Last week, I had the honor of attending a meeting convened by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s (CFPB) Office of Older Americans in Washington, D.C. The purpose of the meeting was to bring together national nonprofits to learn more about the many programs the CFPB is working on to combat the financial exploitation of seniors. Also, each nonprofit had an opportunity to discuss what they … Continue reading An Update From Our President
On January 13th and 15th the Elder Law of Michigan’s Senior Advisory Council convened via conference call to discuss how Elder Law of Michigan can build an ongoing relationship with clients. The Senior Advisory Council suggested different ways to communicate and engage with clients including how to connect with past clients and isolated seniors who are in need of services. The Senior Advisory Council also … Continue reading Advisory Council January Update
It’s hard to believe that the first month of 2014 is almost behind us. As with every new year, it’s important to take the natural opportunity to look back and consider our areas of growth as an organization, the lessons we learned, and which goals we should set for the coming year. During the month of December, Elder Law of Michigan embarked on a volunteer … Continue reading A Reflection of “31 Days of Giving”
On January 16, 2014 Governor Snyder gave his State of the State Address, part of which highlighted the numerous ways he seeks to create independence and improve the quality of life for seniors. He proposed making Michigan a “no-wait state” by increasing the funds dedicated to services such as Meals on Wheels and other in-home programs. Nearly 4,500 older adults are not receiving the in-home … Continue reading Governor Snyder Seeks to Improve the Quality of Life for Seniors
by Char Brooks, J.D. Let’s face it. Telling someone you love that you know they aren’t doing well is awkward. Anticipating an unexpected event like your loved one suddenly becoming seriously ill and talking about it when they are healthy is even more awkward. End of life choices are difficult concepts to think about, let alone discuss. The paradox is that the best time to … Continue reading How to Talk with Your Loved Ones about End of Life Choices
by Nazneen H. Syed, J.D., LL.M The importance of Powers of Attorney documents is often underestimated. It is not enough to know who you want to take care of your financial and health care needs should the situation arise. It is also not enough for you to simply tell the person who you are choosing what your wishes are. It is important to memorialize these … Continue reading The Necessity of Powers of Attorney Documents
The following excerpt was taken from the Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan Associate Member News: ““A no-wait state” . . . . was music to the ears of the aging network this week when Governor Rick Snyder announced his desire to eliminate waiting lists for meals-on-wheels and other in-home services during his 4th Annual State of the State address. Citing the 4,500 frail … Continue reading “A no-wait state…”
by Char Brooks, J.D. What’s a pension? And why is it important? Here’s what it is in a nutshell: If you have a pension, it is money that is rightfully owed to you because you earned it. That’s why it’s important. A pension is basically a long-term investment that is intended to support you after you retire. Can you imagine depending on your pension to … Continue reading Getting the Pension You Deserve
This following is an exerpt from the National Senior Citizens Law Center Health Network Alert: On Friday, January 10, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) released the Medicaid Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) settings final rule. These regulations detail the requirements states must adhere to when providing Medicaid home and community-based long-term services and supports to older adults and persons with disabilities. Advocates have … Continue reading CMS Issues Final Rule on Community Living Options
Memories can be a curse or blessing. Memories can be a wonderful reminder of the past like a warm gentle breeze, or a time of despair. During the holiday season, along with some very talented colleagues, we provide holiday music to seniors living in retirement communities. As part of ELM’s Day of Giving Program, I have been visiting several senior facilities in the greater Lansing … Continue reading 31 Days of Giving, Day Seventeen: Memories
