Preparing For Change

Why Hire an Elder Law Attorney? Elder law attorneys specialize in estate planning, incapacity planning, and end-of-life care for seniors, helping them remain in their homes and protect against abuse. They are essential in planning for the future and addressing the needs of a vulnerable population. How Can an Elder Law Attorney Help? Long-Term Care Planning: As the number of Americans over 65 is projected to exceed 80 million by 2040, planning for long-term care is increasingly important. Elder law attorneys assist seniors in creating financial plans to cover essential needs like food, rent, and medical care. They also guide clients in applying for public benefits such as Medicaid and Medicare. Housing: Many seniors wish to age in place. Attorneys can represent clients in landlord-tenant disputes, helping them navigate issues like city ordinance violations. They also protect seniors against housing discrimination under the Fair Housing Act. Estate Planning Document Preparation: Elder law attorneys draft critical documents such as wills, health care directives, and powers of attorney, ensuring that seniors rights are protected regarding retirement benefits and medical decisions. A solid estate plan reduces family stress and potential inheritance disputes. Incapacity Planning: Attorneys can help document care wishes for seniors facing disabilities or conditions like dementia. With the rising number of Alzheimers cases, having a plan for incapacity is vital for protecting financial and physical well-being. Guardianship: In cases where an older adult cant make decisions due to conditions like dementia, attorneys assist family members in securing guardianship, which involves legal proceedings and court hearings. They can also advocate for the seniors autonomy by exploring alternatives to full guardianship. Combating Elder Abuse: Elder abuse is a significant public health issue, affecting one in six adults aged 60 and older. Elder law attorneys are well-versed in the rights of seniors and can provide legal recourse against abusers while implementing safeguards like advance directives to protect against financial exploitation. By addressing these diverse needs, elder law attorneys play a critical role in supporting the aging population and ensuring their rights and well-being are protected. Editors Note:  This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice.This article was submitted by Ashley Day, Esq.  Reach her at 251-277-3377.      

Today wed like to introduce you to Heather Tetrault.Hi Heather, thanks for joining us today. Wed love for you to start by introducing yourself.Growing up, I didnt have anything. Quite frankly, we were poor. Since this was the only life I knew, I didnt realize how unfortunate I was until I began getting out more and soon realized that it was not normal. No one in my family graduated high school, not to mention stepping foot on campus at a college. I didnt know that life could be so much more than what I had, but I knew I did not want to follow in those footsteps.At 15 years old, I started the process of being emancipated. I had to prove to the courts that I was able to finish high school and work to support myself. Quite scary, I know! While giving up would have been the path of least resistance, I kept going and became the first to graduate high school in my family and put myself through college. I received my degree in Healthcare Administration because I thought I wanted to run a hospital and change the world, helping those who are less fortunate to have access to the appropriate medical care.I soon realized that I was one person and could not change the world alone. However, this allowed other opportunities where I became the executive director of Assisted Living and ran a 120-bed facility. My passion is helping seniors, so after gaining the skills and expertise in the senior living industry, I soon took that knowledge and started my own company, called My Care Finders. I love it because we provide a free service to seniors and their families.Would you say its been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges youve faced along the way?Mostly, it has been a smooth path to success with lots of sleepless hours initially. The biggest struggle is finding individuals that have a self-starter mindset and who work really hard for their success. Also, finding a mentor willing to invest in me, and who I can learn from.I am humble enough to know that I dont know everything and I love learning from adults older than me. I have the ambition and resilience and I know what it takes to become successful. Looking back, every road I took, lead me to here, so I can honestly say that I have no regrets.Alright, so lets switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?My Care Finders is a FREE resource for seniors and their loved ones needing a retirement or senior living community. Its similar to a realtor, but for senior living communities, so we never pass any fees on to families. We are very transparent with the way it works and sometimes we are not paid at all for our hard work.What sets us apart from our competition is the skills, knowledge, and expertise we have collectively on our team because everyone on our team has worked with seniors. My husband and partner is a licensed nursing home administrator and I am CORE trained and a former executive director of Assisted Living.We also have an LPN on the team. We have a great reputation in the community and we are committed to serving our seniors. We are very proud of our brand because we started from the ground up and many families and other professionals think we are a franchise because of how professional we are. Families should know that we are truly here as an advocate for them.We do not work for any particular community, but we can narrow down the options to a select few after discussing with the family about their loved ones wants, needs, preferences, social desires, budget, and geographic location. There are too many options to look alone and the process can be very overwhelming. We provide free lifetime consulting as well.Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?My biggest piece of advice is to never give up. If you fall down, get back up and realize that it will only make you stronger.Contact Info:Website: https://mycarefinders.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mycarefinders/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mycarefindersLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/my-care-finders/?viewAsMember=trueYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAb88kqp0ePLiNPJCvPWpFQ

The Waxahachie High School Alumni Association, also known as the Waxahachie Ex-Students' Association, has long been a pillar of support for its graduates. Established in 1961, the association has grown to become a vital resource for alumni, providing a range of services and opportunities to stay connected with their alma mater and fellow graduates.One of the standout features of the Waxahachie High School Alumni Association is its commitment to providing valuable resources to its members. Among these resources is the Seniors Blue Book, a comprehensive guide that offers information on senior living options, healthcare services, and other essential resources for seniors. This guide is an invaluable tool for alumni who are navigating the complexities of aging and seeking reliable information to make informed decisions about their future.In addition to the Seniors Blue Book, the alumni association offers a variety of other resources and services. These include: Scholarship Programs: The association awards numerous scholarships to graduating seniors each year, helping to ease the financial burden of higher education and support the next generation of Waxahachie graduates. Reunion Planning: The association assists alumni in organizing class reunions, providing a platform for classmates to reconnect and reminisce about their high school days. Community Events: The association hosts various events throughout the year, including homecoming celebrations, community-building activities, and volunteer opportunities. Networking Opportunities: Alumni can take advantage of networking events and online platforms to connect with fellow graduates, share career advice, and explore professional opportunities. The Waxahachie High School Alumni Association's dedication to supporting its members is evident in the wide range of resources and services it offers. By providing tools like the Seniors Blue Book and fostering a strong sense of community, the association ensures that Waxahachie graduates remain connected and supported throughout their lives. Click Here for more information about the Waxahachie High School Alumni Associationand the resources it provides.