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December 2017

Social Media Abuse in Nursing Homes

By Long-Term Care

As technological advances increase, so do the ways in which immoral individuals use technology to exploit others. There have been numerous instances in which nursing home employees have been fired or otherwise disciplined for sharing inappropriate content, via social media outlets, that features nursing home patients. This is a newer type of elder abuse that is becoming more prevalent and that everyone needs to be aware of. Posting embarrassing photo or video content of senior citizens is malicious, dehumanizing and violates elderly individuals rights to privacy. This applies especially to nursing home patients, as they are often mentally or physically impaired and unable to stand up for themselves. Everyone should be aware of the existence and growing presence of social media abuse when it comes to the elderly, so that they know to report elder abuse if they encounter it in any form.

To report elder abuse or exploitation, call the Florida Abuse Hotline at: 1-800-962-2873.

December 29, 2017
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5 Tips for Retirees Who Want to Live Well Without Breaking the Bank

By Asset Protection Planning

If you are retired, you may be living on a fairly strict budget. At Bach & Jacobs, we recognize the challenges seniors face in adapting to a fixed income. Here’s a short list of tips to help you stick to your budget.

 

  1. Use your age to your advantage.

Ask for senior discounts whenever you go out to eat, see a movie, or shop at a retail location.

 

  1. Try to only make one trip to the grocery store a week.

This allows you to get everything you need for the week all at once, which saves time and gas money. If you create a budget for this one weekly shopping trip rather than trying to piece together the cost of several smaller weekly trips, it is easier to manage your money and make sure that you don’t overspend. This also helps ensure that you focus more on buying the essentials and less on extra items that are unnecessary.

 

  1. Unplug electronic devices when you aren’t using them.

Most electronic devices use power while they are charging, even if they aren’t in use. A laptop, smartphone, or ipad that is often left plugged in for long periods of time may cause your monthly power bill to be much higher than it should be. Additionally, unplugging your electronic devices once they are charged helps them maintain a longer battery life so that you won’t have to replace them as often.

 

  1. Sell or donate the items that you don’t use anymore.

Getting rid of clutter can help you save on storage costs, and selling your old items gives you a new stream of revenue.  Additionally, donating unwanted items allows you to get rid of things  that you don’t have space for, while also helping those in need.

 

  1. Consider down-grading or renting out rooms in your house

Purchasing a spacious, four-bedroom house to raise your children in may have been the perfect idea 20 or 30 years ago, but now you might find yourself with too much extra space. Consider down-grading to a one or two bedroom home; this could save you a substantial amount of money over the years. However, if you want to stay in your current home, try renting out an extra room or two. This is a way to generate extra money, while also gaining another individual to help around the house or buy extra groceries when needed. However, make sure that the individual(s) you select are trustworthy, honest people that you are comfortable sharing your space with.

December 26, 2017
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How to Discuss Driving with an Elderly Loved One

By Health

Discussing safe driving, or a lack there-of, with an elderly loved one can be a difficult task to navigate. However, if you are concerned about a senior citizen in your life and believe that their driving is starting to become unsafe, you should address this issue in a prompt, open manner.

To approach the subject in an effective style, you should outline what you are going to say before speaking with them. Try to put yourself in the mindset of the older individual. As you age, you start to lose an increasing number of mental and physical abilities, which increases your desire to maintain control over the ones you are left with. For an elderly individual, not being able to drive could equate to losing their freedom. Be gentle when you have this conversation and be certain to take their feelings into account.

When the time comes for this discussion, ease into it rather than bombarding them with a flood of dialogue all at once. If your loved one feels overwhelmed by what you are saying, they are more likely to become defensive and less likely listen to your ideas with an open mind.

Additionally, learn how to rebut objections in a sensitive manner. More than likely, your loved one will spout-off a myriad of reasons why they cannot stop driving. Allow them to openly discuss and talk-through their concerns without immediately offering solutions. This gives you, as well as the loved one you are speaking with, the chance to think through different scenarios and come up with a more comprehensive, well-thought-out solution that meets everyone’s needs. It also keeps them from becoming more defensive and getting in the mind-set that you are trying to irrevocably alter their world.

Finally, be patient. Don’t expect your loved one to come around right away or get angry with them when they object to what you say. Calmly discussing the subject in a kind manner will make them more receptive to what you are saying and will help you navigate this difficult conversation with the least amount of turbulence possible.

December 22, 2017
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What is Your Estate Planning IQ?

By Estate Planning

Kiplinger.com has a new quiz that allows an individual to assess their smarts when it comes to Estate Planning, Wills and Trusts. This quiz is multiple choice, consists of ten questions, and will give you your results once you have completed it. Additionally, the quiz will provide you with an answer to each question as well as an explanation of that answer immediately after you submit it. Click the following link to test your knowledge of Estate Planning:

http://www.kiplinger.com/quiz/retirement/T021-S001-know-about-wills-test-your-estate-planning-smarts/index.html

Didn’t score as high as you had hoped or still have questions? The skilled attorneys at Bach & Jacobs have a great deal of experience when it comes to Estate Planning. For assistance regarding these matters, contact our office at (941) 906-1231 to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys.

