Category: senior independence

Elder Abuse, Elder Law of Michigan, Money and Finances, Safety, senior independence, seniors

Protecting seniors from financial exploitation

Via The Sault News By Scott Brand Addressing what some call “The Crime of the 21st Century” Dr. Peter Lichtenberg of Wayne State University delivered an eye-opening presentation on the prevalence of financial exploitation in older adults. And the statistics reveal that it is growing at a rapid rate. In 2013, there were on average 1,300 suspicious activity reports a month, a figure that jumped … Continue reading Protecting seniors from financial exploitation

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Elder Law of Michigan, FYI, Money and Finances, Safety, senior independence, seniors, Trainings and Events

Protecting Finances in your Golden Years

Via Cheboygan Daily Tribune By Scott Brand With swindlers, con artists and unscrupulous family members stealing billions of dollars annually from older Americans, Empowerment Specialist Stephanie Woods of Elder Law of Michigan has partnered with local agencies to help protect senior in the Eastern Upper Peninsula. “He’s a national expert in financial capacity assessment and financial exploitation of older adults,” said Woods in introducing Dr. … Continue reading Protecting Finances in your Golden Years

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Disability, Elder Law of Michigan, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, senior independence, Social Security, Tips

Social Security Can Help You Get Back to Work

By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Having a job means different things to different people, but it can give you a sense of self, a community to rely on, and much-needed structure. Some people define themselves through their work. Others may enjoy the social aspect of their jobs. If you rely on Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments or Social Security Disability (SSDI) benefits … Continue reading Social Security Can Help You Get Back to Work

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FYI, Housing, Money and Finances, senior independence

Capital Area Housing Partnership

By Grace DeRose-Wilson, Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan When the need arises for a home repair or basic maintenance, many people search for a reliable professional. Often, with a few skills and some basic tools, people can maintain and repair their own homes, which can save a lot of money. Learning home repair skills, being able to practice repair skills without damaging … Continue reading Capital Area Housing Partnership

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A question mark drawn in white chalk on a blackboard.
Disability, FYI, Health, medical, Medicare/Medicaid, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Retirement, senior independence, seniors, Social Security, SSI, veterans

Social Security Q&A Part 21

By Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: What is substantial gainful activity (SGA)? Answer: We use the term “substantial gainful activity,” or “SGA,” to describe a level of work activity and earnings. Work is “substantial” if it involves doing significant physical or mental activities or a combination of both. If you earn more than a certain amount and are doing productive work, we … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 21

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Disability, FYI, Michigan, senior independence

Waves or Woods?

By Nicholas Goodman, MiCAFE Network Specialist at Elder Law of Michigan As Michigan summers are never as long as we’d like, many people take advantage of the beautiful weather to explore the state. For people who use wheelchairs, however, spontaneous excursions are not always feasible due to inaccessible terrain or buildings. Here are some resources for exploring nature in Michigan. Michigan is famous for its … Continue reading Waves or Woods?

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Aging in Place, FYI, Health, Safety, senior independence, seniors, Tips

Home Safety Tips for Seniors Living Alone

By Shirley Brown, Economic Security Team Member at Elder Law of Michigan The senior population faces many challenges, safety at home being one of them. There are so many safety precautions that need to be taken. After living in a home for over 40 years new ideas can be helpful to enable seniors to live safe, happy lives in their homes. Safety for Seniors at … Continue reading Home Safety Tips for Seniors Living Alone

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Aging in Place, Safety, senior independence, seniors

Personal Emergency Response Systems

By Michelle Jackson, Economic Security Team Member at Elder Law of Michigan Personal Emergency Response Systems (PERS) are easy to use devices for seniors. During a fall or an emergency situation, the response systems can save lives and provide extra security for seniors. Many seniors feel they do not need one of these devices. They fear these devices make them look incompetent or their pride … Continue reading Personal Emergency Response Systems

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FYI, Health, Safety, senior independence, seniors

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Assessing Tripping Hazards in Your Home

By Grace DeRose-Wilson, Screening Integration Coordinator at Elder Law of Michigan I know several older adults who live alone whom I help on a regular basis. I often hear from them that they are worried they will fall, and no one will find them for days. This common fear among older adults is not unfounded. The National Council on Aging (NCOA) reports that most fatal … Continue reading Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Assessing Tripping Hazards in Your Home

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United States Pension Plan Benefit Statement
Mid-America Pension Rights Project, Money and Finances, Pension, senior independence

Mid-America Pension Rights Project: Tips on How to Protect Your Retirement

By Christine Steinmetz, Pension Attorney at the Mid-America Pension Rights Project at Elder Law of Michigan You work hard for your money. You save and expect your retirement to go smoothly. However, many people retire and cannot find their pension or 401(k). This is because the company you worked for closed or was sold. If the company is still in business, then you may be … Continue reading Mid-America Pension Rights Project: Tips on How to Protect Your Retirement

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