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"Medicare has protections in place to make sure that your OOP costs don’t get out of hand. They’re in the form of a little category in your plan called MOOP."
"People who own savings bonds often ask about how the bonds affect income taxes, the administration of their estate, and public benefits for long-term care."
"There are many things that can be done to improve your balance and squash your fear of falling."
Whether they’re concerned with affording retirement or love their job, Americans are working later in life. In fact, the percentage of older a…
The power of words is the bread and butter of professionals who work in fields such as marketing or translation. Would you rather purchase a h…
"If you're wondering if custom foot orthotics help foot pain, the quick answer is absolutely yes! However, custom foot orthotics are not a magic cure-all."
"While a sense of discomfort about death may prevent some people from considering funeral pre-planning, concerns about the cost may be a deterrent to others."
"Pre-planning allows for decisions to be made without the stress of grief and with plenty of time to consider choices."
I’ve had many patients over the years say they’ve tried “everything” from new shoes to over-the-counter insets, but nothing helps their foot pain.
The latest installment of an elder care journey looks at finances and payments ahead of a parent's death.
"Reading about Bill and Sue’s experiences gives good insight about not only the challenges that regularly occur along an elder care journey, but also what little-known tools and opportunities are sometimes available."
If you’re trying to figure out why you’re getting headaches so often, there could be many potential answers.
Initiating a conversation with an older driver about his/her driving safety can create feelings of dread for family members.
According to AAA, a typical driver makes 20 decisions per mile and has less than half of a second to respond to changes in the road.
"Often, pain/numbness in the arm and hand is a result of something gone awry at your neck, even if you have no neck pain."
"Age alone cannot be used to determine one’s fitness to drive, since the ability to drive safely is dependent upon cognitive and physical skills, which vary greatly among older adults."
Is it time to step in and take a more active role in your parents’ daily lives?
If you’re asking yourself if custom foot orthotics are worth the cost, the short answer is yes, absolutely.
"There is something like fast food when it comes to legal planning for yourself and your family. There are shortcuts that are convenient but come with undesirable consequences."
This week's column contains a summary of residential care options.
One of the more common causes of low back pain that is present with standing and walking is related to the bones of the pelvis being out of alignment.
When it comes to care at home, services for individuals living at home differ in scope and cost.
The National Council on Aging estimates that 1 out of every 10 Americans aged 60 or over has experienced some type of abuse.
"Seeing your physical therapist first saves you time because most primary care and specialty physician offices are over-booked with patients. Because of this, many people have to wait weeks or months to get an appointment."
"The abuse and neglect of older adults and adults with disabilities are complex topics that have been gaining increasing awareness, especially since the 1970s."
"Often I get this question: 'When is the right time to ..?"
"As you sit for prolonged periods in front of the TV, in front of books studying, at your computer or at a job that involves mostly sitting, there is a lot of stress on the muscles that support your spine and head."
"If accumulating money is not a child’s primary point of focus, a parent who is concerned about future management of family wealth should plan accordingly without necessarily casting a negative judgment on that child."
"The travel industry is optimistic that vaxications will lead to the recovery of their industry as business and conference travel continues to lag."
"Believe it or not, there are many, many people who experience pain when they are at rest, getting out of bed in the morning, changing positions and while coughing/sneezing."
"If Elder Law Month doesn’t sound relevant or interesting to you, consider a statistic from Genworth that seven out of 10 people will need long-term care services at some point during their lifetime."
"As we turn the calendar to May and highlight 'Older Americans Month,' older adults in our society continue to battle the stigma of ageism."
"You can use the best orthotic in the world and it will not help if the soft tissue tightness and irritation are not addressed first."
"Before you decide to put your home in an irrevocable trust, it is important to have a basic understanding of what you are doing and why."
"After a year in which the news constantly focused on certain health care decisions, some may wonder whether it’s necessary to recognize National Health Care Decisions Day on April 16."
"Given the encouraging data from vaccinated people, and the threat from COVID variants, it is a good time to get off the fence and get vaccinated."
