Gainesville Florida Estate Planning & Elder Law Blog

The all-important Medicare Open Enrollment Period for 2020 starts this Tuesday, Oct. 15 and runs through Dec. 7. For those on Medicare, this is the time of the year when you can change your Medicare health plans and prescription drug coverage for the following year to better meet your needs.

Even if you are happy with your current coverage, plans can change from year to year.
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There are probably two times when people consider their estate planning documents. The first of these times is when you draw up the documents. The second time is likely when you need them.

Unfortunately, that could be a problem. There are a variety of reasons why you should review these documents every three-to-five years.
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We have written here many times about the dangers of elder abuse. Our elders are arguably the most victimized portion of our population, and the problem continues almost unabated.

Elder abuse comes in several forms, according to the National Council on Aging. They include:

• Physical abuse
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional abuse
• Confinement
• Passive neglect
• Willful deprivation
• Financial exploitation

At least 1 in 10 American 60 and older have experienced some form of elder abuse, with some estimates suggesting that as many as 5 million seniors are abused annually. Unfortunately, these numbers may actually be an underestimate because only 1 in 14 cases of abuse are reported.
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Here’s two questions we often hear from people getting ready to retire. When can I start collecting Social Security, and when should I start collecting Social Security?

You may be surprised to know that the answer can be different depending on your age and financial situation.

You may not yet realize it, but there's no one age at which everyone starts collecting Social Security. You can actually start collecting at age 62, or you can put it off until age 70. Most people start collecting at 62, usually because of a financial need.
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One of the biggest challenges occurs when your loved one is no longer able to live on their own or with you and instead has to move to a care facility.

While this change is always hard for the person whose living situation is changing, it may be equally challenging for the caregiver. There are a number of emotions and fears when you first have to leave your loved one in the care of a stranger 24/7.

The biggest concern for a caregiver is often who will advocate for your family member if you are not there to speak for them all day every day. Among the caregiver fears, especially if your loved one cannot speak for themselves, is whether they will become a victim of abuse.

Do you have a parent or other family member with dementia? And do you often hear them singing or humming the same tune over and over again?

There’s a reason for that.

Your loved one may be losing cognitive functioning – skills like thinking, remembering and reasoning. But studies are showing they remain tied to their love of music. In fact, the research shows that people with Alzheimer’s and related dementias often can reconnect with family, friends and caregivers through music.

One organization that is

A recent study showed that deaths from fall have increased sharply  for seniors in recent years. The report featured in HealthDay, indicated that almost 25,000 people 75 or older suffered critical injuries from falls in 2016. That number had increased three-fold from 2000.

Experts say that part of the reason for the increase is that we are living longer. The good news is that there are things that can be done to reduce the number of fatal falls.
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Kohl’s has joined a growing list of retailers who are offering adaptive clothing for special-needs children. Locally, Kohl’s now joins Target, which started a clothing line for special-needs children in 2017.

Kohl’s new adaptive apparel was announced earlier this month and includes the retailers three largest private-label kids’ brands, according to a release from the company.

The new apparel provides features that include abdominal access, sensory-friendly and wheelchair-friendly options. Additionally, the new apparel offers flat seams, wider neck and hem lines, longer lengths, abdominal access, two-way zippers, reinforced belt loops and hook and loop closures.
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We recently wrote here about a series of scams plaguing our senior community. But it didn’t take long for an even newer scam to come to the forefront.

The Florida Department of Elder Affairs issued a release last week warning our seniors and their caregivers about a recent rise in DNA/genetic testing schemes.

The release cautioned older adults to be aware of companies offering free genetic testing, cancer screening or DNA testing. Often occurring at health fairs or other events, people are asked to swab their cheeks in order to get DNA samples.
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Scammers are always looking for new and innovate ways to take advantage of anyone but especially our older population.

And AARP is always on the front line trying to bring awareness about the latest scams. AARP focused on phone scams in a recent report.

At the top of the list was a new Social Security scam. Callers try to convince you that there is an enforcement action from the U.
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If you are caring for both parents and children, you are part of the sandwich generation. It is certainly a challenging effort.

There are many aspects of that challenge. Most people think about the emotional toll and the time it takes. But one area, often not considered initially, is the financial burden.
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