Author: Attorney Bridget-Michaele Reischl
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Elder Law: “Senior Housing Options: Sharing Housing……The Road Less Traveled”
If you’re a senior, living alone or with family members, you may be interested in how some seniors are opening their homes, finding “strangers” to share their housing arrangements. They share housing in an effort to control rising expenses on a fixed income, and, in some cases, to increase safety, and curb loneliness and tendencies…
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Elder Law: “How Will You Pay for Long-Term Care?”
Most people already know that a skilled nursing facility (SNF) – what many call a “nursing home” – is very expensive. Assisted living costs and other senior housing options also surprise most of my unsuspecting clients. Do you know how much? If you don’t, a quick google search will give you the national average yearly…
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Anatomical Bequests: Is Your Body Your Last Gift?
There’s a difference between “organ donation” and “anatomical bequest.” Many people choose to donate organs upon their death – healthy parts of their bodies that may be transplanted upon their death into someone else to assist that individual in recovering from or surviving a serious injury or illness. There are many opportunities during your adult…
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Elder Law: When is a Power of Attorney or Health Care Directive Not Enough?
I advise Minnesotans to get their foundational estate plans in order – young, old, married, single, with kids and without – it’s important. For most people, making some sort of transfer of asset plan for after death (wills and/or trusts) is only the beginning. It should continue with life planning as well, meaning powers of…
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Aging DIY Tip: Downsize with Purpose (“From One Boomer to Another”)
GUEST BLOGGER: Sherri W., Aging Pathfinder, St. Louis Park, MN At 71, my spouse and I have owned three homes, the last a townhome we lived in for 24 years. Having worked in aging services, I never lose sight of aging realities – some rewarding, some annoying. One is that many people give little thought…
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Elder Law: “Power of Attorney and Health Care Directive Now Saves Money, Time, and Dignity Later”
Elder Law: “Getting Power of Attorney and Health Care Directive Now Saves Money, Time, and Dignity Later” The law tries to protect vulnerable people (minors, disabled, elderly). If you are trying to care for or assist someone in this category, or know you will at some point, the law can also help you protect them…
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Estate Planning: “When It Comes to Selecting Agents and Representatives, More Isn’t Always Better.”
Estate Planning: “When It Comes to Selecting Agents and Representatives, More Isn’t Always Better.” When there is more than one obvious choice for Personal Representative (of your Will), Trustee (of your Trust), Agent (for your Health Care Directive), or Attorney-in-Fact (for Power of Attorney), consider the decision-making process for your friends and family and the…
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Elder Law: “Making Transitions Easier With Advanced Planning (3-Part Series) Part III: Resources, Professionals, and Support”
Elder Law: For this 3-part series on Transitions, the final reference to the pilot training philosophy, C-A-N, after Communicate and Aviate, is Navigate. In pilot-speak, this implies “work your map and make a plan to get there.” I imagine the “map” to be conversations and legal documents. The “plan” to use them sometimes requires assistance…
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Elder Law: “Making Your Transitions Easier (3-Part Series) Part II: Legal Documentation and End-of-Life Planning”
Elder Law: “Making Your Transitions Easier (3-Part Series) Part II: Legal Documentation and End-of-Life Planning” Elder Law Issues: Continuing with application of pilot training, the next part of the acronym, C-A-N, after Communicate is Aviate – in pilot speak, this means make sure your equipment is in order so you can fly straight and level.…