Aging
Social Security claiming strategies to change within 6 months
When Congress passed the new budget deal October 30, it also included changes to the rules for claiming Social Security benefits. The new rules will end a popular claiming strategy that allowed claimants to receive more in benefits over their lifetimes. The change...News reports warn of overuse of antipsychotic drugs among nursing home patients
Two news reports this week by Ina Jaffe of NPR News warn of the overuse and dangers of antipsychotic drugs among nursing home patients. Federal law forbids “chemical restraint” of patients. NPR’s reports show the negative effects such drugs can have...“myRA” announced to boost retirement savings
In a visit to the Pittsburgh area last week, President Obama signed a presidential order directing the Treasury Department to create “myRA,” a new vehicle for retirement savings. The proposal was originally announced in the State of the Union address to...“Assisted living” in Pennsylvania: terminology confusion ahead
What does “assisted living” mean in Pennsylvania now? It’s getting harder for consumers to know. When I have visited assisted living facilities in the past year, I have been struck by the wide variation in the services offered. One place may offer a narrow range...Doctors: Can you tell the family when a patient needs a guardian?
Let’s suppose you are a doctor, or other similar health care provider. Every time you see your patient Joe his memory has worsened. Joe struggles to recall whether he took his medications this morning, and if so, what they were. He used to ask about your...About Andrew Sykes
The founder of Sykes Elder Law, Andrew Sykes is recognized as a leading elder law authority in Pennsylvania. He is a Certified Elder Law Attorney with over 20 years of experience helping clients with estate planning, estate administration, and Medicaid planning.
