Elder Law Checklist of Essential Legal Documents

Posted on February 4, 2019 by Don Fitts in Uncategorized - No Comments

Our thanks to Kevin Pillion and Shannon Feinroth of the Life Planning Law Firm for providing a checklist outlining the key legal documents related to effective life planning.

1. HEALTH CARE POWER OF ATTORNEY (DESIGNATED HEALTH CARE SURROGATE)
Who do YOU want to make your health care decisions if you were unable to do so?
Legal document appointing another person as your ‘Health Care Agent’ to make your medical decisions when you are unable to do so.

2. LIVING WILL (ADVANCE HEALTH CARE DIRECTIVE)
What are YOUR wishes if you were terminally ill or on life support?
Legal document that makes known your health care wishes regarding life-sustaining care such as food, hydration or ventilators.

3. FINANCIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY (DURABLE GENERAL POWER OF ATTORNEY)
Who do YOU want to pay your bills if you were unable to?
Legal document appointing another person as your ‘Agent’ to handle your business and financial affairs while you are still alive but unable to do so because you are incapacitated or are unavailable.

4. LAST WILL & TESTAMENT
Who do YOU want to inherit your assets?
Legal document specifying who receives your assets and who will serve as your personal representative for administering your estate AFTER your death.

5. LIVING TRUST
A Living Trust is a popular and flexible Estate Planning tool
Legal arrangement in which you give financial control of property to a Trustee for the benefit of your beneficiaries.
Benefits of a Living Trust include:
• Avoids Court proceedings, such as Probate, contested Wills, and Guardianships
• Provides for the care of an individual with Special Needs
• Provides for the care of a minor
• Insures that your assets will be properly managed and maintained while you are alive in the event of your incapacity, as well as after your death
• Provides for the care of loved ones who have mental or physical impairments, who struggle with addictions, or lack of financial responsibility
• Manages complex family situations, such as blended families and unmarried couples
• Motivates heirs to make smart life decisions and reward them for doing so
• Reduces Estate Taxes for married couples
• Provides for the care of family pets after your death
• Creates flexible Estate Plans to carry out YOUR personal wishes

Click Here for Printable Flyer.

Click Here for more information about the Life Planning Law Firm.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

SENIOR LIVING COMMUNITY PLACEMENTS

For a More Supportive, Safe, and Social Living Environment

During these unsettling times a decision may be needed to explore a transition to one of many Senior Living Community options. And, we are here to help.

Our goal is to not only keep the needs and desires of the loved one in mind but fully consider the influence on family members, caregivers, friends, and other supporters.

Whether the choice is Independent Living, Assisted Living. Memory Care, Skilled Nursing or Rehab we have a dedicated group of trusted Partners that we feel are the best in the industry.

We look forward to hearing from you to begin discussions towards choosing the the right Senior Living Community for your particular situation.

Julie Cook Downing
Team Leader

Click Here for More Information.

There is More to the Coronavirus Pandemic Than Just the Physical and Financial Impact!

What About the Affects on Our Emotional Well-Being and State of Mind?

Josephine Cannella-Krehl
MSW, LCSW
Cornerstone LifeCare Consultant
Psychosocial Counseling & Therapy

Consider engaging Josephine in a consultation (via Teleconference or In-Person) to address these critical issues. She is passionate about providing supportive services to Elders, alleviating emotional distress, promoting social engagement, and decreasing depression and anxiety in the clients she serves.

Click Here for More Information.

Josephine is also our Medical Cannabis Specialist. Contact her to learn more about the current status of Medical Cannabis and become aware of the assessment process and how to be approved for a medical marijuana card.

Ask Josephine about the many ways medical marijuana can be used and how it has been successfully tailored to individual needs.

Josephine Cannella-Krehl, MSW, LCSW
Cornerstone LifeCare Consultant
Medical Cannabis Specialist

Steven Reichbach, MD
Gulf Coast Ketamine Center
Certified Medical Cannabis Physician

Dr. Jeff Mara, MD
MaraCare Solutions
Certified Medical Cannabis Physician

Click Here for More Information.

During These Unsettling Times We Bring Health & Wellness Services to Your Home!

Cornerstone LifeCare Clients
Our clients come from all walks of life and, during these uncertain times, most wish to stay in the comfort and safety of their home. They may have several people involved in their care plan. Our Consultants can help take the burden off these supporters.

The Initial Meeting
A Cornerstone LifeCare Consultant will meet with the client and supporters to gather information on their health, living environment, general financial situation, and current medical providers. Evaluated items include physical capabilities such as mobility and ability to function in the home, living environment safety and accessibility, and overall personal requirements. Consultations can be either In-Person or via Telehealth.

The Recommendations and Report
Following the initial meeting, the Cornerstone LifeCare Consultant will process the information. A report is then written with specific recommendations including immediate action steps, such as a medical examination or more in-depth Living Environment review.

Follow-up Process
Along with the written report the Consultant will discuss specific recommendations with the client and supporters. We have high quality, vetted service providers and resources (the majority serve in your home). Living Environment recommendations may include Aging in Place modifications or Personal Services such as home health, legal, financial, and medical needs. When appropriate, we will also assist with placement outside the home in a senior living community of choice .

Ongoing Relationship
Our Cornerstone LifeCare Consultants often establish an an ongoing relationship to help oversee and manage the coordination of future service needs.

Click Here for More Information.

Home Modifications Sarasota

Aging in Place Remodeling and Modifications
• Starts with an in-home consultation
• Certified Aging in Place Specialists
• Focus on accessibility, comfort, convenience, safety, and visitability
• Incorporates principles of Universal Design

Click Here for More Information and to Schedule an In-Home Consultation.

“Aging in the Right Place” Forum

Participants met and heard area experts share vital keys to planning and implementing steps for Aging in Place.

They learned about adapting their current living environment to improve accessibility, convenience, levels of care, functionality, and safety while staying right where they are.

They also learned about the availability of services and resources to complement their living environment and support the goal of Aging in Place.

FORUM PRESENTERS

Barbara Cogswell
A Better Solution Home Care, Owner
Sarasota Senior Advisory Council, Chair

Chuck Vollmer
101 Mobility, Owner
Universal Design Coalition, Board Member

Kathleen Houseweart
Senior Aging Specialist
Stakeholders in Aging Consortium, Chair

Click Here for More Information.

Employee Assistance Through Special On-Site Child Care Program During These Unsettling Times

Debra Fortosis, Founder of Elite Family Care, and her team will design, manage, and oversee a program at your facility so that valued employees, volunteers, and supporters of your organization can have their children attended to while carrying out their responsibilities.

This innovative program was initially developed due to urgency for families of First Responders and Healthcare Personnel, but certainly has application to other types of businesses and non-profit organizations.

Click Here for More Information.

Cornerstone LifeCare is a member of the Manatee-Sarasota Building Industry Association (BIA).
Click Here to access BIA website.

Join Our E-News Distribution by Providing Your Name & Email Address on the Contact Us Page.