The phone rings and the caller claims to be from your pharmacy. The caller needs you to verify information so that your prescriptions can be filled. A flashing red message appears on your computer screen warning you about a virus and telling you to call a number for "tech support." You call and the helpful person offers to fix the computer problem if you allow them remote access. You answer some fun quizzes on social media, providing the name of your dog and your favorite vacation destination. These words just happen to be in the passwords to your bank accounts.Scams against older adults are a multi-billion dollar industry. Scammers prey on a range of powerful emotions. Knowing their tricks is how to defeat them. On this episode, Dave Shallcross from the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General describes the staggering creativity of scammers so that you can protect yourself.

Cuts, abrasions, punctures, skin tears, burns, blisters -- wounds can take many forms. There is a normal process that the body goes through to heal a wound. As we age, the process breaks down. This is especially true for people with diabetes, poor nutrition, or a smoking habit. If wounds are not monitored and treated appropriately, the consequences can be severe. On this episode, Shawna Souder, a nurse and certified wound care specialist, explains what to watch for and when to seek treatment from a health care professional.

So much of estate planning and elder law is about planning for incapacity and preserving a person's hard-earned savings from the high cost of long-term care. Many chronic diseases that lead to incapacity and the need for long-term care can be prevented with good nutrition. Whether it's calcium for bone health, protein for muscle mass, or fiber to control blood sugar, nutrition is a critically important part of planning for a long and independent life. In this episode, Charlotte Scheid, a dietitian with the Giant Company, explains how to make good nutrition a constant part of your lifestyle.

Imagine an older adult who sustains an injury and has surgery. That adult has different options when it comes to recovering and regaining full function. There are skilled nursing facilities that offer physical therapy, occupational therapy, nursing care, and other skilled care. But people tend to want to stay at home. Home health care is often a great option. Jessica Zepp from Residential Home Health explains what home health care involves and how it is paid for. https://www.residentialhealthcaregroup.com/For free education about preparing for the costs and challenges of the later years of life, use the Workshops tab at https://keystoneelderlaw.com/.

Older adults often face a series of challenges all at once: financial struggles, loss of independence and self-sufficiency, grief and loss, chronic illness or pain. This may explain why the rate of deaths by suicide is especially high among older people. When it comes to despair in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges, there is a way out. It starts with spotting the risk factors or warning signs. There are communication strategies to help someone find connection and purpose. In this episode, Lauren Marshall, a volunteer advocate for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, shares insights to better equip family members and friends to be a lifeline for a struggling loved one.

There is an epidemic happening that may be difficult to see. When older adults lose a spouse or friends, loneliness and isolation can be the result. This happens even when family members check in from time to time. It is well established that loneliness and isolation can be as harmful to a person's health as smoking, alcoholism, or over-eating. As much as older adults cling to the idea of maintaining their independence by staying in their homes, the solution of living in a community can often lead to greater joy, independence, and overall well-being. In this episode, Zeddie Neidig of Legend Senior Living explains how community living provides a fuller and healthier life.

When you cast a ballot in an election, you see many names. Maybe you recognize some names, while others are people you don't know much about. In order to choose the right person, it's important to know what each part of government does. Your state and local governments make decisions all the time that have a direct impact on your life and your planning for the later years of life. Whether it's estate planning, long-term care planning, access to transportation, or being able to afford prescription medications, there is a government rulebook for each of these issues. Who makes the rulebook and how can you have a voice in the process beyond voting? Highly experienced government attorney Megan Martin has worked in all three branches of government. Megan also happens to be a candidate for the Commonwealth Court, a specialized court that decides all cases involving the government. In this episode she gives insights into the process of lawmaking and how executive agencies provide services for older Pennsylvanians. KeystoneElderLaw.comMeganMartinforPA.com

Every autumn people dress up as ghosts and goblins. Some people observe All Saints Day and All Souls Day. It all originated in a Celtic tradition called Samhain and the belief that spirits walk the earth. There is an adult conversation to be had about death, the afterlife, and all the issues that go with these topics. All around the world, there are meetings called Death Cafes (DeathCafe.com). Adults of all ages get together to say out loud the questions they've had about death. It's a sharing of ideas about a subject that most people just aren't willing to speak openly about. In this episode, Anne-Marie Brandt and Tyler Myers discuss Death Cafe, unique traditions around death, and what they see when people plan for their own deaths. After all, the Stoic philosophers reminded us: Memento Mori -- "Remember that you will die." Thinking about death can lead to significant changes in how you live every day.

