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There is nothing in Medicaid Law that causes more confusion than the 5-Year Look Back Period.
Many people mistakenly believe that you can't do any planning within 5 years of needing care. This isn't exactly true.
Here's how the Look Back Period Works: If you go into a nursing home and want to apply for Medicaid benefits to pay the bill, you must be below the low asset thresholds. Many families try to transfer assets to their children so that they can qualify without spending all of their money on care.
However, when you apply for Medicaid, you must report any assets that you have gifted during the last 5 years. If you have made gifts, the state will impose a penalty period, during which time Medicaid will not pay your nursing home bill. The length of the penalty period depends on the amount of the gift. This is a problem because the nursing home is providing needed care and they deserve to be paid. But if you aren't eligible for Medicaid because you gave away your assets, then no one is paying their bill.
This could force the nursing home to sue your children for payment. If your family has already made gifts, there are ways to fix the problem.
There are also less risky options for Medicaid eligibility planning. While gifting during the 5-Year Look Back Period can be problematic, there are several other options available to protect assets, even after someone is in the nursing home.
To learn more, consider attending one of our complimentary Elder Law Workshops. Register on our website at www.sechlerlawfirm.com/workshops/ or call my office at 724-564-6615 to schedule an initial consultation.
Editors Note: This article was written by Tim Sechler, Esq., a Certified Elder Law Attorney and Principal of Sechler Law Firm, LLC.
Every day at Harmony at Diamond Ridge we serve families with loved ones who are diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimers disease, and other memory loss diseases. There is a lot of information about memory loss in seniors and the research process can be overwhelming. Dementia is not a specific disease but rather a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interfere with everyday activities. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia The exact cause of Alzheimer's disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. Some of the known risk factors for Alzheimer's disease include a family history of the disease, head injuries, and certain medical conditions such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and diabetes. The symptoms of Alzheimer's disease typically develop slowly over time and worsen as the disease progresses. Some Alzheimers indicators include: Memory loss, especially of recent events Difficulty with language and communication Impaired judgment and decision-making Difficulty with problem-solving and planning Mood changes, such as depression or irritability Personality changes, such as becoming more withdrawn or aggressive Loss of interest in activities or hobbies Difficulty with basic activities of daily living, such as dressing and grooming Research into the causes and treatments of Alzheimer's disease is ongoing, and there is hope that future developments may lead to a better understanding of the disease and new treatments that can improve the lives of those affected by it. Harmony Senior Services Signature Memory Care Program Harmony Reflections is built on elements that support a senior living with Alzheimers disease. The Reflections Program has 5-Key Components; Family Focused, Wellness, Reflections Program: Art and Music, Dining with Dignity, and Harmony Square. Each component engages the resident's present-day experiences while stimulating positive memories through therapeutic visual and tactile aids. We partner with each resident's family to create their individual life story profile - a process for collecting and sharing the resident's life history, preferences, routines, and habits. If you are researching solutions for a loved one living with dementia or you would like to learn more about Harmonys Signature Memory Care Program, call a Harmony community today to speak with one of our dedicated caregivers.
Ellen Latham, the visionary founder of Orangetheory Fitness, has a remarkable story of resilience and determination that continues to inspire fitness enthusiasts worldwide. In a recent interview, Latham opened up about her journey, revealing how she turned career setbacks into a multimillion-dollar fitness empire. Her success story highlights the power of perseverance, adaptability, and a strong belief in ones abilities.Lathams journey began when she faced a significant career challengeshe was unexpectedly let go from her job as a physiologist at a prestigious spa. This setback could have been devastating, but Latham chose to channel her energy into creating something new. Drawing on her expertise in fitness and physiology, she began hosting Pilates classes in her spare bedroom. This modest start would eventually blossom into the foundation of Orangetheory Fitness.The concept behind Orangetheory emerged from Lathams deep understanding of the science of exercise. She developed a heart rate-based interval training system designed to optimize calorie burn and boost overall fitness. The program combines cardiovascular and strength training exercises with heart rate monitoring to ensure participants stay within a target "orange zone," where their metabolism remains elevated even after their workout ends. This unique method has been key to the brand's success, appealing to fitness enthusiasts seeking measurable results.Despite the challenges of building a business, Latham's unwavering dedication kept her motivated. She partnered with fitness professionals and business experts to expand Orangetheory into a global franchise. Today, Orangetheory boasts over 1,500 studios worldwide and continues to grow rapidly. Latham's ability to innovate and respond to market trends has been instrumental in this expansion.In addition to her entrepreneurial achievements, Latham has been an advocate for empowering women in business and fitness. She frequently shares her insights on overcoming obstacles and finding success, encouraging others to pursue their passions fearlessly. Her story resonates with individuals from all walks of life, demonstrating that setbacks can be stepping stones to greater achievements.Lathams advice for those facing professional or personal hurdles emphasizes the importance of persistence and adaptability. She highlights the value of focusing on what you can control, building on your strengths, and embracing new opportunities. This mindset, combined with her innovative fitness model, has solidified her legacy in the health and wellness industry.Orangetheory Fitness has earned a loyal following due to its science-backed approach and welcoming community. Members appreciate the structured yet flexible workout format, which allows individuals of all fitness levels to participate. The brand's focus on results-driven exercise continues to attract thousands of new members each year, solidifying its reputation as a leader in the fitness industry.In summary, Ellen Lathams inspiring journey from professional setback to entrepreneurial success is a testament to the power of resilience and innovation. Her story encourages individuals to embrace challenges, focus on their strengths, and pursue their dreams with confidence. Orangetheory Fitness remains a powerful example of how dedication, creativity, and a passion for helping others can transform an idea into a global phenomenon.
