Can I Give My Kids $19,000 a Year and Apply for Medicaid?
If you have it to give, you certainly can, but there may be consequences should you apply for Medicaid long-term care coverage within five years after each gift.
How Mental Health Apps Can Help Older Adults
Takeaways
Mental health apps are becoming a more common way to support emotional well-being, especially for older adults facing issues like loneliness or chronic illness.
These apps offer various tools, including mood tracking, guided activities, educational resources, and social connection options.
Mental health…
Investigation Uncovers Food Insecurity in Nursing Homes
Takeaways
A recent investigation found many nursing homes spend less than $10 per day on food per resident, raising concerns about malnutrition and food quality.
There has been an increase in food-related sanctions, dietary complaints, and disease outbreaks in nursing homes.
Residents report…
How Older Adults Can Stay Safe During Heat Waves
Takeaways
Older adults are particularly susceptible to heat-related illnesses due to chronic conditions, medications, and physiological changes, making it crucial for them and their caregivers to recognize symptoms of overheating.
Preventative measures such as staying in air-conditioned environments, staying hydrated, and seeking…
Why is Social Security Retirement Age Is Now 67?
Takeaways
Full Social Security Retirement Age (FRA) is 67 for those born in 1960 or later, not 65 as it once was, due to legislation adjusting for increased life expectancy.
Claiming Social Security benefits before FRA results in permanently reduced monthly payments.
Your…
How to Protect Yourself from the Social Security Phishing Scam
Takeaways
A new phishing attack is targeting Social Security recipients with email messages pretending to be from the Social Security Administration (SSA), prompting them to download fake Social Security statements.
These malicious downloads give hackers access to sensitive personal information, including bank…
Assisted Living Facility Eviction: What Residents and Families Should Know
Takeaways
Assisted living facilities (ALFs) often evict or refuse to admit Medicaid-eligible individuals. Unlike nursing homes, ALFs are not subject to federal rules protecting residents from involuntary discharge.
Residents facing eviction from an ALF should consult with a local elder law attorney.
Every…
Legal Planning for Parkinson’s Disease: What You Need to Know
Takeaways
Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder caused by the death of dopamine-producing nerve cells in the brain.
Symptoms of PD include tremors, slowness of movement, limb rigidity, and gait and balance problems.
What Is Parkinson’s Disease?
Parkinson’s is a movement disorder…
Generation Gaps Among Americans in Retirement Planning
Takeaways
Retirement planning confidence varies significantly across generations, influenced by economic factors and unique challenges.
Current retirees advise paying down debt, beginning to save early, and utilizing employer-sponsored plans for successful retirement.
Adapting to changing financial realities and seeking professional advice from financial…
Congress Considering Full Repeal of Estate Tax
Takeaways
Republicans are pushing to repeal the federal estate tax, which they call the “death tax,” arguing it burdens family businesses and farms. Democrats contend it is a key tool for reducing wealth concentration.
The tax currently applies to a small percentage…
