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...Report: seniors lose billions to scams each year
Financial exploitation of the elderly “is rising fast,” according to the cover article of Consumer Reports’ November 2015 issue. The article cites one study that concluded that nearly 1 in 20 seniors in America report having been financially exploited in their later...Dementia symptoms improved in pilot study
Many of the challenges our clients face as they age stem from loss of cognitive ability. They need to rely on the agents they appoint in their powers of attorney and health care directives because they can’t process information and make decision the way they used to....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...About Andrew Sykes
The founder of Sykes Elder Law, Andrew Sykes is recognized as a leading elder law authority in Western Pennsylvania. Mr. Sykes is the past chair of the Elder Law Committee of the Allegheny County Bar Association.