Most people either fail to make a plan for the later years of life, or else they get a simple will and mistakenly believe they have an adequate plan. This episode tells the story of Hanna and her planning journey. It looks at Hanna's incapacity plan, and questions to ask about the roles that other people will play in her plan. This episode focuses on specific concerns that could cause problems for the family down the road, and solutions to address those concerns.

Whether you know someone whose health is declining or you are planning for your own future, there is no escaping the statistics that say that, by far, most of us will need a higher level of care, support, and assistance in the later years of life. A lot of questions come up. Who is best suited to provide that extra level of support? Geography, an emotional skill set, a skill set with organizing and addressing financial responsibilities, and communication skills all come into play. Who will be on your team? Are you ready to be on the team to support a family member of yours?

Just like your estate plan or financial plan, you should consider whether changes need to be made to your health care coverage. Every year between October and December, you have the chance to make changes to your Medicare plan. Why might you make changes? Maybe you are taking medications that you did not used to take. Maybe you plan to travel a lot in the coming year and need a different network of providers. Bob Pease and Tessa Brosky of the Alera Group return as guests to explain this annual period to make changes.

There can be many sources of stress, sadness, or frustration in the later years of life. We lose loved ones, we receive a troubling diagnosis, we have aches and pains, and we worry about having enough money to live. Have you ever wondered how some people maintain a bright and positive outlook despite these challenges while others isolate and focus on their problems? There are strategies to promote emotional well-being. In this episode, Dr. Patricia Aguilera from Penn State University discusses the strategies to improve emotional health and, in turn, physical health.

When it dawns on people that the challenges of the later years of life require planning, they commonly ask, "How do I get started?" This is a good sign that people realize they need more than just some legal documents. There is no need to be overwhelmed. Getting started comes down to Education, Preparation, Action, Follow-Through.These days there is far more education that is easily accessible than there used to be. At Keystone Elder Law, we offer regular online workshops on estate planning and long-term care payment strategies. Use the Workshops tab at KeystoneElderLaw.com to get registered. There are many articles on the website and short answers to frequently asked questions in our YouTube channel. Once you become familiar with common threats in the later years of life, you can start to prepare. Gathering information about your family, your financial accounts, and your real estate is a good place to start. Taking action is critically important. Armed with information and the information you gathered, you can meet with an elder law attorney who builds shields for families every day. Life changes, and so should your plan. Births, deaths, divorces, marriages, and changes in health or wealth are all reasons to revisit your plan.

Planning for the later years of life may include knowing about available benefits. If you served in any branch of the military, there may be benefits available to you for health care, long-term care and support, and your funeral and burial. In this episode Tom Coreau of the Dauphin County Office of Veterans Affairs explains the wide array of veterans' benefits.

You've heard since childhood that brushing and flossing your teeth is important. Failing to do it will lead to a buildup of plaques and bacteria and will lead to infection and inflammation in your gums. But did you know that poor oral hygiene has been connected to heart disease, strokes, and cognitive decline?What happens for all the older adults who can no longer easily get to a dentist's office? It is very common for older adults to reside in a care community or skilled nursing facility. And there are some dental conditions that arise more commonly for older adults because of the medications or dentures that they use. In this episode, registered dental hygienist Cheryl Grier of Your Visiting Hygienist explains the importance of oral hygiene and how she tends to the dental needs of older adults who cannot easily get to a dentist's office.

When people hear the term "estate planning," they generally think it's one of those things that adults do. They think it's a positive step for their family. But they usually know very little more than the tools of estate planning. The wills, the powers of attorney, the trusts.If the same people hear the term "long-term care planning," they may write it off as irrelevant to them. But did you know that one in three people will have dementia in their later years of life? Did you know that an accidental fall after the age of 65 comes with a 30% rate of death within one year? Are you familiar with how common cardiovascular disease is?When you realize how common these later-in-life health issues are, and how expensive it is to care for someone with those issues, you start to understand that estate planning is long-term care planning. This episode focuses on knowing exactly what you're planning for, so you can shield yourself from predictable threats.

Cognitive decline leaves many families scrambling for guidance, resources, and support. When a person has Alzheimer's disease or another form of dementia, today's care plan will not be the same as the care plan as the disease progresses. The Alzheimer's Association seeks not only to end the disease but also to help families navigate daily life with dementia. Clay Jacobs, Executive Director of the Greater Pennsylvania Chapter of the Alzheimer's Association, discusses in this episode the resources available for families and the exciting advances being made in detection and treatment of Alzheimer's.

