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Showing 15 posts from 2020.

May 18, 2020

Medicaid Planning and Senior Scams

Elder ScamsMedicaid planning is a hot topic among seniors and their families. Foster Swift attorneys Matt Fedor and Nic Camargo offer an excellent overview of what Medicaid planning is, key considerations before developing a plan and how to formulate and implement a plan in their National Elder Law Month Video "What I should Know About Medicaid Planning."

Scams directed toward seniors sadly remain another hot topic. Even during the COVID-19 crisis, it's unfortunately common to watch the news and see a heart-breaking story about a senior who has been targeted by a criminal. While many of these crimes are not violent, they rob our senior friends of their funds, their property and often most hurtfully, their dignity. Foster Swift's article on "How to Spot the Red Flags of Financial Elder Abuse" is a good refresher for all of us, young, old, and in between, on how to keep the seniors in our lives safe.

Categories: Elder Law, Fraud & Abuse, Medicaid Planning, Senior Exploitation & Abuse

Posted by: Matthew S. Fedor
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May 11, 2020

What is National Elder Law Month? - A legacy to caring and planning

Elderly Holding HandsNational Elder Law month traces its history to 1963 when President John F. Kennedy issued Proclamation 3527, declaring the month of May "Senior Citizens Month" and proclaiming that all "informational and educational means should be used" to pave the way for older Americans to have equal opportunities and lead "useful and satisfying lives." In 1980, President Carter changed the name to "Older Americans Month" and in 1988 with a focus on improving the quality of legal services provided to people as they age, the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys established May as "National Elder Law Month."

In keeping with the spirit behind National Elder Law Month, Foster Swift attorneys Matt Fedor and Nic Camargo have prepared articles and videos to help you and your family navigate the elder law landscape.  

The first video, "What is Elder Law Planning", is a great starting point and a helpful reminder that elder law is much more than estate planning.  We also encourage you to check out Foster Swift's Elder Law Resource Page here and you can also access attorney Jay David's book Estate Planning: You Have to Start in Order to Finish.

Categories: Elder Law, Estate Planning

Posted by: Matthew S. Fedor
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May 1, 2020

COVID-19 Pandemic Creates a Renewed Urgency for Elder Law Planning

Helping Mom Out of the CarPlanning for the future is often challenging, with so many "what ifs" to consider. As the news is filled with COVID-19 stories, many individuals are wishing they had not put off elder law planning, particularly estate planning. That said, there is no time like the present. In the video COVID-19 and Elder Law Planning, attorneys Matt Fedor and Nic Camargo provide a practical framework on how to get started.

One of the most important things to remember when planning is that every person's needs are different and each plan needs to be customized; that's why it's important to select an attorney with elder law experience. Both Fedor and Camargo are members of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and have helped many seniors develop and implement plans that ensure their end of life wishes are honored. 

Categories: Elder Law, Estate Planning

Posted by: Matthew S. Fedor
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April 14, 2020

Estate Planning During Coronavirus

Estate PlanningOne cannot help but be mindful of important end-of-life decisions during this difficult time in our nation. Everywhere one looks, there is apprehension and concern related to the ongoing pandemic. In these trying times, it is natural to contemplate difficult topics such as who will look after our well-being or who will manage our estates should the need arise. Read More ›

Categories: Elder Law, Estate Planning

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April 7, 2020

Extension of Health Care Facility Visitor Restrictions – Executive Order 2020-37

People Leaving HospitalOn April 5, 2020, Governor Whitmer issued Executive Order 2020-37 which extends restrictions on the entry of individuals into health care facilities, residential care facilities, congregate care facilities, and juvenile justice facilities. Previously, Executive Order 2020-07 prohibited visitors that were not necessary to the provision of medical care, to support the activities of daily living, or to exercise the power of attorney or court-appointed guardianship for an individual under the facility’s care from these facilities. Read More ›

Categories: Health Care Reform, Hospitals

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E-book Covers Estate Planning Essentials

Engaging in estate planning, while essential, is often emotional and generates many questions. How do I protect my spouse and my children if something happens to me? What happens if I become disabled before I pass on? Who will take care of my pet after I'm gone? How do I pass my business on to my children? These questions and more are addressed in Jonathan David’s recently updated e-book, “Estate Planning: You Have to Start in Order to Finish.”

Estate Planning Cover


Survivor's Checklist:

Due to the shock of the death of a spouse or a loved one, the steps of what needs to be done first can be an overwhelming process for the survivor(s). To aid in the breakdown and to act as a tool amidst the emotional days ahead, estate planning Jonathan "Jay" David has assembled a "Survivor's Checklist" of some of the important things that need to be addressed when a spouse or loved one dies.


Resources and Support for Older Adults Living Alone: A Comprehensive Guide (2024):

Below is a comprehensive guide of resources for older adults living alone, empowering them to thrive independently and access essential services. This guide was created and provided with permission by the National Council on Aging (NCOA).

Resources and Support for Older Adults Living Alone: A Comprehensive Guide (2024) (ncoa.org)


Elder Organizer Tool:

Foster Swift has created a free ‘Elder Organizer’ digital notebook to provide seniors and their caretakers with a toolkit that helps organize doctors’ appointments, medications, and more that can be shared online. The tools below are also available on the Elder Law Resources page.

*For those trying to access these links by smartphone, it is best practice to copy/open the link in a separate tab and download the free Google Sheets app from Google Play or the Apple Store.

Using the Elder Law OrganizerMedication & Appointments ButtonVisitor Log & Photos/Media ButtonPrivate Care Schedule ButtonElder Law Resources Button


Need Help Planning?

For more tools, visit our Elder Law Resource page for additional content. Click here to view/download the Foster Swift estate planning brochure to see what our experienced team of attorneys can do for you.


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