What is Elder Care Law and Is It Different From Elder Law?

As our population ages, legal issues surrounding the care and rights of older adults have become increasingly important. Two terms often encountered in this realm are “Elder Care Law” and “Elder Law.”  These terms are closely related and are often times used interchangeably. An Overview Elder Law primarily focuses on the legal issues that arise… Read More »

How Do I Get An Elderly Relative Declared Mentally Incompetent?

In Massachusetts, declaring an elderly relative mentally incompetent involves a legal process designed to protect their rights while ensuring their safety and well-being. Here are the steps to follow: Declaring an elderly relative mentally incompetent is a significant step that should only be taken after careful consideration and only if it is in the best… Read More »

Aging in Place in Massachusetts — How to Support Your Elderly Relatives 

As our loved ones age, the desire to age in place—remaining in their own homes for as long as possible—becomes increasingly important. In Massachusetts, resources and strategies are available to help elderly relatives maintain their independence and quality of life while staying in familiar surroundings. Today, we will examine how you can support your elderly… Read More »

Massachusetts Senior Guardianship Reforms

Guardianship is a crucial legal mechanism designed to protect the welfare of vulnerable seniorswho may no longer be capable of making their own decisions due to incapacitation.Massachusetts has recently witnessed significant reforms to its guardianship laws, aiming toenhance the protection of its elderly population. Guardianship in Massachusetts: An Overview Guardianship is a legal process that… Read More »

Navigating Probate: Avoiding Common Pitfalls

Introduction Probate is a legal process that ensures the orderly distribution of a deceased person’s assets and settlement of their debts.  While it’s designed to be a structured and fair system, common probate pitfalls can complicate matters for heirs and executors alike.  In this article, we’ll explore some of these challenges and offer insights on… Read More »

What Are the Three Stages of Dementia?

A dementia diagnosis might look different from one person to another, including the progression to various stages. There are three primary stages of Alzheimer’s and this is important for you as a family member to recognize the early signs and symptoms and to understand the value of incorporating appropriate estate planning when you can. The… Read More »

What Does a Medicaid Planner Do?

Qualifying for Medicaid is a very complicated prospect. Although Medicaid is a federal program, it is administered at the state level. There might also be different programs within each state and the application and review process is time-consuming. Mistakes made on a Medicaid application or the failure to plan in advance regarding Medicaid qualification can… Read More »

Medicare, MassHealth, And Planning For Long-Term Care

Many people are confused about the difference between Medicare and MassHealth as it pertains to the challenge of paying for expensive long-term care. This is not surprising. The two programs sound similar and both provide for medical care.  Let’s start with a brief definition of each program. Medicare is an entitlement program. Everyone who reaches… Read More »