If you’re struggling with heel and arch pain that is ruining your life, thankfully, there is something that can be done to resolve this common…
"For many families during economically challenging times, the lines between ownership of parents’ and their children’s resources become blurred."
"Many families call us when a parent experiences a crisis and can no longer safely reside in the family home. For various reasons, these adult children are often unaware of their parents’ financial resources."
"If you were diagnosed with COVID-19 months ago but still feel tired, achy and weak, the good news is that physical therapy can help resolve these issues."
"SSI is sometimes confused with the benefit we will cover today, which is Social Security Disability Insurance, or SSDI."
"The government provides a couple of different income benefits for children and adults who are disabled. These benefits are available through the Social Security Administration (SSA)."
"I wanted you to hear from one of the patients from our Cardin and Miller family about her experience as she rehabbed from a leg fracture."
It has been a year since the first two confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Pennsylvania were announced by Gov. Tom Wolf. This led to his order to c…
"What would happen to your pets if you suddenly became unable to care for them, or even make decisions about their care?"
"Tired, achy feet can certainly be a real annoyance - and worse yet, can keep you from being able to perform your best at your job, as well as keep you from being able to walk, exercise, golf or just outright keep you from enjoying life."
"The Humane Society of the United States estimates that 50 percent of U.S. households have at least one dog and 34 percent have at least one cat."
"Despite a general understanding about the purposes of a will many adults have not completed this basic form of planning."
If you’re wondering whether a knee brace can keep you from having a knee replacement, the answer is yes—if it is a specific type of brace.
"The real irony in all of this is that the most effective way to be a wise control freak is to plan ahead and create foundational legal documents before a crisis occurs."
"Perhaps the greatest mistaken fear that we hear is that 'they' will take the home of a person who qualifies for Medicaid to pay for nursing care."
"Physical therapists are trained to find the root cause of your back pain and resolve it, which leads to long-term, lasting relief."
"As grandparents think about their legacy and the ways they can show love and support even after their own lives end, it is important to consider the pros and cons of legal arrangements to give gifts to grandchildren."
"Hope for your future involves having a vision, feeling empowered to reach the vision, and actively pursuing the vision."
"In fact, it can be very helpful in determining the cause of foot, knee, hip and back pain, as well as resolving it."
How you approach this fresh start can make a significant difference in the course of the year ahead, and every year after that.
"Whether you have 10 years or 30 years remaining, here are things you should make it a point to do in 2021, especially if you have not done so recently."
"Initially, this pain begins as soreness in the forearm and/or elbow. However, if it is left untreated, it can lead to significant pain, which is present every time you try to grip, pick up or hold objects."
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hoffman Funeral Home & Crematory is committed to supporting and assisting you in exploring your options so y…
"As with Santa’s sleigh of presents, there is no limit to the source from which gifts of love, hope and faith are supplied to be given freely."
"Holiday festivities may intensify feelings of sadness and loneliness, especially if this is the first year without a beloved family member or friend."
With the new "shutdown" order once again, blanketing the state of Pennsylvania to stop the spread of the coronavirus, you may feel that you “just have to suffer with your neck and arm pain.”
"When one spouse realizes that the other is in a state of decline, there are a few first steps that should be considered."
"Many people suffer from mental health conditions throughout the year. As people age, the detection and treatment of mental health conditions becomes more complicated."
"I first try to make it clear to the patient ... that it is not the shoes or over-the-counter orthotics that are necessarily the problem - it’s their feet."
This year has provided all of us with a greater appreciation for the presence of loved ones in our lives, familiar routines and financial stability. These aspects may regularly require adjustment for family caregivers.
Handling the death of a loved one is never an easy task. We've put together some of the important information you'll need to make the initial …
"It is critical that parents and grandparents give careful thought to any gift of money or bequest in an estate plan when the recipient has special needs. For many disabled loved ones, public benefits will be disrupted by a direct gift of money."
Any time pain somewhere in your body is keeping you from getting sleep, it’s time to take action.
Cognitive impairment, whether the result of dementia, stroke or a traumatic brain injury, complicates the grief process in several ways.
