For more information about the author, click to view their website: American House
There are many factors to consider when it comes to yourself or a loved one and being prepared from a legal standpoint as we age or move into Senior Living.
There are several practices that fall under elder law. These include estate planning, asset protection, Medicaid planning, preparing for long-term care and special needs planning. Elder law attorneys help seniors navigate the legal and financial complexities of aging, which include issues such as power of attorney, guardianships, conservatorships, and probate law.
An elder law attorney specializes in a range of legal services related to estate planning, including preparing wills, trusts, health care directives and powers of attorney. An elder law attorney can help an individual understand the legal complexities of estate planning and help them make decisions that will benefit them in the long term.
An an elder law attorney provides asset protection services to help protect seniors and their families from financial harm or loss. An elder law attorney can also help seniors with asset protection strategies such as trusts and other legal documents, as well as helping them navigate the complex tax and legal regulations that govern retirement benefits such as Social Security and Medicare.
An elder law attorney can help seniors and their families navigate the complexities of the Medicaid system. This type of planning typically involves creating a plan to preserve assets and income while still qualifying for Medicaid benefits. This can include creating a trust, gifting assets, or transferring assets to a family member. Additionally, elder law Medicaid planning can involve the selection of an appropriate long-term care option, such as an assisted living facility or nursing home, that best meets the individual’s needs and financial situation.
For long-term care planning, an elder law attorney focuses on the care and financial needs of elderly and disabled individuals. It involves creating a plan to ensure their legal and financial needs are met long-term, including things like estate planning, Medicaid planning, and creating guardianships and powers of attorney. It also involves helping families navigate the many laws and regulations related to the care of elderly and disabled individuals.
Elder law attorney special needs planning is a type of legal planning that focuses on providing for the needs of individuals with special needs, such as those with physical or mental impairments, developmental disabilities, or chronic health conditions. This type of planning ensures that those individuals have a secure financial future, receive the necessary services and support, and have access to appropriate accommodations. Special needs planning includes drafting documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney and guardianships, as well as developing strategies for addressing long-term care, government benefits, and other legal issues.
Elder law attorneys have experience in all the areas above, as well as helping protect seniors from individuals or family members that may be taking advantage them of by providing legal advice and representation, helping seniors understand their legal rights, and act on their behalf in court. Elder law attorneys can help seniors protect their assets, enforce their rights, and recognize potential scams.
They can also provide legal advice and representation in cases involving undue influence, financial exploitation and guardianship. In addition, elder law attorneys can help seniors set up trusts, establish power of attorney, and create advance health care directives. By having an elder law attorney on their side, seniors can be better protected from being taken advantage of by family members or scam artists.
Learn more about the benefits of an elder law attorney here.
At the age of 60 is when it’s suggested to see an elder law attorney. This is a great time to get all your affairs in order or protect your assets from potential lawsuits. There's even an advantage to doing this at a younger age, so you can set up an estate plan to protect your young children.
Your power of attorney (POA) becomes effective when your parent is incapacitated and can no longer make decisions on their own. When this happens, having Financial Power of Attorney would allow you to make the financial decisions on their behalf, and having health care power of attorney would allow you to make decisions related to their healthcare.
A medical power of attorney is a legal document that grants an individual the authority to make medical decisions on behalf of another person in the event of their disability or incapacitation. This form of power of attorney is also known as a health care proxy or health care power of attorney.
A financial power of attorney, on the other hand, is a legal document that grants another person the authority to manage an individual’s financial and legal affairs in the event of their incapacity or disability. This form of power of attorney is also known as a durable power of attorney.
While there isn’t a technical expiration date, it is recommended to update documents every 5 years.
In this situation, the only way to enforce a move would be to obtain guardianship/conservatorship over them. If they will not sign over to you willingly, you will need to obtain it through the court system. An elder law attorney can assist you with the proper steps to take to ensure your parent is getting the care they need.
