Florida - Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte Counties

Three years ago, Larry Refsland, who works at a marketing company in Northern Minnesota, experienced the deaths of both his mother and mother-in-law in the same year. Since their passing, Larry has reflected a lot on the differences between the two funeral experiences. After my mother-in-law's funeral, we owed $9,000," he says. After my mother's, we owed nothing." While both women had lived in the same rent-controlled housing and were on the same fixed monthly income, Larry's mother made monthly funeral payments on prearranged services. Larry's mother-in-law, on the other hand, had no such plans, and her family had to cover the bill for her funeral expenses on the spot.   Choosing a prepaid funeral plan and making monthly payments can ensure your family and loved ones don't find themselves in a similar situation. In this article, you will learn: The different ways to pay for your own funeral, cemetery or cremation expenses in advance How prepaid funeral plans work How much prepaid funeral plans cost What prepaid funeral plans cover What happens if you miss prepaid funeral payments If prepaid funeral plan payments affect your ability to qualify for Medicaid   How to pay for a funeral or cremation According to the National Funeral Directors Association, the median funeral cost in the United States in 2019 ranged from $6,645 for a cremation with a viewing and memorial service to $9,135 for a funeral with a viewing, service and vault. When cemetery costs are factored in, the total median cost of a funeral can exceed $10,000. Even simple cremations with no service can exceed the savings a family has on hand. (Read our full coverage on funeral, cemetery and cremation costs here.) Especially when coupled with the grief of losing a loved one, it's important for each one of us to document and fund funeral plans in advance to relieve the financial and emotional burden as much as possible. The bottom line: When you pass away, your family is responsible for your funeral, cremation and cemetery costs. Besides paying with cash on hand, there are just a few options available to pay for these expenses: prepaid funeral plans, life insurance, veterans benefits, or a few last resort options at the time of need. Paying for funeral expenses with prepaid funeral plans Because funeral homes, cremation providers and cemeteries don't typically offer payment plans at the time of need, most offer monthly payment plans in advance in the form of prepaid funeral and cemetery arrangements (also called pre-need funeral plans). Prepaid funeral and cemetery plans take the financial burden and emotional guesswork out of a difficult time in life. Plus: You get a price guarantee that protects against rising costs and inflation. Prices for products and services can be locked in at today's rates. When needed at the time of death, your loved ones won't pay extra. You remove a financial and emotional burden from your loved ones. Families tell us that funeral planning can be incredibly overwhelming when grieving, and that having a plan to follow makes a huge difference. Affordable monthly payment plans make it easy to budget for final expenses that are incurred by all of us. Payment amounts differ based on terms, funeral wishes and age. Peace of mind. When your wishes are in writing, and your product and service selections have already been made, you give your loved ones the gift of saying goodbye without the extra stress of trying to guess what you would have wanted. There are no rushed decisions and you can learn about your options in a relaxed environment. Relocation flexibility.  With Dignity Memorial providers, prepaid funeral and cemetery plans can be transferred to other Dignity Memorial funeral homes or cemeteries if you move more than 75 miles away, although some restrictions apply. Typical objections to prepaid funeral plans: Funeral homes, cremation providers and even cemeteries can go out of business. State governments will protect families in these unfortunate situations. However, when selecting a Dignity Memorial provider, your money is kept safe by a third party (an insurance company or a trustee, not the funeral home) until the time of your funeral. Then it is given to the funeral provider at the time of death to cover your funeral expenses. There isn't flexibility when relocating. Although this may be true for most funeral providers, when buying from a Dignity Memorial provider, prepaid funeral and cemetery plans are easily transferred between one of our 1,900+ locations in 47 U.S. states, Canada and Puerto Rico when you move more than 75 miles away. You can earn more money in a different investment. While the stock market or other investments can potentially offer better returns, it's too risky for most people who count on these funds to be there when they need them. Plus, access to the deceased's bank accounts and investment funds isn't a sure bet immediately upon death. With a prepaid funeral plan, the money is secured by an insurance plan or trust and is made available immediately upon death. Paying for funeral expenses with a life insurance policy If you carry life insurance, it may cover some or all of your funeral and the burial costs. The downside is that life insurance can take a month or longer to pay out, while you will be billed before the funeral takes place. It also does nothing to make your final wishes known to your loved ones, and leaves them with the difficulty of selecting a provider and making detailed arrangements during a time of grief. Also, families often misunderstand their life insurance policies, and can be disappointed when they have expired or don't provide the coverage they expected for final expenses. Term life insurance is a temporary insurance policy with an expiration date, usually between five and 30 years. If you die during the term of the insurance, your beneficiaries receive