Estate Planning within Blended Families

As a significant and life-altering medical condition, roughly 800,000 Americans every year experience a stroke most of whom are aged 65 and older. As a result, families in communities across America, including Cape Coral, must prioritize stroke prevention and stroke care to help ensure their aging loved ones health and well-being. Read on to learn more about strokes, stroke prevention tips, and what to look for if you suspect someone close to you might be experiencing a stroke.What is a Stroke?A stroke, or cerebrovascular accident, occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, leading to brain cell oxygen and nutrient deprivation. Because strokes target the brain, they can potentially cause temporary paralysis, a permanent disability, or even death. There are two main types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. An ischemic stroke results from a blockage in a blood vessel supplying the brain, while a hemorrhagic stroke occurs when a blood vessel inside the brain ruptures.Stroke Prevention Risk FactorsThese risk factors increase the likelihood of having a stroke:High blood pressureDiabetesElevated cholesterol levelsCigarette smokingDrinking alcohol to excessObesityPhysical inactivityFamily history of strokeAge (risk increases with age)Previous history of stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA)When assisting loved ones, family caregivers must understand these risk factors and work towards minimizing them to help prevent a stroke from occurring.Stroke Care Tips for Family Caregivers in Cape CoralRecognizing the early warning signs of a stroke and knowing what to do in an emergency is vital for family caregivers. The FAST method is a reliable way to spot stroke warning signs:F = Face Drooping  Does one side of the face droop or is it numb? Ask the person to smile. Is their smile uneven?A = Arm Weakness  Is one arm weak or numb? When they raise both arms, does one arm drift downward?S = Speech Difficulty  Is their speech slurred?T = Time to Dial 911  Stroke is an emergency in which every minute counts. Call 911 immediately and note the time the symptoms first appeared.Additional stroke symptoms include:Leg, face, or arm numbness or weakness, notably on one side of the bodyConfusion, difficulty speaking or understanding speechBlurred vision in one or both eyesDifficulty walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordinationSevered headache with no known causeIf a loved one is experiencing any of the above, you must act quickly. Call emergency services immediately and note the time when the symptoms first appeared. Do not wait to see if the symptoms improve on their own, as timely intervention can make a significant difference in the outcome of a stroke.How to Devise an Effective Stroke Prevention StrategyIn addition to being prepared for a stroke emergency, family caregivers can also take proactive steps to prevent strokes from occurring. Here are some stroke prevention tips and strategies for anyone looking after a senior or other high-risk individual:Manage Risk FactorsWork with healthcare professionals to monitor and control conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and elevated cholesterol. Encourage healthy lifestyle choices, including regular exercise, a well-balanced diet, and avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption.Medication ManagementEnsure prescribed medications are taken as directed and that regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers are maintained. Medication compliance is vital in managing conditions that increase the risk of stroke.Physical ActivityOnce cleared by their doctor, encourage regular physical activity tailored to the individuals abilities and preferences. Exercising for at least 20 minutes, 3 to 5X per week, can help maintain a healthy weight, lower blood pressure, and improve cardiovascular health, reducing ones stroke risk.Stress ManagementHelp your loved one manage stress through relaxation techniques, mindfulness practices, and activities they enjoy, as chronic stress can exacerbate high blood pressure and other stroke risk factors.Regular Health CheckupsEnsure your loved one gets tested regularly, including blood pressure checks, cholesterol tests, and diabetes screenings. Early detection and management of these conditions can help prevent strokes.Learn All You CanStay informed on the latest stroke research and stroke prevention guidelines. Attend educational workshops, seminars, or support groups to learn more about stroke risk factors, warning signs, and caregiving strategies.Get HelpBuild a support network of healthcare professionals, friends and family, and community resources to help care for your loved one. Seeking help and sharing responsibilities can help prevent caregiver burnout and ensure the best possible care for your loved one. When you need a break, or respite, another option is to hire a professional in-home caregiver from a reputable home care provider.While serving as an extended family in the home, a trained in-home caregiver can provide your loved one with the nurturing they deserve, allowing you to take a well-deserved break.Professional Home Care: Your Reliable Stroke Prevention PartnerHome care providers play a vital role in the stroke prevention process, providing personalized support and assistance to at-risk individuals. Here are some ways in-home caregivers can help aging, ill, or disabled individuals reduce their stroke risk:Medication SupervisionHome care providers help clients adhere to their prescribed medications, ensuring they are taken on time and on dose. Proper medication management is essential in controlling conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol significant stroke risk factors.Lifestyle SupportIn-home caregivers know how to help clients adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles. This role may include encouraging regular physical activity, preparing nutritious meals, and promoting habits that help clients manage stress and maintain their well-being. Promoting healthy lifestyles is an impactful way for home care providers to help reduce the risk of strokes.Health Condition MonitoringIn-home caregivers are trained to monitor their clients vital signs, including blood pressure and blood sugar. Routinely monitoring these key health indicators allows caregivers to identify any changes or abnormalities early on and take appropriate action to prevent complications that could cause a stroke.Education and AwarenessReputable home care providers educate clients and their families about stroke risk factors, warning signs, and preventive strategies. Through raising awareness and providing practical information, caregivers empower individuals to make better-informed decisions about their health and proactively implement measures to reduce their risk of stroke.In conclusion, home care plays a vital role in stroke prevention by offering personalized support, health condition monitoring, promoting healthy habits, and educating individuals about stroke prevention strategies. Partnering with home care providers helps at-risk individuals receive the support and guidance they need, reducing their likelihood of experiencing a life-altering stroke. As an additional benefit, professional in-home caregivers also give family caregivers peace of mind knowing their loved ones are in capable hands!Dignified In-Home Stroke Prevention and Recovery Care in Cape CoralHelping a loved one prevent a stroke or recover afterward can be overwhelming. When you need assistance, contact Seaside Home Health Care. As a fully licensed and accredited home care provider, our highly trained professionals can provide the dignified Stroke Prevention or Stroke Recovery Care your loved one deserves. While serving as an extended family in the home, our compassionate caregivers can perform various duties, including Alzheimers and Dementia Care, Arthritis Care, Companionship Care, Diabetes Care, Elder Care, Home Helper Services, Hospice Care, Meals and Nutrition, Personal Care, Respite Care, 24-Hour Home Care, and Transportation.While assisting clients in Cape Coral, Alva, Boca Grande, Bokeelia, Burnt Store Marina, Matlacha, and North Captiva Island, our agencys focus is maintaining their quality of life, along with their dignity, self-esteem, and independence. For your added convenience, all our home care services can be individually personalized into an affordable package when and where you need them! Please visit www.seasidehomehealthcare.com to learn more about our in-home Stroke Prevention and Stroke Recovery Care services or schedule a FREE consultation for someone in our service area.

Estate Planning Is About More Than Wills and InheritanceTraditionally, estate planning brings up thoughts of wills, trusts, and discussions about who inherits what. These are undoubtedly important, but theres another side to the storythe potential for incapacity. Life is unpredictable. Accidents, illnesses, or progressive conditions like dementia can render us unable to make decisions or communicate our wishes. Thats when the true test of an estate plan comes into play.The Spousal AssumptionTheres a widespread assumption that marriage grants spouses the ability to automatically make decisions for each other. This myth is pervasive, yet the legal system tells a different story. Strict privacy and healthcare laws mean that without explicit legal permissions such as a Power of Attorney or a healthcare directive a spouses hands may be tied, unable to manage finances, make medical decisions, or even get information from doctors.The Costly Path of ConservatorshipWithout proper documentation, the only recourse may be to seek a conservatorship where a court appoints someone to oversee the incapacitated persons affairs. Its a route fraught with challenges: it is time-consuming, can be quite expensive, and throws open what are very personal matters to the public eye.How to Protect Your Voice and Your ChoicesThe key to maintaining control is preparation. Here are the documents that every adult should consider: Durable Power of Attorney: This allows you to appoint a trusted individual to handle your financial affairs if you cannot do so yourself. Healthcare Power of Attorney: It enables you to designate someone to make healthcare decisions on your behalf in case youre incapacitated. Living Will: This document spells out your wishes regarding medical treatment, including life support and other critical decisions. The Role of TrustsA Revocable Living Trust can also play a pivotal role. By creating a trust, you not only plan for the distribution of your assets after your passing but also ensure that someone you trust can manage your affairs without court intervention if youre not able to during your life.Educate, Communicate, UpdateCreating these documents is just the first step. Educate the people youve appointed about their roles and your wishes. Keep the lines of communication open and review these documents regularly to ensure they reflect your current circumstances and wishes.Final ThoughtsJay Lenos situation is a lesson for us all, highlighting the need for comprehensive estate planning that anticipates not just death, but also lifes unexpected turns. It emphasizes the importance of preparing for situations where we might not be able to speak for ourselves. For those ready to take the next step, or if youve realized theres a missing piece in your estate plan, were here to guide you. Ensuring your estate plan is complete and up-to-date is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the uncertainties of the future. Please feel free to contact the office at 724 546 6615 if you need assistance getting started.