A simple checklist for making sure your obituary honors and informs.When a loved one has passed away, writing an obituary that honors their life can seem overwhelming. Dont worry - your obituary will honor their life simply by the act of you writing it. You want to celebrate your loved ones life and offer happy and enjoyable memories. You are helping to ease the pain of others simply by telling a story about your loved one.We hope that this checklist will take the stress and pressure off of you and allow you to honor your loved one. Remember, your funeral arranger is an experienced professional and is a valuable resource for writing the obituary.Include basic details about the persons lifeYou dont have to include all of this information, but here are the basics that are often included in an obituary. Choose the elements that are most relevant to your loved one: Age Any familial survivors Education Vocation When the person retired, if relevant Any military affiliations Any volunteer affiliations Include funeral informationFamily and friends often rely on an obituary for information on when and where a persons life will be celebrated, so your obituary will make it very simple for them to get that information (and will save you the hassle of having to answer lots of questions at a time when you would prefer not to be bothered with small details). You can include: Date and time of the funeral Place the funeral is being held Any viewing details Request for donations in lieu of flowers
At Sechler Law Firm, LLC, our mission is to help families make great plans. A great estate plan is more than just a set of documents. It is a comprehensive and well thought out written strategy on how to deal with lifes unfortunate twists and turns. Our process first provides you with the education necessary to make informed decisions with regard to your planning. Then we put the proper documents and legal framework in place to respond to lifes unfortunate changes.Our Estate Planning law office is headquartered in Cranberry, PA. From this office, we happily serve the residents of Cranberry, Mars, Wexford, Pittsburgh, Butler and the residents of surrounding communities. As one of the regions only Certified Elder Law Attorneys, Tim Sechler and his team often assist families from across Western Pennsylvania.We understand that the pursuit of health, wealth and happiness is the goal of most families. We want you to be able to pursue these goals, or whatever goals you may have, knowing that you have a back up plan if life throws you a curveball like a death, disability or nursing home need. With education as our foundation, we will work with you to make decisions to Shield What Matters Most to you.Practice AreasEstate PlanningCustomized planning doesnt have to be difficult for you. We strive to make the process easy. The first step is to identify your concerns so that we can make suggestions regarding your plan.Elder Law Crisis PlanningA significant percentage of our practice is dedicated to helping families navigate the long term care maze. We help with Asset Protection and eligibility for Medicaid and Veterans Benefits.Trust And Estate AdministrationIf you have lost a loved one, we can help you take the necessary steps to help handle their affairs.Tims estate planning practice is focused on guiding clients through the complicated maze of balancing transfer strategies, wealth preservation, and family values in the planning process.Tim is a Combat Veteran, having served in Afghanistan as a member of the West Virginia Air National Guard. Prior to leaving the military, Tim had attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. His experiences in the military have led him to thoroughly enjoy working with Veterans and their families.Tim received his law degree from Duquesne University School of Law, and his Master of Business Administration from the Duquesne University Donahue Graduate School of Business. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from West Virginia University, majoring in Finance. Tim is licensed to practice Law in Pennsylvania and West Virginia.Recently, Tim has been seen frequently as a guest on KDKAs Pittsburgh Today Live, and has been quoted in several local print publications. For the last several years, he has been honored to be chosen as a Super Lawyers Rising Star, an award given to less than 2.5% of Tims peers. Tim enjoys educating the public about Elder Law and Estate Planning. He has spoken to thousands of people regarding estate planning and has averaged more than 50 speaking events per year.Tim became a Certified Elder Law Attorney* in 2017. A CELA is more than just an attorney who specializes in the field of elder law. CELAs are committed, through certification, to maintaining and improving their proficiency with continual practice and continuing legal education. Becoming certified in elder law validates a lawyers specialty to handle issues that affect senior citizens.Tim and his wife, Robyn, are raising three beautiful children in their home in Mars, PA.*Certified as an Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation.