Articles of Interest

The May issue of our newsletter contains helpful information on estate planning, probate, and elder law related matters. Please take a few minutes to read it, We are sure you will find it helpful.

Because each of us will face different scenarios related to disability, illness, and the dying process, there is no one-size-fits-all approach to end-of-life care planning. Memorializing one’s wishes in an advance directive document will help to avoid misinterpretation and offer guidance to those who will be making those decisions on one’s behalf when the individual is unable to do so. Two important documents related to health care are the Power of Attorney for Health Care and the Living Will. The Power of Attorney for Property and the Last Will and Testament concern financial related matters.

April is National Health Care Decisions Month. In this article, Katie discusses the importance of advanced directives, which spell out wishes for medical care and, nominate someone to speak on your behalf, in the event you are unable to do so.

Attorney Janna Dutton appeared on Aging Info Radio, on February 25, 2012, to disucss Financial Exploitation.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services developed this website to provide information and resources to help you and your family plan for future long-term care (LTC) needs. The website helps understand what long-term care is, how and where you can get information and services you need - now or in the future, and how to pay for services.

Partner Janna Dutton will be featured on radio show dealing with Financial Exploitation & Forensic Accounting.

The Illinois Yellow Dot Program is a statewide initiative to provide vital medical information on vehicle drivers and passengers. This program, coordinated through the Illinois Department of Transportation, is designed to provide first responders information during the ‘golden hour’, the time immediately following a crash. For more information on the program, go to www.yellowdotillinois.org

People who live in care facility residents are guaranteed certain rights, protections and privileges according to Illinois and Federal law.

Our newsletter is designed to provide helpful information for older adults, people who have a disability, and the people who care about them ... including professionals.

The U.S. Department of Human Services, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, published an article on locating a good nursing home.

The Veterans Adminstration has established a National Caregiver Support Line for Caregivers of
Veterans -- spouses, children, other family members and friends of Veterans as well as Veteran themselves.  

The Illinois Department of Insurance published a helpful comparison guide.

With our mobile society, many family members live far away from one another. Becuase of this, family caregiving can be more difficult.

Many people charish their pets and want to plan for the care in the event of their death.

The Deficit Reduction Act is being implemented in Illinois starting in January 2012.

The internet is full of helpful resources. However, knowing where to start looking can be confusing.

When one partner in a long-term relationship needs expensive long term care, often the only way for the couple to pay for it is to look to Medicaid.  Historically, there have been no spousal impoverishment protections afforded to partners in same-sex relationships when one partner needs long term care and applies for Medicaid.  However, the combination of the new Illinois Civil Union Act and a policy change recently announced by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services ensure that Medicaid spousal impoverishment protections are afforded to Illinois same-sex civil union partners.

This booklet, published by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, details how, and when, Medicare will pay for skilled care.

This brochure provides very general information on powers of attorney.

This brochure contains general information on the topic of guardianship.

This brochure contains questions to ask when looking for an elder law attorney.

In a recent article in Reuters Magazine, Alzheimer's: Early Planning Critical to Financial Health, working with a certified elder law attorney is an important step in planning for the future.

Janna Dutton, founder of Dutton & Casey, is one of only 8 certified elder law attorneys in Illinois.

Baylor College of Medicine, the Texas Consortium on Geriatric Education, and the Investor Protection Trust published resources related to financial protection and resources for assistance.

When a parent, or other loved one, needs assistance, it can be a confusing, sad, and frustrating time.

The “Guide to Choosing a Nursing Home” is prepared by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). CMS and states oversee the quality of nursing homes. State and Federal government agencies certify nursing homes to participate in Medicare and Medicaid.

Caring for a person with Alzheimer’s disease at home is a difficult task and can become overwhelming at times. Each day brings new challenges as the caregiver copes with changing levels of ability and new patterns of behavior. Research has shown that caregivers themselves often are at increased risk for depression and illness, especially if they do not receive adequate support from family, friends, and the community.

After much anticipation by the elder law community, the new Illinois Power of Attorney Act will take effect on July 1, 2011.

View 10 common estate planning questions such as: Why do I need a Will, what happens if my named executor dies and how do I put my property into my trust?

Although frequently misunderstood and often misused, the Power of Attorney for Health Care plays an important role in any person’s life.

Adult guardianship is a legal process specifically designed to protect adults with mental disabilities from harm.

Read the Parkinson's Disease Foundation News & Review Winter 2011

Parkinson’s disease research, treatments, nonmotor symptoms, legal advise and more.

A frequent challenge is how to help older family members with their finances. Concerns often arise when visiting loved ones.

What are the benefits of having a living trust?

Helping With Comfort and Care provides an overview of issues commonly facing people caring for someone nearing the end of life. It can help you to work with health care providers to complement their medical and caregiving efforts. The booklet does not replace the personal and specific advice of the doctor, but it can help you make sense of what is happening and give you a framework for making care decisions.

Click here to view the complete booklet.

Partner Janna Dutton has authored an article on the surprising facts that veterans should know before they think about purchasing an annuity.

“Communication breakdown” is consistently listed among the main stressors for caregivers who care for those with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.  Here is a list of some of the terminology used in describing the affects of the disease, some of which limit the victim’s ability to communicate.

Caring for a Person with Alzheimer's Disease: Your Easy-to-Use-Guide from the National Institute on Aging.

Driving evaluations are an instrumental way to help determine if someone is safe to continue driving, whether it be for physical, visual, or cognitive reasons.  Read more about what the evaluation entails and view a list of are locations that administer the evaluation.

Dutton & Casey, P.C. attorney Janna Dutton authored an article titled, "Legal Issues and Parkinson's: Planning for Long-Term Health Care," which was featured in the Parkinson's Disease Foundation's summer newsletter. 

The National Institute on Aging published a booklet on how to best utilize your time with your doctor and ways to discuss senstive topics.

The Alzheimer’s Association-Greater Illinois Chapter is pleased offer a free online resource, Encouraging Comfort Care: A Guide for Families of People with Dementia Living in Care Facilities.

Dutton & Casey, P.C. publishes comprehensive article designed to help guide you through the process of hiring in-home care.

As of January 1, 2010, a new Illinois law allows bank account holders to name another person on their account for the sake of convenience.

As the name explains, ICBC is an Illinois organization that works in a variety of ways to better the care and quality of life for Illinois nursing home residents.

Many people believe that joint accounts are a good way to avoid probate and transfer money to loved ones, and such accounts are sometimes referred to as "the common person's estate plan."

Once a resident is settled in a nursing home, being told to leave can be very traumatic.

Once you've taken the step to create a will and get your estate plan in order, you need to figure out what to do with the will itself.

A durable power of attorney is one of the most important estate planning documents you can have.

Emotions can run high at the death of a family member. If a family member is unhappy with the amount they received (or didn't receive) under a will, he or she may contest the will.

A new study by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) finds that "free lunch" seminars may in fact mislead seniors into making unwise investments.

No one wants to see a loved one become unable to make decisions for him or herself.

Among all the changes you must make when you move to a new state—driver's license, voter registration—don't forget your will.