Long-term Care Planning

October 16, 2019

Senior Living Options: Cracking the Code

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 make life easier. You’re still living in the two-story house you raised your kids in. Maybe your spouse is gone, or maybe not, living is just getting to be too much.

Your daughter wonders aloud if you’d be happier in a retirement community where everything is Continue reading

September 4, 2019

2 Ways to Prepay Your Funeral Expenses and Qualify for Medicaid Faster

by Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri LLC

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 Contract

You can prepay up to $10,000 for an irrevocable funeral trust, also called an irrevocable funeral contract. This covers basic service charges, funeral services, preparation of remains, vehicles, etc. Keep in mind that this type of contract cannot be canceled or cashed in. It can only be transferred to another licensed funeral home. Continue reading

June 18, 2019

10 Signs of Alzheimer’s

by Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri LLC

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

May 27, 2019

Prepaid Funeral Contracts and Medicaid: Good News

by Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri LLC

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.

The standard amount allowed by the the state of Connecticut for a prepaid irrevocable funeral service contract is $10,000.

May 15, 2019

Nursing Home Resident Rights: Know Them, Stand Up for Them

by Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri LLC

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 homes are protected by a Code of Federal Regulations. The “Code” ensures that residents’ right are promoted and protected.

Unfortunately, there are times when this does not happen. And when this is the case, you need to make your voice heard.

But first, you must know your rights. Take a look below at some key resident rights that are often challenged. And let us know if you think they are being violated, we can help you. Continue reading

April 26, 2018

What is the Connecticut MOLST Form?

by Czepiga Daly Pope & Perri LLC

By Lynda Lee Arnold

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.

Whether you are concerned about ensuring that your own care goes as you intend, or want to protect and respect the wishes of a loved one, there is a relatively new type of medical form – the Connecticut MOLST form – that may help provide some peace of mind.