"The responses and overall effects of these losses vary from individual to individual, however a common denominator in all situations of loss is grief."
Worsening balance happens to many people as they age, but there is something you can do about it before it gets to the point where you fall and risk injury.
This week’s article will explain why the best option for the family home is usually to sell it soon after it has become empty because the parent is receiving long-term care in a skilled nursing home.
This week, we will explore options for when the parents want multiple children to benefit from the family home.
Tight muscles, weak muscles and poor joint mechanics can also cause knee joint pain and are often present in conjunction with arthritis.
This is the first of a three-part series to review options of how to transfer the family home from one generation to the next.
Rest is often an elusive concept for caregivers.
The wonderful thing about technology is that it can bring people together from all over the globe to make it easier for you to find informatio…
If you’re looking at physical therapy as a way to help you with back, the short answer is that it will absolutely help. We help people with al…
Over the last two decades, persons over the age of 65 have demonstrated by far the greatest rate of participation in voting among all voter ag…
In some ways I feel like Yogi Berra, the quotable Yankee catcher and Hall-of-Famer, having “deja vu all over again” as I begin this re-introdu…
This week the Pennsylvania Department of Aging released a study of financial exploitation of older adults.
Intense pain in the “balls” of your feet and numbness in your toes can be annoying issues with which to deal, but thankfully, there is somethi…
The first time I seriously thought about donating my body to science after death was when my parents finalized their estate plans and appointe…
Over the years, our firm’s interactions with older adults indicate that the majority would prefer to remain in their own home, even though they may not fully understand the implications of "aging in place."
If you have heel and arch pain while you run that is ruining your life, thankfully, this is a common issue that many people have and there is …
Deciding what to do with the remains of a loved one can be a touchy subject, especially if the deceased’s only stated preference was to say “n…
"Before we prepare the foundational documents, I ask our clients this: 'If you get the care you need, and it is clear that there could be money left over, do you want that money to go to a nursing home, the government or your children?'
In my practice, I’ve seen many patients with neck pain who have tried shots, pills, rest and chiropractic treatment with no benefit. The good …
This month we are celebrating 100 years of women’s suffrage. It took almost 100 years of struggle until women finally obtained the right to vo…
"I recommend 'Social Security Basics' by Devin Carroll. Written clearly in a well-organized layout of less than 100 pages of '9 Essentials That Everyone Should Know,' I wish my wife and I had read it before making a claim for her Social Security benefit."
You certainly do not have to just live with back pain, even if you have had it for months or years.
As a child, before video games and central air conditioning, I would sometimes complain to my mother: “There’s nothing to do!” Since in any se…
COVID-19 caught many of us by surprise ivn March. Who honestly imagined that COVID-19 restrictions would remain in effect for more than four months?
Many people have asked me if they can see a physical therapist without seeing their doctor. It’s a great question, and the answer is yes.
"Viewing grief and mourning as a problem diminishes the value of this natural process, which helps us adapt to the pain of loss."
"While few in the United States would question the value of the ability to chart one’s own course in life, self-determination must also recognize that people may make decisions that do not appear to be in their own best interests."
But fear not, because this is quite common, and there is a good explanation for it.
How far may individual expectations of confidentiality be compromised to enable public health authorities to track those who have been exposed to COVID-19?
No one who uses credit cards, has a Social Security number or shares information on social media is entirely immune from scammers or identity …
A client asked me “why do I feel like I’m losing my balance the older I get?”
"Society has minimally invested to protect the lives of older people in nursing homes; and families are denied access to visit nursing home residents who await their certain death."
"They have not allowed a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease to dampen their enthusiasm for life."
If you can’t do anything without annoying neck pain and headaches, you are not alone. This happens to many people, but the great news is it ca…
"They have not allowed a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease to dampen their enthusiasm for life."
"A knee brace can keep you from having a knee replacement, if it is a specific type of brace."
If you want to experience the journey from the beginning, you may read the first four parts of the story here: https://keystoneelderlaw.com/el…
"The lawyer explained that, generally, gifts between parents and children would violate the Medicaid rules and could result in financial hardship for the family."
