Here at O’Connell Law, we always seek to provide the very best in service and support to our estate planning, elder law, elder care, Massachusetts Medicaid and Veteran Benefits clientele. We hope this centralized resource for estate planning, Alzheimer’s planning, and other long-term planning will provide you with helpful tips, tools, information, and resources to aid you as you navigate your area of future planning needs. As always, feel free to contact us if you have any questions or if we can be of assistance.
~ The O’Connell Team
Alzheimer’s/Dementia
Helping Disoriented Older Adults during the COVID-19 Quarantine
Alzheimer’s and related Dementias Education and Referral Center (ADEAR)
The ADEAR Center is a service of the National Institute on Aging (NIA), one of the Federal Government’s National Institutes of Health and part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The NIA conducts and supports research about health issues for older people, and is the primary Federal agency for Alzheimer’s disease research.
As a public, U.S. Government-funded resource, the ADEAR Center strives to be a current, comprehensive, unbiased source of information about Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias. All our information and materials about the search for causes, treatment, cures, and better diagnostic tools are carefully researched and thoroughly reviewed by NIA scientists and health communicators for accuracy and integrity.
Phone: (800) 438-4380
Alzheimer’s Association
Worldwide, 50 million people are living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Alzheimer’s disease is a degenerative brain disease and the most common form of dementia. Dementia is not a specific disease. It’s an overall term that describes a group of symptoms.
Hotline: (800) 272-3900
POPULAR RESOURCES
We offer many tools and resources for people with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers, professionals and the general public. Check out:
What Is Dementia?
Warning Signs and Symptoms
Interactive Brain Tour
Alzheimer’s & Dementia Caregiver Center
Alzheimer’s Stages & Behaviors
Alzheimer’s Navigator
Treatment Horizon
PROGRAMS & SERVICES
When Alzheimer’s touches your life, we’re here for you.
24/7 helpline number
Support groups
Message boards
Your local chapter
Find a clinical trial
Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA)
The mission of the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) is to provide support, services and education to individuals, families and caregivers affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias nationwide, and fund research for better treatment and a cure.
Hotline: (866) 232-8484
Dementia Society of America
Dementia Society of America® (DSA) is the nation’s leading volunteer-driven all-Dementias awareness organization. DSA provides an information hotline (1-800-DEMENTIA™), many online resources and an easy-to-use, web-based locator, which can assist families and individuals in finding valuable support near to them.
Hotline: 1-800-DEMENTIA (1-800-336-3684)
ACTIVITIES
Elder Law
AARP
AARP (formerly known as the American Association of Retired Persons) is a nonprofit membership organization dedicated to addressing the needs and interests of persons 50 years and older. Through information and education, advocacy and service, they seek to enhance the quality of life for all by promoting independence, dignity, and purpose.
Toll-Free Nationwide: 1-888-OUR-AARP (888) 687-2277
AARP’s Questions to Ask When Picking a Nursing Home
Administration on Aging (AoA)
Administration on Aging Information on Older Persons and Services for the Elderly. Administration on Aging (AoA) “Elder Page” site contains many resources for the elderly that can be useful for attorneys as well. There is a large nationwide searchable directory of 230 national and local agencies, health associations, and organizations. There is a large compilation of general and statistical materials on-line.
Administration for Community Living: (202) 401-4634
Eldercare Locator (to find local resources): (800) 677-1116
AgingInPlace
Aging-In-Place connects seniors, families, and caretakers with the information and professional support they need to make the best decision for their physical, emotional, and financial well being. Our resources and network of experts help ensure your home evolves to best accommodate your changing budget, mobility, and health.
Phone: (877) 664-6140
Aging Life Care Association
This organization and the one that follows, provide assistance with the issues faced by many elders, their caregivers and their families.
Phone: (520) 881-8008
Aging Service Access Points (ASAPs)
Aging Services Access Points, commonly referred to as ASAPs, are private, non-profit, state-designated agencies under contract with the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs to provide seniors and caregivers with access to a variety of programs and services.
Phone:1-800-AGE-INFO (800) 243-4636
American Society on Aging
The American Society on Aging’s (ASA) members comprise of the largest multidisciplinary national community of professionals working with and on behalf of older people. The membership includes representatives of the public and private sectors, service providers, researchers, educators, advocates, health, allied health, social service, managed care and long-term care and mental health professionals, students and the retired, policy makers and planners. For over 40 years, the American Society on Aging has been an active and effective resource for professional in aging and aging-related fields who want to enhance their ability to promote the well-being of aging people and their families.