a pay out. It is most often carried by adults in the prime of life with dependent children or mortgages. Most older adults either do not qualify for term life insurance due to medical exam requirements, or the premiums are too expensive. If you believe your final expenses will be covered by a term life insurance policy, please check your policy to ensure that the premiums are current and it is not expired. Whole life insurance is designed to cover income replacement and end-of life expenses like funeral costs and medical bills. As long as the premiums are paid, it covers you until you die. Premiums are typically higher than term life insurance, while the fixed pay-out amounts are usually lower. Health conditions can still prevent some older adults from qualifying, but instead of a medical exam it just requires medical questions to be completed during the application process. Final expense insurance is a specific type of whole life insurance, also called burial insurance or funeral insurance, which pays a lump sum upon death and is specifically designed to cover funeral costs. It isn't intended for income replacement like other life insurance products. If you don't know what you want for your funeral, or can't bring yourself to discuss your wishes with a funeral provider, it is a good alternative to buying a prepaid funeral plan. But it doesn't lock in prices like a prepaid funeral plan does, nor does it help your family make the funeral arrangement process easier. Families sometimes find themselves with an insurance pay out that doesn't cover the complete funeral expenses. None of the above will pay out in time to pay a funeral home bill. A family would need to pay the bill another way and wait for one of these plans to pay out and then reimburse themselves. Paying for burial expenses with U.S. veterans benefits For U.S. veterans in 2020, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs will pay a $300 burial allowance and $780 for a plot (for a nonservice-related death outside a VA hospital) or a $796 burial allowance and $796 for a plot (for a nonservice-related death at a VA hospital). However, these benefits are not automatic and they apply only when the veteran is being buried in a national cemetery. Even then, these allowances are usually not enough to cover all expenses, so veterans benefits usually need to be combined with cash or another type of coverage plan. Last-resort options for paying for funeral expenses The remaining alternatives for paying for funeral expenses are usually a last resort when death has occurred and there is no cash on hand. A credit card. High interest rates make this not a great solution, but some families do take this route. A bank loan. If you have good credit and are comfortable with taking on debt, you can apply for financing at a bank or credit union. This can take time when time is of the essence. A family pool. Family members can come together and pool their money to help with funeral costs. Some families turn to crowdfunding sites like GoFundMe to make this process easier.   Frequently asked questions about the prepaid funeral cost breakdown Understanding prepaid funeral costs doesn't have to be difficult. Here we answer a few questions. How much do prepaid funeral plans cost? Because prepaid funeral, cemetery or cremation plans set aside funds for specific products and services, the amount of the plan doesn't exceed the actual planned cost of the funeral. Unlike insurance plans, you stop paying your monthly payments when the plan has been fully funded. Prepaid funeral plans usually start in the low thousands and range up from there, depending on your wishes. They are usually payable over 3 to 10 years. What do prepaid funeral plans cover? A prepaid funeral plan is created by you, so it covers the things you decide are important. You can plan a simple gathering or a grand event. For traditionalists, it can include embalming, a premium casket, flowers and catering, and cemetery property. Or you could elect for a simple cremation and a mausoleum niche for your ashes. When you meet with a pre-planning professional, you'll learn about all of your options. Make an appointment. What happens if you miss a prepaid funeral payment? A prepaid funeral plan is similar to car insurance in that if you miss a payment, you receive a lapse warning. After 90 days of nonpayment, your plan may be cancelled. If that happens, you would still be able to use that money to fund future arrangements, but you would lose any price protection. Do prepaid funeral plan payments affect your ability to qualify for Medicaid? When you buy a prepaid funeral plan, it is generally excludable for the Medicaid spend-down process. Unlike traditional insurance, it wont affect your ability to qualify for Medicaid. However, many states limit the amount you can put into a funeral plan to between $5,000 and $15,000. Please discuss any concerns with your pre-planning professional and your Medicaid caseworker to make sure your needs are met. What happens if my prepaid funeral, cemetery or cremation provider goes out of business? At Dignity Memorial, your money is kept safe by a third party (an insurance company or a trustee, not the funeral home) until the time of your funeral. Then it is given to the funeral provider to cover your funeral expenses at the time of need. What happens if I move? When buying from a Dignity Memorial provider, prepaid funeral and cemetery plans are easily transferred between one of our 1,900+ locations in 47 U.S. states, Canada and Puerto Rico when you move more than 75 miles away. Planning a funeral ahead of time We recognize that funeral arrangements and associated expenses can be overwhelming. By preparing in advance, you provide a sense of relief, peace of mind and comfort for your loved ones while ensuring your wishes are met and your budget is maintained. When you pre-plan a funeral you honor both yourself and your family.