Nursing Homes Can Sue You For Your Parents CareHaving done a class for our existing clients about filial support law, I decided to share this important information with you.Filial Support Law is the Pennsylvania law that can hold family members responsible for their parents or other indigent family members care costs. This law has been around for a while, but it did not come to fruition until 2014. Family demographics were different in the past, because the adult child caregiver cared for their elderly parent. As a result, not many seniors needed care in nursing homes. As a result, care providers didnt need to ask the kids to pay for mom or dads care costs. People are Living Longer and Will Need Long Term CareHowever, times have changed, and with a large population of baby boomers reaching their retirement years, it raises the concern of who will take care of them. Since many more people are living longer now, into their 80s and 90s, there will be more seniors needing care. With the cost of care in nursing homes being $150,000 per year, most families are not prepared for that. Its not the nursing homes fault, as they are providing valuable care. The biggest concern is getting the care that you need without going broke. It is unfortunate that we have a broken care system when it comes to taking care of seniors in this country. This is why we urge you to get an estate plan as a retiree, if not earlier. We dont believe you work 40-50 years to save a nest egg, only to lose it to long term care costs.When it comes to Filial Support Law, if theres an indigent person or parent being cared for in a nursing home, the care provider needs compensation. The spouse or the adult child can be pursued for compensation. Those who drafted this law did not define what an indigent person is, but theres very little caveat, so the amount which you may be held responsible for, is six times your monthly income every year. As an example, if somebody earns $120,000 per year based on $10,000 per month, they could be held responsible for that monthly income to pay for their parents care. Dont Let This Happen To YouThe care provider doesnt need to prove anything besides the fact that your parent is being cared for. It doesnt matter if you dont have a good relationship with your parent.  You could make an argument that you dont have the financial resources to pay for mom or dads care. Theres a little caveat about this law indicating that a family member cannot be held responsible if they dont have enough money. Unfortunately, they dont define what it means. The Pittas CaseWhat happened with the Pittas case in 2014, was that Mrs. Pittas ended up in a nursing home after being in a car accident. She needed care and a rehab stay in the nursing home and she started racking up a bill. Mrs. Pittas did not pay for her care, and when she recovered, she was discharged from the nursing home. She left the country without paying for her care, and joined her husband in Greece to live with one of their kids.The nursing home bill for Mrs. Pittas care, was $93,000 which had to be recovered. Mrs. Pittass Son was living in Pennsylvania at the time, and he was sued for his moms $93,000 bill. He didnt know that his mom didnt pay for her care. Mr. Pittas fought the bill and won the arbitration case. However, the case went to the trial court who ruled in favour of the nursing home. He lost the $93,000 lawsuit and had to pay his moms nursing home care bill.How Filial Support Law May Affect YouHow this may affect you, is when a family member ends up in the nursing home and is ineligible for Medicaid. Since Medicaid looks at your assets, Medicaid can deny coverage if youve given your money away in the last five years. Medicaid doesnt want you to give your money away today and ask Medicaid to pay for your nursing home the following week.In simple terms, if mom gave a $300,000 home to the kids, but dad needs care within the next five years, he will not be eligible for Medicaid. This is based on the Medicaid rules for the 5 year look-back period. Medicaid will divide the gift amount of $300,000 by the average monthly cost of a nursing home. Based on an average monthly cost of $15,000, the answer is 20 months. This is the length of time you will not be eligible for Medicaid benefits. The reason for this is because the state is not paying the nursing home. As a result, they will look for other means to recover this money. If you are the spouse or adult child, you may be responsible for paying the nursing home bill. To avoid this happening, you need an estate plan which will protect you, your assets and your family.We Believe in Providing EducationBeing eligible for Medicaid is one of the many topics we cover at our FREE Workshops. At Sechler Law Firm, we believe that education is very important. This is why we offer our Three Secrets to Protect Your Legacy Workshops to teach you about Estate Planning. Register HERE for a free Workshop, which we host in various locations around Greater Pittsburgh every month.Estate planning is not just about answering the question of who gets your stuff when you pass away. Rather, having an estate plan will protect your assets. It will also ensure that those who inherit your money wont have a problem. I am referring to the complications that may arise when beneficiaries are underage, disabled or possibly subject to a lawsuit. You cant just give them a bag of money or for that matter, your home without doing some careful planning. Estate Planning is complicated, so we can help you to avoid making costly mistakes. We are here to help you!! Download this FREE Guide to help you understand the importance of estate planning so you can avoid making mistakes.