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Do you know about the new Connecticut MOLST form?
Maintaining control over medical care can be challenging in the best circumstances, but we face even more layers of complexity when dealing with the physical and emotional challenges of serious, life-limiting illness or advanced progressive frailty.
Multiple generations living under one roof may seem like a concept from a time gone by or a practice from another part of the world, but it is actually a growing trend here in the states.
Before WWII, approximately 25% of Americans shared their homes with three or more generations. After the war, the percentage of multigenerational households began to decline and bottomed out at a meager 12% in 1980.
Today, however, the numbers of families choosing to combine households across two or more generations is on the rise. Continue reading
Many people believe that assisted living in Connecticut is out of reach for the average older adult, financially speaking, especially since our state is even pricier than other nearby states. But here’s some good news: the State of Connecticut supports several assisted living programs for individuals and couples with modest means.
According to the Department of Social Services’ website: “Assisted living bridges the gap between independent living and nursing homes. Assisted living is designed for people who want to live in a community setting and who need help with activities of daily living (ADLs), but who do not need as much care as they would receive at a nursing home.”
Why does the state want to help you stay out of a nursing home? Continue reading
You have probably heard the phrase “spend down” – something you could do to reduce your assets which would help to qualify you for Medicaid.
A prepaid funeral contract is one of those items that are considered exempt. In other words, its value won’t be counted when the Department of Social Services is reviewing your total assets.
And that value has just gone up.
If you’re like so many Connecticut residents, you wonder whether or not you should purchase a long-term care insurance policy.
And whether, or how, it fits into your estate plan.
It’s uncanny that we may own a life insurance policy that will provide for our loved ones after we’re gone – but we don’t have a policy to protect US…while we’re still here…when we need to pay for long-term care.
This blog will explain how long term care insurance policies work. Continue reading
By Linda Raineault
Have you heard the sales pitch?
There are annuities available that contain provisions known as “nursing home income doublers” that can help you pay for the cost of a nursing home stay.
These provisions are found in annuity contracts that guarantee the purchaser an income stream for life by way of an income rider that is attached to the base contract.
The sales pitch sounds fantastic!
Many contracts are sold based on a premium bonus feature and guaranteed high annual interest rates that sound fabulous in today’s low interest rate environment.
Additionally, the owner can elect to start taking the guaranteed income stream for life at any time after the contract is purchased. Continue reading
Purchasing annuities is a good way for married couples to protect assets, but doing it wrong could mean huge penalties. Here is what you need to know about annuities as it relates to Medicaid planning in Connecticut:
If your spouse is residing in a nursing home or is in need of home care, chances are you’ve read our blogs about the ways to protect your assets and qualify your spouse for Medicaid benefits. But not all strategies apply to all couples. Continue reading
Transfers of assets generally raise a red flag when it comes to applying for Medicaid. They can trigger a penalty period, or a period of ineligibility. The good news is the Connecticut Department of Social Services (DSS) will allow certain types of Medicaid asset transfers.
For example, a family caregiver can be compensated for providing care to a loved one if the care they provide is necessary.
Make a caregiver agreement
The individual must demonstrate a functional need for assistance with one or more activities of daily living. The type of care provided must be spelled out in a caregiver agreement, and certain conditions must be met. We will discuss the conditions later in this post. Continue reading
The Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) and Supplemental Security Income (SSI) disability programs are the largest of several Federal programs that provide assistance to people with disabilities. While these two programs are different in many ways, both are administered by the Social Security Administration and only individuals who have a disability and meet medical criteria may qualify for benefits under either program.
SSDI pays benefits to you and certain members of your family if you are “insured,” meaning Continue reading
When we get to a certain age, we sometimes experience what is jokingly referred to as a “senior moment.” We forget a name, miss an appointment or overlook a bill.
But if forgetfulness or confusion starts to seriously interfere with daily life, it’s time seek medical help. The symptoms could point to Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia.
What are the warning signs?
How can you tell if someone in your life is more than just a little forgetful and needs a medical evaluation? The Alzheimer’s Association lists these 10 early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s: Continue reading
Connecticut Estate Planning Attorneys Blog
By Lynda Lee Arnold