Falls are a major health concern for seniors, often leading to serious injuries, hospitalization, and a decline in independence. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), one in four Americans aged 65 and older experiences a fall each year. The risk of falling increases due to factors like decreased mobility, vision problems, and chronic health conditions.Non-medical home care plays a crucial role in promoting safety and preventing falls by offering personalized support, assistance, and companionship. By addressing daily challenges, caregivers help seniors maintain their independence while minimizing the risk of injury.Understanding the Risk of Falls in SeniorsFalls are not just accidentsthey are often the result of multiple factors, including:Reduced Strength and Balance: Muscle weakness and decreased stability increase the likelihood of falls.Medication Side Effects: Some medications cause dizziness, drowsiness, or low blood pressure, which can lead to falls.Poor Vision or Hearing: Impaired senses can make it difficult to detect hazards in the environment.Home Hazards: Loose rugs, cluttered walkways, poor lighting, and slippery surfaces create dangerous conditions.Chronic Health Conditions: Arthritis, diabetes, and cognitive decline can affect mobility and coordination.How Non-Medical Home Care Promotes SafetyNon-medical home care providers help prevent falls and ensure a safe environment for seniors in several key ways:Home Safety Assessments and ModificationsCaregivers can identify potential hazards in the home and recommend changes to enhance safety. This may include:Removing Clutter and Obstacles: Keeping pathways clear to prevent tripping.Improving Lighting: Ensuring all areas, especially stairways and bathrooms, are well-lit.Installing Safety Devices: Recommending grab bars in bathrooms, non-slip mats, and handrails for stairs.Securing Loose Rugs and Cords: Minimizing tripping risks by taping down rugs or removing them altogether.Assistance with Daily ActivitiesMany falls occur during routine activities like getting out of bed, bathing, or preparing meals. Caregivers provide:Mobility Assistance: Helping seniors safely navigate their home and offering support while walking or transferring to and from chairs or beds.Bathing and Grooming Support: Reducing the risk of slips and falls in the bathroom by assisting with showers, dressing, and grooming tasks.Meal Preparation: Helping with cooking and serving meals to prevent falls in the kitchen.Encouraging Exercise and MobilityRegular movement and gentle exercise can significantly improve strength, balance, and flexibility. Caregivers can:Assist with Exercise Routines: Encourage seniors to perform light exercises approved by their healthcare provider.Promote Safe Physical Activity: Accompany seniors on short walks or stretches to maintain mobility.Help with Physical Therapy Exercises: Ensure seniors follow prescribed exercises to improve balance and reduce fall risk.Medication RemindersProper medication management helps reduce the risk of dizziness, drowsiness, and other side effects that can lead to falls. Non-medical caregivers can:Provide Medication Reminders: Ensure seniors take medications on schedule and according to doctors instructions.Monitor Side Effects: Watch for signs of medication-related dizziness or instability and communicate concerns to family members or healthcare providers.Companionship and SupervisionBeing alone can increase the risk of falls, especially for seniors with mobility challenges. Caregivers offer:24/7 Support: Continuous supervision ensures seniors have immediate assistance if needed.Companionship During Activities: Whether its walking through the house or doing chores, having someone nearby provides an added layer of safety.Emergency Response: Quick action if a fall does occur, minimizing injury and ensuring timely medical attention.Transportation AssistanceNavigating outdoor environments or getting in and out of vehicles can be hazardous. Caregivers can:Provide Transportation: Safely accompany seniors to medical appointments, errands, or social events.Assist with Mobility Aids: Ensure proper use of canes, walkers, or wheelchairs during outings.Benefits of Fall Prevention Through Non-Medical Home CareInvesting in non-medical home care to prevent falls offers numerous benefits for seniors and their families:Reduced Risk of Injury: Proactive fall prevention helps avoid fractures, head injuries, and other serious harm.Maintained Independence: Seniors can safely remain in their homes and enjoy greater autonomy.Peace of Mind: Families can feel reassured knowing their loved one is supported and protected.Improved Quality of Life: With fewer worries about falling, seniors can focus on enjoying daily activities and social interactions.Choosing the Right Non-Medical Home Care ProviderWhen selecting a non-medical home care provider, consider these factors:Experience with Fall Prevention: Look for caregivers trained in safety protocols and mobility assistance.Personalized Care Plans: Choose providers who tailor services to individual needs and home environments.Positive Reviews and References: Use trusted resources like Seniors Blue Book to find reputable home care providers.Compatibility: Ensure the caregiver builds trust and a good rapport with your loved one.ConclusionFalls are a serious risk for seniors, but non-medical home care can play a pivotal role in promoting safety and preventing injuries. Through home safety assessments, mobility assistance, exercise support, and companionship, caregivers create a safer living environment and reduce the risk of falls.For families seeking reliable home care solutions, Seniors Blue Book is an excellent resource for finding qualified caregivers dedicated to enhancing safety, independence, and quality of life for seniors.

