As Americans enjoy longer lifespans, the shadow of mental incapacity looms larger, with Alzheimer’s Disease affecting over 6 million in the U.S. alone. Indeed, the National Institute on Aging reports that half of those over 85 years old are living with Alzheimer’s, though it’s just one of many conditions that can impair mental capacity. Understanding mental … Read more
Estate planning often centers on the critical question of what happens after death. However, an equally, if not more important, consideration is planning for the possibility of disability. With the increase in life expectancy and the aging population, the risk of becoming disabled through illness, injury, or simply the natural progression of age is more … Read more
Although it’s not pleasant to consider, the sad reality is that disability can happen to anyone. Let’s look at tools you want include in your incapacity plan. In fact, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than one in four people in the United States have some kind of disabling condition. In … Read more
Planning for incapacity is not something you should wait on. It’s an unfortunate fact that most people procrastinate when it comes to this aspect of estate planning. They want to put this off until much later, if not forever. After all, no one really wants to deal with the possibility they’ll become incapacitated or pass … Read more
It’s an inevitable part of life—our parents aging. Beyond the calendar marking the years, signs of their advancing age, both physically and mentally, become more apparent. Witnessing the transformation of our once energetic parents can be an emotionally challenging experience. This progression might unfold gradually, allowing you to transition into a caregiving role. Perhaps during … Read more
The importance of a living will: In the wintry season of 1963, on December 3, Mary and Robert Schindler welcomed a beautiful baby girl named Theresa Marie, fondly known as Terri. Growing up in Pennsylvania, she enjoyed a normal childhood filled with playtimes with her siblings and pets and exploring her passion for music and … Read more
Incapacity planning is of utmost importance, especially for individuals diagnosed with conditions like Alzheimer’s that are likely to lead to progressive cognitive decline. This planning ensures that the patient’s wishes regarding their health care and finances are followed even when they are no longer able to make these decisions themselves. One of the first steps … Read more
As a parent, you’ve watched your child grow from a wobbly toddler taking their first steps to a confident young adult about to turn 18. You’ve been there through every milestone, from their first day of school to their first little league game. You’ve helped them learn how to ride a bike and have cheered … Read more
With so much to think about, it’s easy to put incapacity planning on the back burner. This is even more so the case if you’re young and healthy. But that’s no reason to put it off. You need a comprehensive incapacity plan that can provide you and your family with peace of mind. Here are … Read more
Could your hospital kill you by deciding that you are too sick and should have treatment withheld? Quite possibly. The Teri Schiavo story showed the importance of expressing your wishes and doing a Living Will, if that is your choice. The case of Hanford Pinette shows, at times a Living Will may conflict with the … Read more