Independent Living. Assisted Living. Nursing Home. What do these terms mean? How are they different from each other? And which one is right for you? Take a look here to learn what each one is all about. Independent Living Maybe you’re starting to think that a little more help would…
Note: For additional information on conservatorship, please read our introductory post, What Is a Conservatorship? and the follow up, Applying for Conservatorship in Connecticut. Deciding to conserve a loved one is a complex and sometimes painful process. You want the best care and quality of life for the people you…
There are few planning tasks more daunting than applying for Medicaid. The process is intimidating and can quickly become overwhelming, not merely because it’s complicated but also because it opens up a Pandora’s Box of legally nuanced questions and concerns. This is not a task anyone can afford to botch,…
Note: For introductory information on conservatorship, please read our initial post, What Is a Conservatorship? While all of us wish that our loved ones might remain indefinitely self-sufficient and be able to live their lives with dignity, many of us will face the difficult situation of a loved one who…
Assets count when it comes to qualifying for Medicaid, but some assets related to your funeral expenses are excluded, and prepaying them is an acceptable way to spend down your assets to qualify for Medicaid, or Title XIX. Specifically, here’s what the State of Connecticut allows: Irrevocable Funeral Trust or…
By Lara Schneider-Bomzer The Connecticut Supreme Court decision, Pikula v. Department of Social Services, established clear guidelines for determining if a trust should be considered a “supplemental needs trust” or a “general support trust.” In general, assets held in a supplemental needs trust are considered unavailable in determining Medicaid eligibility…
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…
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…
By Carmine Perri If you or your loved one is in a nursing home, you need to know your rights! Once you understand what they are, you can better stand up for them. Just as you are protected in your own home by a set of laws, residents of nursing…
So many of our clients ask this same question: How do I find the right caregivers for my loved one? We asked a geriatric care manager to weigh in. Here’s what she said: “There’s a lot you need to know about hiring caregivers. You can’t always be there yourself, but…