Phone: (800) 537-9728
Deferral of Property Taxes
Measured by the size of financial relief, the largest property tax relief program for adults age 65+ is the option of deferring payment of property taxes. A deferral allows adults to use resources that would go to pay taxes for other important living expenses such as health care costs, energy costs, home maintenance, and buying fresh fruits and vegetables. It is a safe and easy way to free up some of your income to pay for other important bills.
Eldercare Locator
The Eldercare Locator is a nationwide service that connects older Americans and their caregivers with trustworthy local support resources. Since 1991, the Eldercare Locator has been linking those who need assistance with state and local agencies on aging, as well as community-based organizations that serve older adults and their caregivers. Whether help is needed with services such as meals, home care or transportation, or a caregiver needs training and education or a well-deserved break from caregiving responsibilities, the Eldercare Locator is there to point that person in the right direction.
The Eldercare Locator is a public service of the Administration on Aging (AoA), an agency of the U.S. Administration for Community Living.
Phone: (800) 677-1116
FINDS
Family & Individual Needs for Disability Supports, or FINDS, Community Report 2017. The purpose of FINDS is to understand the experiences of families who provide supports to a family member with IDD (intellectual or other developmental disabilities). An estimated 43.5 million people provide support to a family member who is aging or who has a disability (National Alliance for Caregiving, 2015). Important questions exist about families who provide such support:
- What are the challenges families face meeting the support needs of their family member?
- What are the economic implications of caregiving?
- How does caregiving affect caregivers and what supports do they need?
Better understanding the experiences and needs of caregivers can help policy makers and other support caregivers in this important role.
To review the findings of this report click here
Healthcare.gov
Healthcare.gov is a federal government website managed by the U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and is the official website for the Health Insurance Marketplace. Visit Healthcare.gov to learn more about the new health care law, benefits, and how to choose the right health insurance plan.
Phone: (800) 318-2596
Identity Theft Guide for Seniors
Massachusetts Council on Aging
Councils on Aging aren’t just places for “old” people, they are a wealth of resources for anyone over the age of 60. From the SHINE benefits program, to healthy lifestyles, walking groups and exercise classes, knitting, painting – you name it – your Council on Aging and/or local Senior Center is the place to be. It’s a family atmosphere that’s welcoming to all.
Phone: (413) 527-6425
Meals on Wheels
Meals on Wheels America is the leadership organization supporting the more than 5,000 community-based programs across the country that are dedicated to addressing senior isolation and hunger. This network serves virtually every community in America and, along with more than two million staff and volunteers, delivers the nutritious meals, friendly visits and safety checks that enable America’s seniors to live nourished lives with independence and dignity. By providing funding, leadership, education, research and advocacy support, Meals on Wheels America empowers its local member programs to strengthen their communities, one senior at a time.
Phone: (888) 998-6325
Medicare
The federal government’s Medicare website includes specifics about Medicare, nursing home information and comparisons, and links to evaluate Medicare D prescription insurance options.
Phone: (800) 633-4227; TTY/TDD: (877) 486-2048
Medicare “What’s covered” App
Not sure if Medicare will cover your medical test or service? Medicare’s free “What’s covered” app delivers accurate cost and coverage information right on your smartphone. Now you can quickly see whether Medicare covers your service in the doctor’s office, the hospital, or anywhere else you use your phone.
Download: Apple App Store | Google Play
Medicare | Nursing Home Compare
Nursing Home Compare has detailed information about every Medicare and Medicaid-certified nursing home in the country. A nursing home is a place for people who can’t be cared for at home and need 24-hour nursing care.
Medicare Rights Center
Medicare Rights Center (MRC) is the largest independent source of health care information and assistance in the United States for people with Medicare. Founded in 1989, MRC helps older adults and people with disabilities get good, affordable health care. MRC’s website contains information about Medicare benefits, options and changes, examples of interesting cases we have dealt with, and resources for getting involved in our consumer advocacy work. The site also contains updated information for consumers about the upcoming changes in Medicare and how those will affect their health coverage.