Beyond the Surface: Naples Cancer Advisors Spotlight Melanoma During Awareness MonthMay 1, 20256 Min ReadBy Jillian Hunt, CNP Executive Director of Clinical Operations at Naples Cancer AdvisorsMay is Melanoma Awareness Month, and in sun-drenched Collier and Lee Counties, its more than a calendar observance. Its a call to action. The sunny environment increases exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays, which are a significant risk factor for skin cancer, including melanoma. Understanding the risks and adopting preventive measures can help residents enjoy the sun safely while minimizing their skin cancer risk.At NCA, we specialize in delivering second opinions and expert oncology guidance at no cost to patients. Our team, including nationally recognized oncologist Dr. Philip Leming, believes that no one should face a cancer diagnosis alone. This month, we want to shine a light on reshaping melanoma prevention, detection, and awarenessso you can stay protected and proactive.Prevention: A Daily Practice, Not Just a Summer ChecklistMost people know the basics: use sunscreen, avoid tanning beds, cover up when outside. But melanoma doesnt just show up where the sun shines. It can develop under your fingernails, between your toes, even on your scalp or eyes. We educate patients to look everywhere, not just the obvious spots.One powerful (and often overlooked) fact: a single blistering sunburn in childhood doubles your lifetime risk of melanoma. Thats why prevention is a family affair. We urge parents to build sun safety habits early and keep them consistent all year.Detection: A Watchful Eye is The Best ToolThe front line of defense against skin cancer is early detection. Identifying skin changes especially changes in moles is the easiest way to catch skin cancer earlier.What is a mole?A mole is a benign (non-cancerous) growth on the skin that develops when melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing pigment, cluster together instead of being evenly distributed. Moles can be present from birth or develop later in life.ABCDEs of Moles and Melanoma Detection Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesnt match the other. Border irregularity: The edges of the mole are uneven, ragged, or notched. Color variation: The mole has multiple shades of brown, black, or other colors like red, white, or blue. Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser). Evolving: The mole has changed in size, shape, or color, or has new symptoms like itching, bleeding, or crusting.The ABCDEs are a helpful tool for self-examination and can prompt individuals to seek professional medical advice if any of these signs are present.Dermatologists remain the front line in detection and diagnosis. However, emerging technologies are offering exciting backup. Artificial intelligence skin scanners and total body imaging are improving the speed and accuracy of diagnosis.Whether its through advanced tools or a trained eye, one truth remains: catching melanoma early saves lives.The NCA Difference: Compassionate, Cost-Free Cancer GuidanceNaples Cancer Advisors was founded to be a bridge for patients who feel lost, overwhelmed, or unsure where to turn after a cancer diagnosis. We offer a second set of expert eyes, help explain treatment options, connect people to top-tier providers, and support them throughout their journey.Melanoma may be aggressive, but its also highly preventable and treatable when caught early. This May, we urge everyone in our community to schedule a skin check, learn your ABCDEs (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving), and take sun safety seriously.And if you ever need clarity or support after a diagnosis, Naples Cancer Advisors is herefree, local, and fully focused on you.Jillian Hunt, CNP BioJillian has been caring for cancer patients since 2004. In that time, she has set the benchmark for her patient-centric approach in Cincinnati, Southwest Florida, and beyond.Her professional journey began at Cincinnati Childrens Hospital Medical Center in 1999 on the hematology/oncology/bone marrow transplant unit and later the emergency department.After spending five years caring for children, Jillian found her passion in caring for the adult oncology patient. Starting as a chemotherapy infusion nurse in private practice with Dr. Philip Leming at Cincinnati Hematology Oncology, she then pursued an advanced degree to offer a higher level of care to her cancer patients.Jillian has been an oncology nurse practitioner since 2011 and is passionate about patient care, education and staying current on research opportunities available for the patients she cares for.Jillian is a national speaker traveling to educate clinicians on the use and management of toxicities of medications that are used in cancer treatments. She has spoken at national nursing conferences and sits on several advisory boards. Jillian feels strongly about staying on the front lines to improve patient care and expert advice on cancer.Jillian was born and raised in Cincinnati and graduated from Lakota High School. She and her husband have five children. Outside of her love and passion for oncology, Jillian and her husband are licensed foster parents and have participated in global mission trips to serve orphaned children around the world.Naples Cancer Advisors239-846-2273 (CARE)3201 Tamiami Trail N, Suite 112, Naples, FL 34103
