Aging has changed over the past few decades. Not only has the life expectancy increased, but more people wish to face death in more comfortable surroundings rather than at a hospital.
Bill introduced in U.S. House would update eligibility for SSI
At our law firm, we often represent clients who are elderly or disabled, or who care for loved ones with disabilities or who are seniors. There is an ongoing national debate about whether income and asset limits for some of the primary public benefit programs that support this group of vulnerable people -- mainly Supplemental Security Income or Medicaid -- should be raised.
Colorado court analyzes omitted spouse share statute
Colorado probate law provides a legal remedy for a surviving spouse when the other spouse dies with a will executed before the marriage that does not provide for the surviving spouse. In May, the Colorado Court of Appeals decided that a surviving spouse was not eligible to take an omitted spouse share of her deceased husband’s estate because he had named her the beneficiary of $4 million in life insurance proceeds and $410,806 in retirement benefits. They also had owned $52,000 in money accounts jointly.
Estate planning for ag families
Farming and ranching have been a way of life for Colorado families. These holdings often stay in families for generations, passing down not only a valuable asset, but also a sustainable livelihood for years to come.
Hearing loss, cognitive decline and your parent's care plan: 5 FAQs
Even if it seems innocuous at first, untreated hearing loss can lead to cognitive decline and other problems. These problems all have implications for daily living and the care arrangements that may be reflected in an estate plan.
Answering ‘When can I go home?’ after a move to assisted living
With advancing age comes a time when a loved one needs more care. The death of a spouse may trigger a realization that Mom or Dad cannot live alone, the stairs may be just too steep or the house just too much. Signs of memory loss may be easier to identify, such as forgotten food moldering, a weekly pill case sitting full or money missing from an account without explanation.
Alleviating the stress of caring for parents and children
The proverbial sandwich generation is growing as baby boomers set longevity records. The challenge becomes the need to be around more for an aging father - after the recent death of my mother - while also helping a daughter transition to college and another succeed in high school. In the 40s or 50s, especially for women, it can mean juggling work, expenses, being a role model and honoring the promise to a mother or father.
Colorado creates electronic advance medical directive system
We have news to share with readers about another development regarding Colorado advance medical directives. On Aug. 2, a new state law took effect establishing a statewide electronic system for advance medical directives. The bill creates an online depository for advance medical directives accessible by doctors, hospitals and emergency medical personnel for direction in providing medical care to Coloradans when they are unable to express their treatment wishes because of medical incapacity.
Colorado governor approves psychiatric advance directives
Coloradans already have the power to execute medical advance directives in which they can appoint agents to make medical decisions for them should they become unable to communicate their wishes. They can also provide instructions for future and end-of-life medical treatment in case of incapacity.