Technology has improved the lives of many across all generations. Millennials have apps to keep them socially and politically engaged, and even some to help find their future life partner. Generation X has thought-provoking articles and sub-culture blogs to keep their inquisitive minds satisfied, but what about Baby Boomers? How has tech improved their lives and are senior living communities including these advancements in their lifestyle programs?  Short answer- yes. Heres how:Whats Old Is New AgainHeres lookin at you, kid. Classic films are available on streaming platforms like Netflix and Hulu at an increasing rate. When it comes to a cinematic education, it can be hard to find early films and brush up on the classics especially on a budget. Luckily, many of the most iconic films of the last century have slipped into the public domain, making them free to stream for the general public. Renowned, enduring titles across genres including foreign, comedy, romance, film noir, and more are all waiting for you to watch. Senior living communities take advantage of this with regularly scheduled classic movie nights in their state of the art theaters.Travel Without Leaving Your HomeNo longer does it take planes, trains, and automobiles to see the wonders of the world. The advances in digital photography and artificial intelligence make it easy for anyone to visit the Grand Canyon, Pyramids of Egypt, and even experience the islands of Greece from the comfort of their own homes. The most innovative senior communities are implementing virtual travel programs, where residents can join clubs full of like-minded travel buffs to virtually tour The Louvre, explore the canals of Venice, or even view their hometown as it is today with the help of Google Earth. Sure to be amazed at the differences between the times they lived there and how it appears today, it is a bonding experience for all involved.The Resurgence of House CallsRemember when doctors made house calls? A simple in-home visit when the common cold hit so hard that getting to the doctors office was nearly impossible made all the difference. Well, the times they are a changin back. With the success of ride-sharing platforms like Uber and Lyft, it was only a matter of time before someone developed an app where one could request a doctor visit to their home with the click of a button. Again, senior living communities are mimicking this, with some even providing in-home intake assessments for potential residents who face debilitating ailments.  The Summit in Hockessin, Delaware, for example, happily provides this service free of charge for their Assisted Living and Memory Care prospective residents.Technology is here to stay and there is no going back, but how and why its used? Well, every generation has a say in that!

Estate planning is essential for ensuring that your assets are distributed according to your wishes after your passing. Unfortunately, many individuals make common mistakes that can lead to confusion, delays, and additional costs for their loved ones. These mistakes can complicate the process of settling an estate and may even result in the distribution of assets being contrary to your intentions. To help you navigate the complexities of estate planning and ensure a smooth transition for your beneficiaries, its important to avoid these top estate planning mistakes.1. Failing to Create a Will or TrustOne of the most significant mistakes people make is failing to create any estate plan at all. Without a will or trust in place, your estate will be subject to state laws of intestacy, meaning the government will decide how your assets are distributedoften in a way that doesnt align with your desires. Additionally, without a legal plan, you lose the ability to choose an executor, guardianship for minor children, or specific bequests to loved ones.Solution: At a minimum, you should have a will that outlines your wishes for the distribution of your assets. For a more comprehensive plan, consider setting up a trust to avoid probate, protect your privacy, and ensure more control over the distribution of your estate.2. Not Updating Your Estate Plan RegularlyYour estate plan isnt a one-time task; its something that should be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect life changes such as marriage, divorce, the birth of children, or the accumulation or sale of assets. Failing to update your estate plan could result in outdated provisions, such as leaving assets to an ex-spouse or failing to account for new family members.Solution: Regularly review your will, trust, and beneficiary designations to ensure that they reflect your current wishes. Its a good idea to meet with an estate planning attorney every few years or after major life changes.3. Choosing the Wrong Executor or TrusteeYour choice of executor (for a will) or trustee (for a trust) is critical to the successful execution of your estate plan. The individual you appoint will be responsible for managing your assets, paying any debts, and distributing your estate according to your wishes. Many people make the mistake of appointing someone out of obligation or without fully considering their qualifications for the role.Solution: Choose someone who is organized, trustworthy, and capable of handling the responsibilities of managing your estate. You may also want to consider a professional executor or trustee, such as a bank or trust company, if you dont have