"Bill was curious why Regal would not have told him about the ability to obtain Medicaid, but instead told him that he would need to pay $375 per day for care."
Hip pain really can get in the way of living life.
"If either Bill or Sue would die while the other spouse was in a long-term care facility, their present wills would expose their life savings to the cost of care for the surviving spouse, and no funds would remain for their children."
For the next five weeks, this column will tell the story of how an array of our elder care law services helped one family over four years.
The death of a loved one comes with grief that is compounded by the stress of end-stage medical decisions and planning a funeral.
Are you one of the 92% of Americans who believe that discussions regarding end-of-life issues are important?
With the “stay-at-home” order blanketing the state of Pennsylvania to stop the spread of the coronavirus, you may feel that you “just have to …
During Monday evening’s daily COVID-19 briefing, Vice President Mike Pence said that “this will be a week of heartache and hope.” By the grace…
The reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA) was quietly signed into law by President Donald Trump last week.
Given the global pandemic we are all experiencing, it is understandable that you are hesitant to go to urgent care, the hospital or your docto…
I heard a news story on the radio recently about an emergency room doctor who woke up in a cold sweat thinking about how long it had been sinc…
Having a parent or other loved one in a nursing home or personal care facility can stir up many difficult emotions.
I realized that instead of critiquing the response of our political leaders or judging what other organizations could and should do, it is now time for our organization to take decisive steps.
Trusts are commonly misunderstood, especially when it comes to protection from creditors.
There are many reasons why the lower back may hurt after a knee or hip replacement.
Older adults are prime targets for fraud and scams for a variety of reasons. For example, they may be lonely and more willing to speak with st…
Valentine’s Day is now in our rear view mirror, but expressions of love are continually evident in the lives of family caregivers of older adults.
If you have pain in your feet, back, neck, shoulder, knees or some other joint or muscle in your body, whom should you contact first? Your phy…
Aging, although often defined by stereotypes, has an individual look and feel for every person. The changing demographics of American society …
The Democratic candidates for president in 2020 have presented various suggestions for improving Medicare policy. Here’s where they stand.
Many people question what options they have when it comes to knee pain that makes them limp or makes stairs difficult.
The beginning of state primaries/caucuses kicks off in Iowa on Monday. As the Democratic candidates continue to tout their agendas and seek vo…
You have known for a while that every responsible adult should have an estate plan. Determined not to leave your family with burdensome court …
Painful, achy feet is a pretty common issue with which many people suffer. Thankfully, this is definitely something that can get better with t…
When you were in elementary school, did you groan in despair when the teacher gave an assignment to write a report? Perhaps a specific topic w…
Aging care in the community for those who require some assistance with everyday tasks is available through a number of different venues. The t…
What is the benefit of seeing a physical therapist as a first line of defense?
New Year’s Day is a natural time to reflect upon our lives, to revise previous goals and to establish new ones. We remember our experiences an…
If you used the online Medicare Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov to help you choose a Medicare health or drug plan for 2020, you may end up with higher than expected costs.
Many people begin to notice in their 60s, 70s and beyond that (what seems like suddenly) their balance seems to be deteriorating. Along with t…
“It’s A Wonderful Life” is one of America’s classic holiday films.
Who wouldn’t want to avoid shoulder surgery?
Voice assistant technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, and the question naturally arises as to how this technology can be used to he…
Individuals who are receiving Medicare coverage for rehabilitation that is provided in a nursing home setting may not always understand polici…
When it comes to the secret to living with less back pain, we have been asked this very question many times.
Thoughts about a possible need for nursing home care are intimidating to many older adults. Nursing homes become the last resort when all opti…
In our society, the term “caregiver” has been traditionally associated with the role of women. As our older population continues to expand, th…
Is your neck stiffness keeping you from turning your head to drive or sleeping through the night?
Your older adult family member living “independently” at home could benefit from some assistance such as companionship, housekeeping services,…
Have you ever been confused by an Explanation of Benefits statement from your health insurance company? Between premiums, deductibles, coinsur…
We walk from here to there and everywhere we need, we walk for exercise, walk the golf course or just walk in our yard without giving it a sec…
Every 65 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer ’s disease. One in three older adults will die with Alzheimer’s disease, acc…
Natural changes in an individual’s physical and cognitive state occur as a result of aging.
