The Five-Star Quality Rating System was created in 2008 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). It has become a popular tool for families to find a quick summary of a given nursing home’s overall level of quality. CMS posts its ratings on
What is a Pour-Over Will and How is It Used?
A pour-over will is a type of last will and testament typically used in trust-based estate planning. Unlike a traditional will, which directs how your property will be distributed to beneficiaries, a pour-over will states that assets not funded into your
Is It My Responsibility to Pay Nursing Home Bills After a Loved One Passes Away?
The loss of a loved one can represent a significant departure from what feels like the course of normal life. Suddenly, there are probate issues to consider and end of life arrangements to address. It can be very difficult to keep track of all of the d
What Is the Most Important Component of an Elder Law Plan?
It can be helpful to think of estate planning documents as tools in your toolbox. Each one of them can become essential in the event that you need it. But when it comes to creating the cornerstone of your estate plan, a will is often front and center but
Did You Know Medicare Doesn’t Cover Most Long Term Care?
If you are planning ahead for the future of your older years and are assuming that Medicare might pick up the tab, if and when you need a nursing home, that's not always the case. One of the biggest potential costs in your personal retirement could be the
What Does It Mean to Say You are Involved in Life Care Planning?
It can be very complicated to get older and be concerned about the health care expenses associated with a medical need. If you have an advanced medical concern, you will likely need some form of long term care. The long term care system in the United S
How to Share Information About Your Estate with Your Loved Ones
Having other adults in your family who are appointed as executors, trustees or guardians for your minor children means that you need to have conversations with these key people about the basics of your plan. Sharing information about your estate plan i
Creating an Elder Law Plan to Avoid Exploitation
Unfortunately, the elderly are often targeted for financial exploitation schemes due to their substantial savings and the perception that some of them may be suffering from advanced cognitive issues. In these circumstances, it is best to be proactive by e
It’s Special Needs Law Month
Do you have a loved one with special needs who you would like to provide for well into the future? October is Special Needs Law Month, highlighting the importance of scheduling a consultation with a trusted elder attorney. There are many different lega
When is the Right Time to Meet with an Elder Law Attorney?
The truth is that there is no wrong time to sit down with a Michigan elder law attorney. But knowing what you hope to accomplish with your elder law plan can help you determine that it’s in your best interests to schedule this meeting before you have an u