someone suitable in mind.4. Ignoring Tax ImplicationsFailing to consider the potential tax consequences of your estate plan can result in unnecessary taxes that diminish the assets your beneficiaries receive. Estate taxes, inheritance taxes, and capital gains taxes can all impact the value of your estate. While certain strategies can help reduce taxes, many people fail to address these issues until its too late.Solution: Work with an estate planning attorney and a financial advisor to explore strategies for minimizing estate taxes, such as utilizing trusts, making charitable contributions, or taking advantage of tax exemptions. Proper planning can ensure that your estate is passed on to your beneficiaries with minimal tax burdens.5. Not Addressing Healthcare and End-of-Life WishesEstate planning isnt just about distributing assets. Its also about making decisions regarding your healthcare and end-of-life care. Many people fail to create documents like a healthcare power of attorney or a living will, leaving these decisions in the hands of family members who may not know your wishes.Solution: Create a healthcare power of attorney to appoint someone to make medical decisions on your behalf if youre unable to do so. Also, consider preparing a living will that outlines your wishes regarding life-sustaining treatment, organ donation, and other healthcare matters.6. Not Planning for IncapacityMany people focus solely on what happens after their death but fail to plan for the possibility of becoming incapacitated. If you become mentally or physically unable to manage your own affairs, you may need someone to step in and handle your financial and legal matters. Without the proper documents, such as a durable power of attorney, your family may need to go through a lengthy and costly court process to gain guardianship over you.Solution: In addition to a will or trust, create a durable power of attorney to appoint someone to manage your financial and legal matters in the event of your incapacity. This document ensures that your affairs are handled without the need for court intervention.7. Overlooking Digital AssetsIn todays digital age, many people have valuable digital assets, such as online accounts, social media profiles, cryptocurrency, and digital files. Failing to plan for the management and transfer of these assets can create confusion and delays for your loved ones.Solution: Make a list of your digital assets, including passwords, login information, and instructions for how these assets should be handled after your passing. Consider using a password manager or providing this information to a trusted family member or attorney.8. Assuming Joint Ownership Solves EverythingMany people assume that adding a child or loved one as a joint owner on their bank accounts, real estate, or other assets will automatically pass those assets to the joint owner upon death. While joint ownership can avoid probate, it can also create unintended consequences, such as exposing assets to creditors or creating tax liabilities for the joint owner.Solution: While joint ownership may be appropriate in some cases, its essential to understand the implications before making this decision. Discuss with an estate planning attorney whether joint ownership is the best option for your estate, or if other planning strategies, such as trusts, might be more appropriate.9. Failing to Communicate Your WishesEven the best estate plan can fail if your family members dont understand your wishes. Without clear communication, your loved ones may not know where to find your estate planning documents or what your intentions are regarding asset distribution, healthcare decisions, or guardianship.Solution: Have an open discussion with your family about your estate plan. While it may be uncomfortable, talking about your wishes helps prevent misunderstandings and confusion. Make sure your executor, trustee, and key family members know where to find your estate planning documents.10. Not Consulting an Estate Planning AttorneyAttempting to create an estate plan without professional help can lead to costly errors. Many DIY estate planning tools, such as online forms or software, may not take into account your unique circumstances or the complexities of your assets. This can result in documents that dont meet legal requirements or fail to achieve your intended outcomes.Solution: Consult with an experienced estate planning attorney to ensure that your estate plan is legally sound and tailored to your specific needs. A professional can provide guidance on how to maximize your estates value and avoid costly mistakes.ConclusionAvoiding these common estate planning mistakes can help ensure that your assets are distributed according to your wishes, your loved ones are taken care of, and your estate transitions smoothly. Estate planning can be a complex process, but with the right guidance and proactive steps, you can create a plan that provides peace of mind for both you and your family.At Maloney Legal, we specialize in helping individuals and families create comprehensive estate plans that address all aspects of asset protection, healthcare, and financial management. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and ensure that your estate plan is up to date and legally sound.Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Please consult with a qualified estate planning attorney for advice specific to your situation.