National Helpline: (800) 333-4114
National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA)
The National Adult Day Services Association (NADSA) is the leading voice of the rapidly growing Adult Day Services (ADS) industry and the national focal point for ADS providers. Our members include adult day center providers, associations of providers, corporations, educators, students, retired workers and others interested in working to build better lives for adults in adult day programs every day. We are positively impacting the lives of participants, families, communities and our nation.
Phone: (877) 745-1440
National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM)
The National Association of Senior Move Managers (NASMM) is the leading membership organization for Senior Move Managers and, as such, is the best place for you to find one. NASMM is recognized for its innovative programs and expertise related to senior move management, transition and relocation issues affecting older adults.
- NASMM members specialize in helping older adults and their families with the daunting process of downsizing and moving to a new residence.
- NASMM members are experienced professionals, bound by a pledge of integrity, committed to safety and ethics, and dedicated to continuing professional development.
- NASMM members will move you expertly, compassionately, and affordably.
Phone: (877) 606-2766
National Council for Aging Care
National Council for Aging (NCOA) is a respected national leader and trusted partner to help people aged 60+ meet the challenges of aging. We partner with nonprofit organizations, government, and business to provide innovative community programs and services, online help, and advocacy.
Benefits check-up: click here
Phone: (571) 527-3900
National Family Caregivers Association
The National Family Caregivers Association offers services in the areas of information and education, support and validation, and public awareness and advocacy, toward the goal of minimizing the disparity between a caregiver’s quality of life and that of mainstream Americans.
Phone: (202) 454-3970
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
The National Institute on Aging is the leader in Aging Research. NIA, one of the 27 Institutes and Centers of NIH, leads a broad scientific effort to understand the nature of aging and to extend the healthy, active years of life. NIA is the primary Federal agency supporting and conducting Alzheimer’s disease research.
National Institutes of Health (NIH)
NIH is the steward of medical and behavioral research for the Nation. Its mission is to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and the application of that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability.
Aging line: (800) 222-2225
Massachusetts SHINE
Massachusetts’ SHIP program is called Serving Health Information Needs of Elders (SHINE). The SHINE program was founded in 1988 and has helped more than 400,000 Massachusetts seniors and disabled persons save money on their health care costs. The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs administers the program statewide, and the Central Massachusetts Association on Councils on Aging (COA) hosts programs in 63 cities and towns throughout Massachusetts.
SHINE resources
SHINE counselors are familiar with Massachusetts’ senior-care plans and are an excellent resource to help retirees and younger disabled Medicare beneficiaries maximize their Medicare coverage. They are community volunteers trained by the Massachusetts Office of Elder Affairs to provide unbiased and up-to-date health insurance information and advice.
Counselors can help you determine your best coverage options through Medicare or other health insurance coverage; and can help seniors keep Medicare bills in line by preventing unnecessary duplications in coverage. They also can help you fill out and process the often complex and lengthy claim forms and applications associated with Medicare and other insurance programs.
Other areas of health insurance information that SHINE counselors can provide to elders include:
- Medicare Part A and Part B
- Medicare Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
- Medicaid
- Retiree insurance programs
- Free hospital care
- Long-term health insurance options
- Prescription drug assistance programs
- Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI)
SHINE counselors are ready to assist you in navigating your Medicare coverage.
Contact a SHINE counselor
Call (800) Age-Info to contact a trained counselor who can answer your Medicare questions, as well as help you establish affordable medical insurance coverage to suit your needs and budget. Counselors also are at the ready to help you with your prescription drug plans and any other insurance-related issues you might have.
A complete list of SHINE member sites and their phone numbers can be found at www.seniorconnection.org/shine_list.htm or
visit www.seniorconnection.org for more information.
Estate Planning
ABLE National Resource Center
The ABLE National Resource Center (ANRC) is a collaborative whose supporters share the goal of accelerating the design and availability of ABLE accounts for the benefit of individuals with disabilities and their families. We bring together the investment, support and resources of the country’s largest and most influential national disability organizations. To learn more click here.
The ABLE National Resource Center is managed by National Disability Institute.
Phone: (202) 683-6094
Common Trusts and How They Help
Trusts can save everyone money, heartache, hassle, and time — and they can be much more effective than stand-alone wills in truly protecting your family and your assets. To learn more about common trusts and how they help: click here.
