Category Archives: Elder Law

Power of Attorney or Guardianship for My Elderly Parents?

Life often times comes full circle. When we are young, our parents make our decisions for us. They look out for our best interests and, in many cases, help us manage our money. As adults, we may have to step up and provide the same support to our parents that they provided to us in our youth. When an elderly loved one is unable toContinue reading

Budget Impasse Threatens Services for Illinois Seniors

As lawmakers in Springfield continue to battle over the state budget, there is growing concern around Illinois that the impact of the problem will be most-strongly felt by those who are already the most vulnerable. A significant number of outreach and support programs around Illinois rely heavily, if not solely, on state funding, and without a budget are finding it increasingly difficult to carry outContinue reading

Study Reveals Alarming Discrepancies in Hospitals’ Brain Death Policies

At a pivotal point in the 1987 fantasy film, The Princess Bride, a comic-relief character played by comedian Billy Crystal declares that the story’s protagonist is “only mostly dead,” and that “mostly dead is slightly alive.” In the context of the movie, of course, the exchange was meant to be humorous, setting the stage for a miraculous return from the brink of death. However, in realContinue reading

Robin Williams’ Widow: Comedian’s Death Was Related to a Form of Dementia

The entertainment world was sent reeling last August when it learned of the suicide death of actor and comedian Robin Williams. At the time, the award-winning entertainer’s family requested privacy as they looked to make sense of the terrible tragedy. Now, his widow Susan, to whom he had been married since 2011 has indicated in an interview with People magazine that Williams’ autopsy revealed that he wasContinue reading

Durable Power of Attorney in Illinois

Do you have a plan in place for the management of your affairs if you should become incapacitated or unable to make such decisions for yourself? Unfortunately, a great many people have never even considered that possibility, and have no such plan in the event of an unforeseen accident or illness. Making a plan, however, does not need to be long, involved process; it canContinue reading

Noted Author’s Case Brings Attention to Problem of Elder Abuse

Earlier this year, the literary world was abuzz with the news that, after more than a half century, author Harper Lee was set to release her second book. Unfortunately, however, public excitement was tempered by rumors and allegations of elder abuse against the aging writer by those who stood to profit from the book’s release. Exciting Announcement  According to reports, the manuscript for Go Set a Watchman was writtenContinue reading

Be Wary of Nursing Home Financial Responsibility Contracts

As you look to provide care for an aging parent or other loved one, there are many factors to consider. Should your parent remain at home? Does he or she require a full-time caregiver? Would a nursing facility or senior living center be a better option? Is there one nearby that you can trust?  Of course, beyond the personal or health care questions, there isContinue reading

How Much Does Quality of Life Matter?

Despite tabloid claims that 50 is the new 30, and incredible advancements in personal care products which allow people to maintain a youthful appearance much longer than ever before, the fact remains that getting older is unavoidable. For many, advancement in age leads to some rather difficult considerations, particularly when it comes to deciding how to handle end-of-life concerns. One of the most controversial topics that elderlyContinue reading

Can Adult Children Be Held Responsible for Nursing Home Costs?

As the average life expectancy in this country increases, one of the most difficult decisions that many adult children are faced with is placing their elderly parents in nursing homes. A recent ruling by the Ohio Court of Appeals reaffirms the importance of families consulting with elder law attorneys when making decisions that involve an older family member’s future and long-term care. The decision to place aContinue reading

How to Keep Nursing Home Costs from Wiping Out Assets

Statistics show that the average life expectancy for Americans keeps increasing. The average life expectancy of men right now is 84.3 years of age. For women, it is 86.6. Along with increased longevity comes the reality of living with illnesses and diseases that often afflict the elderly. Many of these conditions eventually require an individual to be placed in a long-term care facility, such as aContinue reading