimer’s disease and dementia interchangeably, but they have very different meanings. Although dementia is a group of symptoms that include memory loss, the term itself doesn’t explain what is causing the symptoms. Alzheimer’s disease is the leading cause of dementia, but there are many other causes. [Read more…]
EAEDC Financial Planning for Rest Home Care in Massachusetts
The limited number of subsidized Assisted Living slots has made Rest Homes a viable alternative for many physically and mentally impaired elders in Massachusetts. The care in a Rest Home is greater than that of an Assisted Living facility, but not as encompassing as traditional Nursing Home care. Although Rest Homes are less expensive than Nursing Home care, they are not a long term solution for many families. If financial planning begins early, Emergency Aid to Elders, Disabled and Children (EAEDC) may be an alternative to help you or a loved one cover the costs of continued Rest Home care. [Read more…]
Grandparents Raising Grandchildren – Legal Options and Financial Support
With the decline of the traditional nuclear family, individuals over 50 are increasingly vested with responsibility for the caretaking of young children and adolescents. Financial problems are the primary cause of seniors having to assume more “traditional” child-rearing duties. Whether due to a divorce, military service, substance abuse, mental illness or other secondary issues, some adults may be unable or simply unwilling to be good parents themselves. [Read more…]
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