The Conversation Project
The Conversation Project’s goal is to help everyone talk about their wishes for care through the end of life, so those wishes can be understood and respected. They believe that the place for this to begin is at the kitchen table – not in the intensive care unit – with people who matter most to us, before it’s too late. Learn more about The Conversation Project.
Estate Planning Tools
You’re ready to tackle estate planning, but you’re not sure what “equipment” you need. Flounder no more. Here are nine essential estate-planning tools, along with details about what they do and why you need them. To learn more click here.
Registry of Deeds
This site will help you find the correct registry office to look up your deed by town.
Social Security Administration
The official website of the U.S. Social Security Administration.
If you have questions regarding an email, phone call, text message or other form of communication from someone claiming to work for the Social Security Administration, you can find out if it is legitimate by contacting any Social Security office or calling the agency’s toll-free number.
Toll-Free: (800) 772-1213
Financial Tools
Avoid Financial Scams
$avvy $eniors: How to Avoid Financial Scams
There has been an alarming increase of financial abuse against elders in the Commonwealth and throughout the United States. Financial exploitation of elders is all too common and unfortunately, it is only continuing to increase. The AGO is pleased to present you with this guide and urge you to read it closely and refer to it whenever necessary click here.
Fighting Fraud
Senate Aging Committee Identifies Top 10 Scams Targeting Our Nation’s Seniors click here.
Free Money?
Free money?! How to find and claim your family’s unclaimed funds. Unclaimed funds are accounts in financial institutions or companies that have had no activity generated or contact with the owner for a year or longer, most commonly in savings or checking accounts, stocks, uncashed dividends, security deposits, IRS refunds and more. To learn more and to access resources click here.
Veterans Benefits
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
This website is the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Access and manage your VA benefits and health care.
Phone: 1-844-MyVA311 (844) 698-2311
Veterans Administration’s Guide to Long Term Care
This website offers information for Veterans and caregivers/support persons about long-term care services and settings, links to helpful websites, decision aids, and personal stories that illustrate how to be involved in shared decisions about long term care. The Shared Decision Making aid is a useful tool in helping veterans, their families, and their support persons to decide how much assistance they need. Readers may also download a Caregiver Assessment form.
Phone: 1-844-MyVA311 (844) 698-2311
VA Welcome Kit
Are you aware of ALL the benefits and services you are eligible for? Whether you’re just getting out of the service or you’ve been a civilian for years now, the VA Welcome Kit can help guide you with step-by-step instructions to the benefits and services you’ve earned. Keep your welcome kit handy so you can turn to it throughout your life—like when it’s time to go to school, get a job, buy a house, get health care, retire, or make plans for your care as you age. Please share this resource with your friends and family.
Find a VA Facility Near You
VA Medical Centers, Benefits Offices, Vet Centers, Cemeteries, Community Care
Probate/Trust Administration
Massachusetts Trial Court Electronic Case Access
To find out if a probate has been filed you may go to the link below to research such information click here.
Organizations
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society is the nationwide community-based voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service. Their website contains valuable resources including prevention and risk factors, treatment methods, detection guidelines, and patient services that help cancer patients and their families.
Helpline: (800) 227-2345
American Heart Association
Someone dies from heart disease, stroke or another cardiovascular disease every 43 seconds in this country. They miss out on life’s precious moments. They leave behind a family and friends who loved them. Millions of people are at risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke.
Phone: 1-800-AHA-USA-1 (800) 242-8721
American Stroke Association
From humble beginnings, the AHA has grown into the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. A shared focus on cardiovascular health unites our more than 33 million volunteers and supporters as well as our more than 3,400 employees. Learn more about our impact over time.
Heart disease is the No. 1 killer worldwide, and stroke ranks second globally. Even when those conditions don’t result in death, they cause disability and diminish quality of life. We want to see a world free of cardiovascular diseases and stroke.
Phone: 1-888-4-STROKE (888) 478-7653
Arthritis Foundation
Over 50 million Americans have arthritis, making it the number one cause of disability in the country. That means 1 in ever 5 adults, 300,000 children and countless families. The first steps in conquering arthritis are learning the facts, understanding your condition and knowing that help is by your side.
Phone HELPLINE: (844) 571-4357
National Parkinson Foundation
The Parkinson’s Foundation makes life better for people with Parkinson’s disease by improving care and advancing research.
Phone HELPLINE: 1-800-4PD-INFO (800) 473-4636
The Key Concepts of Asset Protection