December 19, 2017
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How Pets Can Help Alzheimer’s Patients

By Health

While pets bring companionship, fun and love into any individual’s life, they can be extremely beneficial to a person battling Alzheimer’s disease. The presence of a pet can help reduce anxiety, agitation, irritability, depression and loneliness in an Alzheimer’s patient, while also helping them become more socially interactive. Pets such as dogs can also increase the motivation for an Alzheimer’s patient to exercise, as dogs need to be walked and taken-out regularly. Additionally, if Alzheimer’s is fairly advanced in an individual, a service animal can be very beneficial and can help them complete everyday tasks that they would be unable to perform on their own. Additionally, pets have been linked to health benefits such as lowering blood pressure, reducing heart rate, decreasing levels of cortisol (the stress-hormone), and boosting level of serotonin (the mood-boosting hormone).

December 15, 2017
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When Can I Contest a Will?

By Estate Planning, Probate

Florida law gives individuals the power to contest Wills in the cases of fraud, mental incapacity or undue influence. In Florida, you can challenge a Will within the statute of limitations before the probate is complete. Additionally, if the Will has not yet been submitted to the court, you may challenge it. If the Will has been admitted to probate court and you have been notified of the submission and probate administration, then you have three months to file paperwork challenging the Will. However, if you did not receive the notice, then you may file after more than three months have passed as long as the probate process has not been completed.

You are allowed to file a Will contest in Florida if you have evidence that the will is not representative of the decedent’s wishes. You are also able to contest a Will if you have proof of undue influence, incapacity, or fraud.  Incapacity refers to a situation in which an individual did not have the mental capacity to understand the document they were signing, and undue influence refers to a situation in which the decedent was coerced or otherwise pressured into signing the Will.

For assistance regarding these matters, contact our office at 941- 906-1231 to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys.

 

December 12, 2017
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Tired of TSA Employees Confiscating Your Valuables?

By Asset Protection Planning, Elder Law

You may have seen recent news coverage of airport officials confiscating individuals’ precious metals, valuable coins, or even currency by alleging that these assets may have been obtained via criminal activity. In many of these situations, though no charges end up being filed, an individual’s belongings are never returned to them. If you plan on traveling soon with any of these items in tow and want reduce the risk of your assets being confiscated, familiarize yourself with the TSA’s webpage regarding Currency, Coins, Precious Metals or Valuable jewelry. If you have documentation that demonstrates where your assets originally came from and that states that you are the rightful owner of said belongings, bring it with you to the airport and keep it handy in the event that officials ask you to present it. If you want to be extremely cautious, it is a good idea to call the TSA office in advance before your flight and make them aware of what you will be bringing on-board. You can also ask for a private room for a bag search to be conducted and, once there, explain what you are carrying and why. Finally, do not try to put these valuables in checked luggage or attempt to sneak them through security in any fashion, as this increases the likelihood that they will be confiscated.

December 8, 2017
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Lifetime and Estate Planning – A Seminar by Experts

By Estate Planning, Firm News

Babette Bach and Fred Jacobs will be speaking at a Heritage Oaks event, “Lifetime and Estate Planning – A Seminar by Experts”, being held at their clubhouse on January 15th, 2018 at 2:00pm. The attorneys will cover a variety of topics and give some insights into preservation of assets and estate planning for Florida residents. The event is presented by the Heritage Oaks Lifelong Enrichment Committee. Please contact the club for more information: 941-926-7602.

December 7, 2017
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The Impact of Elder Abuse on Long-Term Health

By Health

A 2017 study supported by the World Health Organization estimates that, over the past year, 15.7% of people age 60 or over have been subject to some form of abuse. As elder abuse is one of the most underreported crimes, this is likely to be an underestimation. This study was published by Lancet Global Health, and it addresses not only the incidence of elder abuse across the world, but also suggests that elder abuse has long-term health effects. This study determined that the highest rate of elder abuse is psychological abuse and noted that this form of abuse can have especially negative health consequences. When a senior citizen’s psychological health is damaged, it can lead to increased risk of nursing home placement, hospital services, use of emergency services and even death. Although all forms of elder abuse can have a negative effect on victims’ health, this study suggests that psychological abuse may be the most internally damaging. It is of paramount importance that awareness is raised regarding the prevalence of elder abuse in our society and that people learn enough information about elder abuse to be able to identify and stop it.

December 5, 2017
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What is a Guardianship Monitoring Program?

By Guardianship

The term “guardian” refers to an individual who is appointed to care for and/or handle the affairs of a person who is deemed incompetent or incapable of administering their own affairs. The 12th Circuit Court has established a Guardianship Monitoring Program, which was created to help make sure that all court-appointed guardians adhere to the law. This is done by ensuring that they provide care to the elderly individuals they have been entrusted with in a manner that most positively benefits said individuals. This program includes, if necessary, guardianship investigations and court appearances. It also appoints a full-time guardianship monitor to make-sure that guardians are fulfilling their obligations in an appropriate, safe and caring manner. As a part of this program, a toll-free guardianship hotline has been implemented to make it easier for individuals to report any concerns regarding guardianship cases that take place in Sarasota County.

The number for the aforementioned hotline is (855)-506-0304, you can call this number if you have any knowledge regarding improprieties in relation to Guardianship cases that take place in Sarasota County.

December 1, 2017
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