Category: Tips

Caregivers, Celebratory Day, Elder Abuse, Elder Law of Michigan, FYI, Legal, Legal Hotline, Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors, Planning for the Future, Safety, senior independence, seniors, Tips

Grandparents’ Day: Sunday, September 9, 2018

By Michelle Jackson, MiCAFE Network Coordinator  Did you know September 9th is National Grandparents’ Day? Everyone should learn about this special day so we can honor and celebrate our grandparents.    President Jimmy Carter signed the bill for Grandparents’ Day in 1978. It was first introduced by Marian McQuade of Oak Hill, West Virginia who became the founder of National Grandparents’ Day. Marian made it her goal to educate youth about significant contributions that seniors have … Continue reading Grandparents’ Day: Sunday, September 9, 2018

elderlawofmi
An hour glass with teal sand sits next to a white calendar with black and red numbers.
FYI, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, Social Security, Tips

Beat Procrastination by Changing Your Direct Deposit Early

By Vonda Vantil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist September 6 is National Fight Procrastination Day. With our busy lives, it is easy to fall into that cycle of constantly postponing some tasks because of other things we need to address right now. This may be true for you when it comes to changing your payment method for Social Security benefits. How can you change your … Continue reading Beat Procrastination by Changing Your Direct Deposit Early

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

Social Security Q&A Part 12

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: What is the benefit amount a spouse may be entitled to receive? Answer: If you are eligible for both your own retirement benefit and for benefits as a spouse, we will always pay you benefits based on your record first. If your benefit as a spouse is higher than your retirement benefit, you will receive a combination … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 12

elderlawofmi
A will with a pen.
Elder Law of Michigan, FYI, Legal, Legal Hotline, Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors, Legal Hotlines, Michigan, Money and Finances, Planning for the Future, senior independence, seniors, Tips

Everyone Needs a Will

By Denise Keiser, Fund Development Specialist  Recently we learned that celebrity icon, Aretha Franklin, died with no will or trust in place to instruct the disposition of her wealth, which has an estimated value of over 80 million dollars. So this brings a question to light – at what level of wealth do you need a will?  No matter how much – or how little – money or assets you … Continue reading Everyone Needs a Will

elderlawofmi
vegetables on a table
Celebratory Day, Celebratory Month, Elder Law of Michigan, FYI, Legal, Legal Hotline, Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors, Legal Hotlines, MiCAFE, Nutrition, Senior hunger, senior independence, seniors, Tips

September is Hunger Action Month: Take Action and Fight Hunger!

By Sara Jackson, MiCAFE Network Specialist  When September hits, many people start to think of fall. We start to see a lot of red, orange, and yellow in décor, clothing, and food. However, orange has another meaning during the month of September, which is Hunger Action Month.  Here are some statistics from Feeding America associated with Senior Hunger across our country:  Nearly 5 million seniors face hunger in our country.  The rate of hunger among … Continue reading September is Hunger Action Month: Take Action and Fight Hunger!

elderlawofmi
Elder Law of Michigan, FYI, Legal, Legal Hotline, Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors, Legal Hotlines, pets, Planning for the Future, senior independence, Tips

Building a Future for Your Pet

By Jadranko Tomic Bobas, J.D., Managing Hotline Attorney and Angela Quinn, Legal Hotline Intern  It is still debated in the legal world as to whether pets should be treated as property or as family members. Once you die, the question often becomes, who “inherits” or “adopts” your pet?  Either way, the safest way to provide care for your pet after you die, is to consider them in your estate planning.   What happens to my pet if I die?  The best circumstance is that a family member volunteers to care for … Continue reading Building a Future for Your Pet

elderlawofmi
Elder Law of Michigan, FYI, Legal, Legal Hotline, Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors, Legal Hotlines, Planning for the Future, senior independence, seniors, Tips

What Happens If I’m Arrested and Cannot Afford a Lawyer?

By Jadranko Tomic Bobas, Managing Hotline Attorney, and Lauren Sutter, Legal Hotline Intern  Getting arrested can be overwhelming and scary, but those feelings can be even greater for seniors who are arrested. According to the Michigan Incident Crime Report, 2,925 of the arrests occurring in 2016 were people age 65 and above. This age demographic represents only 1.22% of arrests, but this still could leave many seniors facing criminal charges with no … Continue reading What Happens If I’m Arrested and Cannot Afford a Lawyer?

elderlawofmi
A question mark drawn in white chalk on a blackboard.
Disability, Medicare/Medicaid, Planning for the Future, Retirement, seniors, Social Security, SSI, Tips, veterans

Social Security Q&A Part 11

By: Vonda VanTil, Social Security Public Affairs Specialist Question: I served in the military, and I’ll receive a military pension when I retire. Will that affect my Social Security benefits? Answer: You can get both Social Security retirement benefits and military retirement at the same time. Generally, we don’t reduce your Social Security benefits because of your military benefits. When you’re ready to apply for … Continue reading Social Security Q&A Part 11

elderlawofmi
Elder Law of Michigan, Featured Volunteer, FYI, Legal, Legal Hotline, Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors, Legal Hotlines, Staff and Volunteers, Tips

2018 Summer Internship Reflection

By Ashley Jayne, Legal Hotline Intern  My experience at Elder Law of Michigan was not what I expected. As a legal intern, I thought I would be spending my summer writing briefs and doing legal research. I was not very familiar with the role of a legal aid organization and had little expectations to interact with clients. Though my experience at Elder Law of Michigan was not what I expected, it has been more valuable than I could have imagined.    At the beginning … Continue reading 2018 Summer Internship Reflection

elderlawofmi
Stethoscope and pen lying on a paper chart.
Caregivers, Elder Law of Michigan, FYI, Legal, Legal Hotline, Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors, Planning for the Future, Safety, senior independence, Tips

Tips on How to Prepare for Your Upcoming Surgery

By Ellen Mason, J.D., Hotline Attorney  Anne recently had hip replacement surgery. Because she had two total knee replacements, she thought she was prepared. While she is not a medical doctor, she has some useful tips to help you begin thinking about the recovery period after surgery.   Your doctor will probably give you some basic exercises to do in the days or weeks before your surgery. If … Continue reading Tips on How to Prepare for Your Upcoming Surgery

elderlawofmi