PROJECT UPDATE IMOKALEE COMPLETE STREETS TIGER GRANT DESIGN-BUILD PROJECT JUNE 2025PROJECT UPDATEThe Immokalee Complete Streets Project is finished and includes new sidewalks and drainage along miles of local streets. In addition to the sidewalks, the project included reconstruction of many existing residential driveways and improvements to the drainage swale along your property line within the Collier County Right-of-Way (ROW).We need to work together to keep these new sidewalks and drainage improvements in good condition. Please do your part to help maintain the improvements by complying with the existing codes which require property owners to assume all maintenance and repair responsibilities within the Collier County ROW. These responsibilities include mowing the grass and protecting the sidewalk and driveway from damage.We are requesting your help to maintain these improvements including: Drainage cutting the grass within the swale is very important because it will allow the drainage system to function. Picking up the litter before you mow will also keep the community clean. Pedestrian Safety do not park on the sidewalks, it is against the law and blocks the safe passage of children and adults. Heavy trucks and equipment can damage the sidewalk. The construction of sidewalks is expensive, and your help is needed to maintain them. Please remember it is illegal to park on a sidewalk. Both the Collier County Sheriffs Office and the Collier County Code Enforcement Division are monitoring to encourage voluntary compliance. Citations will be issued if the law is broken. It is the property owners responsibility to assure that all your visitors, tenants, and family members obey the law. You, as the property owner, are responsible for maintaining the driveway and ROW.If you rent your property, please inform your tenants of this information. As a landlord, you are responsible for providing your tenants with this information.We hope you enjoy the improvements along the county roadways and please continue to assist your neighbors as we work to improve the health and safety of our community.For more information about the project, please contact: CHRISTIE BETANCOURT ASSISTANT DIVISION DIRECTOR COMMUNITY REDEVELOPMENT AGENCY (CRA) Email: Christie.Betancourt@colliercountyfl.gov Phone: (239) 867-0028 IMMOKALEE CRA Collier County Community Redevelopment Agency
AmAt American House Coconut Point, youll find senior living at its finest. Our community in Estero, FL, offers a warm and welcoming environment with a long list of amenities, helpful services, and engaging activities all designed around you. Whether you're looking for independent living, assisted living, memory care, or respite stays, we have options to suit your needs.Located near idyllic Gulf Coast beaches, our community offers well-appointed studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments and large common areas to visit with family and friends. A maintenance-free lifestyle allows you to focus on whats importantyou. Relax by the pool, get a massage, take a shopping trip, or enjoy our daily happy hour with friends.Our residents enjoy a variety of amenities, including a resort-style swimming pool and lounge area, friendship suites, beautiful outdoor landscaping, quartz kitchen countertops, and cultured marble bathroom countertops. We're also walking distance from Coconut Point mall and offer a bistro, state-of-the-art fitness center, movie theater, chapel, and community/activity rooms. Our restaurant-style dining offers chef-prepared meals, and we provide on-site physical therapy, salon, spa, and massage services. Personal and scheduled transportation, a robust calendar of activities and events, and housekeeping and laundry services are also available. Plus, small pets are welcome!Experience award-winning senior living in Estero, FL, at American House Coconut Point. Schedule a visit today to see our beautiful community and all that we have to offer!
At American House Coconut Point, youll find senior living at its finest. Our community in Estero, FL, offers a warm and welcoming environment with a long list of amenities, helpful services, and engaging activities all designed around you. Whether you're looking for independent living, assisted living, memory care, or respite stays, we have options to suit your needs.Located near idyllic Gulf Coast beaches, our community offers well-appointed studio, one- and two-bedroom apartments and large common areas to visit with family and friends. A maintenance-free lifestyle allows you to focus on whats importantyou. Relax by the pool, get a massage, take a shopping trip, or enjoy our daily happy hour with friends.Our residents enjoy a variety of amenities, including a resort-style swimming pool and lounge area, friendship suites, beautiful outdoor landscaping, quartz kitchen countertops, and cultured marble bathroom countertops. We're also walking distance from Coconut Point mall and offer a bistro, state-of-the-art fitness center, movie theater, chapel, and community/activity rooms. Our restaurant-style dining offers chef-prepared meals, and we provide on-site physical therapy, salon, spa, and massage services. Personal and scheduled transportation, a robust calendar of activities and events, and housekeeping and laundry services are also available. Plus, small pets are welcome!Experience award-winning senior living in Estero, FL, at American House Coconut Point. Schedule a visit today to see our beautiful community and all that we have to offer!
American House Senior Living Communities, located at 11400 Longfellow Lane in Bonita Springs, FL, offers fully remodeled senior living in a warm, welcoming environment. Our community provides a wide range of amenities, services, and activities designed to enhance the lives of our residents. We offer assisted living, living well memory care, respite stays, and coordination of hospice care.Our community has been awarded Best Assisted Living in Bonita Springs in 2023 and is conveniently located between Fort Myers and Naples on a 26-acre campus with beautiful, landscaped grounds, ponds, and wildlife. Our apartments range from studios to one- and two-bedroom units, some with pond views, and all residents have access to our spacious common areas.We offer a maintenance-free lifestyle, allowing residents to focus on themselves. Whether you prefer relaxing by the pool, shopping trips, or socializing at our daily happy hour, the choice is yours.Our vibrant community offers activities and friendships, with assistance available when needed. Our services include meals, laundry, medication reminders, physical therapy, and activities of daily living. We also offer a variety of floor plans to suit your needs.Visit us today for a tour of our newly renovated community and see why American House is the right choice for your senior living needs.