In 2014, people aged 65 or older made up approximately 14.5% of the total population of the United States. In the next sixteen years, people aged 65 years or older are expected to outnumber the under-18 population. As the Senior population continues to grow, we need to be increasingly diligent about guarding against elder abuse.
Warning Signs for Elder Abuse
Protecting Disabled Beneficiaries
A recent study from the Institute on Disability in New Hampshire reported that in 2015, approximately 10% of the adult population under 65 was disabled. Although those statistics are the median for the United States as a whole, in some places those statistics may be as much as doubled. Kentucky, for example, had approximately 150-200% greater adult disabled population than the national average.
FAQs on the UCCJEA
Q: If the other parent and I live in different states, how do we know where to file our custody case?
A: The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, most often simply referred to as the UCCJEA, determines the state that you must file in. If the child has never been subject to a custody case, then you will file where the child has lived for at least six months.
Sometimes one parent will file for custody in his or her state, although the child does not live there. The other state does not have jurisdiction. You will need to appear and ask the Court to dismiss the action for lack of jurisdiction, or you should hire an attorney in that state to do so on your behalf.
FIGHTING DEMENTIA: IT'S NEVER TOO LATE TO START!
As of 2017, 5.4 million Americans have Alzheimer's or another form of dementia. That equates to about one in 8 seniors. Alzheimer's is now the 6th leading cause of death in our country, raising concerns about caring for these individuals as baby boomers continue to age.
The Real Costs of Dementia
Dementia is a disease that is becoming increasingly prevalent among our senior population. The Alzheimer's Association has stated that approximately 1 in 9 people over the age of 65 have been diagnosed with Alzheimer's. Dementia patients encompass those with Alzheimer's but also includes other brain impairments with symptoms of memory disorder, personality changes, and impaired reasoning. As the population of those above 65 years old continues to rise, the population of dementia patients is on the rise as well.
The Benefits of Pet Ownership for Seniors
One of the most common issues related to the care of senior citizens is related to companionship. This is a particularly common issue if the person is still in their home. The elderly often have health problems which prevent them from regularly leaving their home. It is often the case that they live alone. Even when the senior has regular visitors there will be times when they are alone and loneliness can become an issue.
Medicaid Myths
Medicaid is very complex and very confusing. As a result, it is difficult to obtain accurate information, leading to an abundance of misinformation. Fortunately, it is easy to clear up many of the most common misconceptions.
What is Probate and How can I Avoid it?
There are many horror stories about probate. Everyone seems to have a story about someone they know who had a will contest or whose family was fractured because they fought about the property of a loved one. No one wants to go through this or for their family to go through this after they are gone. Avoiding probate, therefore, is a common goal of estate planning.
Tips to Prevent Identity Theft
Identity theft is incredibly frightening to most people. What the identity thief can do is nearly endless. The thief can take all of your money, create credit cards in your name, even take out loans. Even if you are able to catch the problem, you could spend the next several months attempting to get rid of charges or repair your credit.
Many identity thieves target the elderly. Older adults are often seen as socially isolated, inept with technology, and as having memory problems or being easily confused. While these stereotypes are not necessarily true, they do mean that the elderly are more often targeted.
What is Guardianship and how can it be avoided?
Everyone wants to be in control of their own life. They want to make their own financial, personal, and medical decisions. Unfortunately, situations, such as stroke and dementia, arise which prevent people from making decisions for themselves. When this occurs, someone else must have the authority to make decisions for that person. If the person has not designated an agent for themselves with the appropriate legal documents, they will have to go through a court process known as guardianship.
