New York Elder Law Attorney

Last updated by Tanya Hobson-Williams at May 24, 2024.

Why is it So Important to Have a Power of Attorney?

For many people, a power of attorney is an essential component of an estate plan. With this essential document in place, you will be prepared to face the possibility of needing someone to handle your affairs if you are unable to do so yourself. But what exactly is a power of attorney, and why is it so important to have one as part of your estate plan?

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What Does it Mean to Be Legally Incapacitated?

A critical part of planning, beyond creating your last will and testament, is planning for the possibility that you may become legally incapacitated. Planning for incapacity ensures that your loved ones have everything they need to take care of you, if you become unable to handle your personal affairs. But what does it mean to be incapacitated, and why does it matter?

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New Alzheimer’s Drug Shows Promising Results in Testing

In a recent set of clinical trials announced by the Alzheimer’s Association, it was found that a new drug showed great promise in reducing the cognitive decline caused by Alzheimer’s disease. This drug, Lecanemab, has supposedly shown excellent results in treating the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s, and could potentially help people with the disease to live longer and healthier lives. However, more testing still needs to be performed to ensure the drug is safe and effective for public use.

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Five Reasons to Get a Power of Attorney

A Power of Attorney is generally considered an essential part of any estate plan, because of how important it is to protect your interests while you are still alive. Without one, you may find yourself in a legally tenuous situation that can cause endless grief for both you and your loved ones. Here are five reasons you should make sure to get a Power of Attorney as part of your estate plan:

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When Should You Consider a Living Trust?

A living trust, also known as an inter vivos trust, is not the most well-known estate planning tool available. For some people, a living trust can be an essential tool for protecting their wealth and minimizing the potential problems that can arise during the probate process. Here are a few questions you should ask yourself to see if a living trust is right for you: Continue reading “When Should You Consider a Living Trust?”

What is a Medicaid Trust, and How Can it Help Me?

If you are getting older, chances are that you have considered how you will pay for your long-term care needs should you need care in your home or in a facility. Long-term care is very expensive and it becomes more difficult to pay for if you will be relying on your savings or other assets. Medicaid may be a viable solution, but first, you may need to consider placing assets into a Medicaid trust to protect your assets and qualify for Medicaid. Continue reading “What is a Medicaid Trust, and How Can it Help Me?”

CMS Orders States to Return to Normal Nursing Home Inspections

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have ordered states to resume regular annual surveys of nursing homes and to once again investigate claims of abuse and neglect at these institutions. These investigations and surveys were temporarily put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic but as states have begun returning to normal, more emphasis is being placed once more on ordinary operations. Thus, all the tasks that had been previously put on hold by CMS are now set to resume. Continue reading “CMS Orders States to Return to Normal Nursing Home Inspections”

The Benefit of Advance Directives

One of the inevitable realities of getting older is that, eventually, you may not be able to make decisions on your own behalf anymore. When that happens, the plans you have in place will determine how well you can ensure you are taken care of in your later years. It is for this reason that you should strongly consider preparing advance directives as soon as possible. Advance Directives will ensure your interests are protected when you can no longer take care of your own needs. Continue reading “The Benefit of Advance Directives”

Healthcare Proxy vs. Living Will

Advance directives are among the most important steps you can take when protecting yourself in the event of possible incapacity. Among these advance directives, two are particularly relevant during the coronavirus pandemic: the healthcare proxy, and the living will. But what are these advance directives, and how do you know which ones are appropriate for you and your needs? Continue reading “Healthcare Proxy vs. Living Will”

Is a Healthcare Proxy Right for You?

Right now, people are understandably concerned about their health and the health of their loved ones. When a crisis comes, people want to know that they and the people they care about will be taken care of if they are unable to make their own healthcare decisions. It’s for these types of emergencies that you should consider a healthcare proxy. Continue reading “Is a Healthcare Proxy Right for You?”