Florida Elder Law & Estate Planning Blog


physical therapy
Medicare staff still using improvement standard to deny claims
February 19, 2017

Medicare beneficiaries must be covered for skilled rehabilitation services if the services help the beneficiary maintain his/her level of functioning and prevent disease progression. Medical improvement is not necessary for coverage. This was made clear in the Jimmo v. Sibelius…

more
Portrait of an elderly woman sitting alone in a senior care facility
Enforcement of CMS rule prohibiting pre-dispute arbitration clauses will be delayed
November 11, 2016

A new rule barring long-term care facilities from including pre-dispute forced arbitration clauses in their admissions contracts will not go into effect on November 28, as originally anticipated. (Discussed the rule in an earlier post. ) In response to a…

more
elder_women_with_cat
Felines and homebound seniors: A perfect match
July 15, 2016

Here’s a lovely program that pairs seniors with furry feline companions. Consider it – ahem – a “fluff piece.” The humane society of Bay County, Michigan recently launched the Cats for Companionship program, which identifies homebound seniors who can benefit…

more
Senior Couple Downsizng
Downsizing Tips for Seniors
June 8, 2016

Downsizing – simplifying, organizing and getting rid of clutter – can improve quality of life at any age. For seniors, it can be especially beneficial. See the tips below for seniors who are considering downsizing. This guest post is from…

more
Don’t be insulted, mom and dad: The kids may not want your “stuff”
Don’t be insulted, mom and dad: The kids may not want your “stuff”
April 8, 2015

Our firm’s attorneys are always encouraging clients to get organized and clear the clutter from their homes. Clutter is perilous for seniors. As we age, a fall is more likely to be life-threatening or cause permanent disability. (See prior post…

more
Student Debt
Retirees with student debt: Social Security benefits may be compromised
September 13, 2014

It’s no secret: There’s a student debt crisis in this country. But who imagined that student debt is a growing problem for the senior population? While few households headed by individuals 65 or older carry student loans, there has been…

more
Thanksgiving is a good time to look in on aging parents, provide assistance
November 22, 2013

Visiting your aging parents for Thanksgiving? Enjoying your family time is an opportunity to see how your aging parents are faring. Linda Rhodes, author of several caregiving books and former secretary of aging for Pennsylvania, recently wrote about what to…

more
clown
A joke that may not go over well with your financial institutions!
June 19, 2013

A colleague from the American Association of Trust, Estate and Elder Law Attorneys recently reported a true story that’s well worth passing on to you.: Hi Everyone,I had a very interesting case last week. Dad (88) had been a client…

more
Happy Mother’s Day to all!
Happy Mother’s Day to all!
May 12, 2013

From Attorney Joseph Karp   In this photo, circa 1940s, my beloved late mother Beatrice Karp is at right. At left is her younger sister, my dear Aunt Pearl, who has always been like a mother to my brothers and…

more
How to coordinate your life insurance with your estate plan
How to coordinate your life insurance with your estate plan
May 15, 2012

Life insurance can be a powerful tool in your estate plan. It can provide financial support for your spouse or heirs when you’re gone. If your estate is taxable, life insurance may be used to pay estate taxes and other expenses. As with…

more