by Andrew Sykes | Nov 29, 2016 | Aging, Caregivers, Elder Law - General
Mary, a widow, lives alone in the home she has owned for 52 years. She can cook, clean the house, and care for herself. But she no longer drives because of failing eyesight, and there are no stores within walking distance. Mary wants to stay in her home as long as...
by Andrew Sykes | Nov 7, 2015 | Aging, Elder Law - General
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...
by Andrew Sykes | Nov 2, 2015 | Aging, Elder Law - General
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...
by Andrew Sykes | Oct 23, 2015 | Aging, Elder Law - General
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....
by Andrew Sykes | Dec 16, 2014 | Aging
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...
by Andrew Sykes | Feb 5, 2014 | Aging, Elder Law - General
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...