by Kathryn Larlee, J.D., Hotline Attorney Did you know that August is Medic Alert Awareness Month? MedicAlert Foundation is a nonprofit organization that started 60 years ago with the mission to alert first responders to medical conditions that could affect a person’s treatment. A medic alert is a simple bracelet or necklace that is worn by a person with certain medical conditions such as severe allergies, asthma, … Continue reading August is Medic Alert Month!
by Ellen Mason, Hotline Attorney We’re the “do-good generation.” The generation that grew up in the 60’s. The generation whose mantra was “peace and love.” No wonder you’ve intended to donate your organs since you were in your 20’s. But let’s face it: nobody wants a 75-year-old heart; 72-year-old cataract-surgery eyes; a hip that’s been replaced twice; and on-and-on. (We have more rusty parts than a … Continue reading Be Thrifty: Donate Your Body to a Medical School
by Ellen Mason, Hotline Attorney Sarah is a spry and sassy 93-year-old – or “middle age” as she says. She’s totally “with it” but doesn’t want to handle her checking account and bills anymore. She wants someone to do it for her. Sarah wants a “durable power of attorney for finances.” One of the first things Sarah needs to do is figure out who’s going to … Continue reading Here’s My Money: Handle With Care
by Christine Steinmetz, J.D., Hotline Attorney This post is the sixth in our series on caregivers. In our previous posts, we discussed the different legal documents that can assist a caregiver before the person being cared for becomes incapacitated. In this post, I spoke to Susan, a caregiver for her mother, to get her perspective on taking care of a loved one. The purpose of this … Continue reading Steps to Take When Becoming a Caregiver – Part 6
by Christine Steinmetz, J.D., Hotline Attorney This post is the fifth in our series on caregivers. In our previous posts, we discussed the different legal documents that can assist a caregiver before the person being cared for becomes incapacitated. The Legal Hotline for Michigan Seniors receives phone calls each week from loved ones and caregivers asking what he or she can do when the person being … Continue reading Steps to Take When Becoming a Caregiver – Part 5
by Sara Jackson, MiCAFE Network Specialist When you go to the store during the month of February, you will see lots of red and pink decorations for Valentine’s Day. However, the red decorations can be used for another special event. That special event is American Heart Health Month. During the month of February, the American Heart Association raises awareness throughout the whole month to express … Continue reading National Wear Red Day
by Christine Steinmetz, J.D., Hotline Attorney This post is the fourth in our series on caregivers. In our previous post, we discussed the Durable Power of Attorney for Finances, Power of Attorney for Health Care, and the Representative Payee designation forms that can assist a caregiver with his/her duties. In this post, we will discuss the Living Trust, which can also assist a caregiver with handling … Continue reading Steps To Take When Becoming A Caregiver – Part 4
by Sheila Robison, Economic Security Team Member In this “day and age,” many grandparents are raising their grandchildren, for a number of reasons. Through past experience, grandparents do quite well for the most part, for some things never go out of style. However, some things do. Day-to-day life can be very demanding on an older parent who has total care of his or her grandchildren. It’s … Continue reading Back to School Season
by Gay Nell Jenkins, MiCAFE Community Partner Liaison Many older people have a higher risk of overmedication and medication interactions which are very harmful and deadly to them. Anytime a senior takes more than one medication, the medications can interact with each other. Most seniors do not ask questions regarding new medications prescribed or a change of dosage of the current medication because they trust the doctor, or feel … Continue reading Avoiding Overmedication and Harmful Medication Interactions
by Christine Steinmetz, J.D., Hotline Attorney This post is the third in our series on caregivers. In our previous posts, we discussed the resources that are available to help make caregiving manageable. In addition to gathering information regarding doctors, medications, and billing information, there are also legal considerations and documents that can assist the caregiver in performing his/her day to day duties. In this post, we … Continue reading Steps To Take When Becoming A Caregiver – Part 3