If you’re looking at getting a knee brace to keep you from having a knee replacement, it is possible it could help, if it is a specific type o…
Medical Assistance (MA) services that are provided in Pennsylvania will be undergoing a change beginning in January of 2020.
It is important for aging persons to understand annuities.
If you are about 60 years old or older, it’s likely that you have noticed that your balance and coordination while you are walking or doing ev…
Many times when the Keystone Elder Law phone rings off the hook with unusual calls, the question is asked. “Is it a full moon?”
The role of nutrition and hydration at the end of life can be a controversial issue for many people.
Have you ever had pain in your back, knee or some other muscle or joint in your body? Like most folks, you probably thought to yourself “I’ll …
This column examines two additional areas of need identified by the National Institute on Aging; practical tasks and physical condition.
Fear, anger and inadequacy are some common feelings we experience when we must deal with our own or a family member’s mortality.
When it comes to hip pain that keeps someone from walking without a limp or walking up or down the stairs, it is unfortunately a common occurrence.
Death and dying are not common topics of family conversation in American culture. Even when a loved one is critically ill, many families strug…
*Editor’s Note: This column originally ran in February 2016.
When it comes to getting rid of back pain, you can absolutely do it without shots, pills or surgery. In fact, the majority of people can get r…
Last week’s column introduced the concept of frailty and its relationship to aging in place. While frailty can be present at any age, it is mo…
Aging in place, or an individual’s desire to live in a location of choice for as long as possible, is currently a popular concept among older …
Isn’t it interesting that we don’t realize how much we need our arm and shoulder until we can’t lift a coffee cup from the cupboard, put on a …
Does where you live affect your health? Environmental factors such as water and air quality may immediately come to mind, but additional commu…
Last week’s column discussed Advance Care Directives for end stage medical treatment. The directive prepares for the possibility that a person…
If you’ve noticed your balance is not so good and you’re afraid you’re going to fall, you are certainly not alone—and most people notice a dec…
This is the second of a series of articles on end-of-life care, and a revision of an article that was first published almost exactly six years ago.
This article is the first of a series that will discuss the status of physician-assisted death legislation, the importance of legal documents …
Most people would agree that planning ahead for a significant life event makes sense. Preparation increases the likelihood that we will obtain…
In recent years, the mistreatment of older adults has received increased attention from the government, professionals who work with this popul…
If you’re asking yourself, what options do I have besides surgery, pills or shots for my knee pain that makes me limp and makes stairs difficu…
Older adults are prime targets for scammers for a variety of reasons. For example, they may be lonely and more willing to speak with strangers…
Does the thought of aging create a feeling of uncertainty with regard to “What’s next?”
If you’re wondering why your heel/arch hurts after rest but gets better with walking, that’s a good question. You would think it would be the …
When a friend of mine reached age 60, he began to fill notebooks with questions and ideas about his retirement.
An Irrevocable Funeral Trust (IFT) is a useful tool for people who are facing the high cost of skilled nursing care.
There are several reasons why you may feel low back pain when standing and walking, which may cause you to limp, keep you from performing stai…
As we observe Elder Law Month in May, it seems appropriate to share some common misunderstandings or myths about long-term care.
May is Elder Law Month, according to the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).
There are a number of factors that contribute to jaw pain while eating, yawning or simply opening your mouth.
Note: Medicaid regulations vary from state to state. This information is based on regulations in Pennsylvania.
Planning for post-acute care following the hospitalization of an older adult can be confusing. Some of the challenges that families experience…
While there are multiple causes for dizziness, such as medications, heart problems, fatigue, migraines or dehydration, one of the most common …
When an older adult has been hospitalized and follow-up care is needed after discharge, families are often bewildered by how to locate, access…
Spring is a season of renewal for most of us. But for some whose time and attention is focused on the needs of an increasingly frail older per…
Are my flat feet causing my foot pain?