Evading old age infatuates our society. Stories spread the legend of a mystical fountain of youth. Pop anthems sing out forever young. We even sell serums and offer surgeries to “reverse” the effects of aging. Still, to our vexation, everyone continues growing older. Yet, it is not the growing older and wiser that scares us, but the debilitation that comes along with it. Increased medical conditions, loss of motion and senses, and eventual death, are all realities included in the thoughts of … [Read more...] about Could Algae Be the Cause of Alzheimer’s?
Long Term Care
Choosing a Nursing Home – Checklist
At some point in your life you may be forced to accept the reality that a parent, or other elderly loved one, is no longer safe living independently. It is never easy to acknowledge that an elderly loved one needs to be moved to a nursing home. Nonetheless, failing to make the decision could lead to serious injury or victimization for your loved one. Taking Action Your best option is likely to take action as soon as possible so that you can provide the right tailored accommodation for your … [Read more...] about Choosing a Nursing Home – Checklist
Life Care Planning in Houston
As the population of Texas ages, life care planning in Houston is becoming an increasingly important service. The fact is that the majority of senior citizens will eventually need assistance with their day-to-day needs. Sometimes family members and friends can provide help, but sometimes, this is simply not possible despite the best efforts of everyone involved. Paid in-home caregivers can be engaged under some circumstances. In other cases, people who need help with daily activities will be … [Read more...] about Life Care Planning in Houston
Long-Term Care and Medicaid Planning in Texas
Long-Term Care and Medicaid Planning in Texas from Steve P. Mendel The purpose behind a Medicaid estate plan is to protect your assets and your life savings while still putting you in a position to be eligible for Medicaid benefits should you need those benefits in the future. Learn more about long-term care and medicaid planning in Texas in this presentation. … [Read more...] about Long-Term Care and Medicaid Planning in Texas
Free Report: Texas Long-Term Care and Medicaid Planning
Living longer increases the chance that you will need long-term care. Although advances in medicine and technology have increased our life expectancy in America, they have yet to find a cure for diseases such as Alzheimer’s or figure out a way to stop the natural aging process. Statistics tell us that one in three seniors will die with Alzheimer’s or another age related dementia disease. In 2013, Alzheimer’s alone will cost the United States over $200 billion. By 2050, experts predict … [Read more...] about Free Report: Texas Long-Term Care and Medicaid Planning
OOH-DNR Orders in Texas: Part 3 of 3
Similar to estate planning testamentary formalities, you must comply with the statutory formalities required for DNR Orders. You must sign your DNR-OOH Order in front of at least two witnesses. If you are unable to sign the document and authorize someone else to sign it on your behalf, the third-party signing agent must do it in front of at least two witnesses. In some circumstances, you may also be able to sign in front of a notary if you cannot find two witnesses, but the notary may not be … [Read more...] about OOH-DNR Orders in Texas: Part 3 of 3
OOH-DNR Orders in Texas: Part 2 of 3
In the last blog, we discussed why you would want to draft an OOH-DNR or Out-of-Hospital Do-Not-Resuscitate Order as part of your estate planning documents. Now, we will cover what is necessary to create a valid order. First, you must be at least 18 years old to create a valid OOH-DNR Order and be mentally competent, which requires you to be of sound mind when signing and creating the document. At the very least, you should be able to understand that what you are signing and its implications. … [Read more...] about OOH-DNR Orders in Texas: Part 2 of 3
OOH-DNR Orders in Texas: Part 1 of 3
Also known as “Do Not Resuscitate” Orders, DNRs allow you to order doctors or other hospital personnel to withhold treatment in certain situations. Talk to our office about making a DNR Order a part of your estate planning documents. Texas recognizes In-Hospital DNRs and Out-of-Hospital DNRs. Although similar, Out-of-Hospital DNR Orders direct nonhospital staff, including emergency medical personnel. Typically, emergency medical personnel refer to paramedics and hospital emergency room … [Read more...] about OOH-DNR Orders in Texas: Part 1 of 3
Planning for Long Term Care
Long term care in a nursing home can be very expensive. If you do not plan properly, you can lose most of your assets before Medicaid will start paying for your care. Because you do not know whether or not you will need it, planning for the possibility of long term care should be a part of your overall estate plan. You have several options to plan for long term care. In Texas, you even have a unique option that is not available in most other states. In Texas, you can use a particular type of … [Read more...] about Planning for Long Term Care
Talking With Your Parents About Alzheimer’s Disease
Talking with your parents about disability planning can be almost as difficult as talking with them about estate planning, but it is just as necessary. Disability planning should be a key element in your parents’ overall estate plan. There are a number of conditions that could cause an elderly person to become disabled, but one of the most common, and dreaded is Alzheimer’s disease. A very large percentage of people with dementia suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. Though this does not mean that … [Read more...] about Talking With Your Parents About Alzheimer’s Disease