Approaching the retirement years, there is no shortage of planning decisions. There is estate planning and asset protection, there's Medicare planning for health insurance, and there are decisions about distributions from retirement accounts. But one type of planning that all Americans have in common involves the decision to start taking Social Security retirement income. It may seem like a straightforward question -- when do I start taking Social Security and how much will it be? There are, however, many variables that come into play. How long do you intend to work? Do you have a pension? What is your health history? Matt Sheraw of Conte Wealth Advisors explains how he learns about a person's life to navigate through the maze of questions that must be answered when it comes to taking Social Security retirement income.

Nearly 70% of people will need a higher level of care in the later years of life. There are ways to prepare legally and financially to preserve hard-earned savings. Still many people have an unaddressed fear about leaving home to enter a community or facility that provides necessary care. They worry about a loss of control, independence, and dignity. But there are allies to empower residents of care facilities and help to advocate of the residents' rights. Cori Hurley of the Dauphin County Area Agency on Aging discusses in this episode the role of the ombudsman. The ombudsman program exists to advocate for those who can't, support those who can, and ensure that all long-term care consumers live with dignity and respect.

Planning for incapacity is critically important. When people fail to plan with a power of attorney or trust, or they choose a decision-maker who is not up to the task, guardianship is the government's plan so that life-sustaining decisions will be made for the incapacitated person. Tina Hess of Good News Consulting explains in this episode the best practices for serving as a guardian. She also discusses training that Good News Consulting provides to family members who are caring for a loved one with dementia.

Imagine attending a party where the guest of honor is happy to be surrounded by family, friends, and coworkers. Everyone at the party is celebrating a milestone: 25 years of good health, new relationships, and happy memories. Watching this celebration, you know that a decision you made under very difficult circumstances made all of this happiness possible for so many people. Cheryl Eshenour was the guest at this party. Her brave and considerate decision made this possible. Cheryl tells the story of her 12 year old son's tragic bicycle accident, sitting by his bedside in the Intensive Care Unit, and ultimately deciding to donate her son's organs. The guest of honor at the party 25 years later received a life-saving heart transplant thanks to Cheryl's decision. Along with Dwendy Johnson from the Gift of Life Donor Program, Cheryl Eshenour describes in detail in this episode what organ donation is all about.

Two out of every three people will need a higher level of care in the later years of life. Like your legal or financial planning, the sooner you become familiar with your care options, the better the outcome you will achieve. In this episode, Richard Ruda of Visiting Angels discusses the conversations to have with older adults, the types of home care, and questions to ask to make sure that a home care agency will deliver high-quality care.

The population of older adults is exploding. Maybe you've heard about the largest transfer of assets in history because of this demographic change. But what happens before our older adults die and pass on their wealth? They will need care. Much of the responsibility for caregiving will fall on spouses and adult children. Before that happens, there are some crucial legal, financial, and other issues to think about and plan for.

The home usually is the most valuable part of an older adult's savings. The older adult spent decades saving and being disciplined with their spending. The home this person owns is central to the person's identity and it represents a lot of money for the person's children. Decisions about the home require a dedicated professional who understands the value of the property and the decision being made by an older adult to sell that property.Paul Hayes with https://www.pahomesandland.com/ guides older adults through this major decision with skill and compassion. In this episode, Paul offers his insights into the role of real estate decisions in the later years of life.

An older adult who gets injured from an accidental fall may never fully recover. A fall can set in motion a series of health consequences and may require a higher level of long-term care. In this episode, physical therapist Katie Martz of Fox Rehabilitation discusses the impact of falls and ways to prevent them.

Keystone Elder Law provides a lot of free education. If you don't learn from the experts, you're left reading articles online. Some of those articles offer great advice, but others miss the mark. This episode takes a look at what the media offer for later-in-life planning guidance. Learn how it really works in Pennsylvania!

The Middle Class needs asset protection more than anyone else. While the very rich may need protection from taxes, long-term care can wipe out the life savings of a middle class family. Trusts are not just for the rich. They are a crucial part of estate planning to shield the middle class from a range of threats. This episode explains why middle class families should have trusts in their plans and how trusts work.

Estate planning is not a set of documents. It is a process of understanding who is involved, needs that they have, and threats that they will likely face. It is understanding what you own, how you own it, and how it will pass to someone else. It is incapacity planning and planning for when you are gone. Legal documents -- a will, a power of attorney, and health care advance directive -- are a crucial part of the process to secure a better future. But there are steps that should be taken before you jump to the legal documents. Let Keystone Elder Law guide you in the process.

Grief and loss is part of life. Did you know that grieving often starts before the actual loss? Whether the loss is a spouse or partner, a job, a role in the family, or even a cherished pet, grief significantly impacts the body and the mind. Lori Peters, the owner of Starfish Counseling and a specialist in grief and trauma counseling, addresses how grief works and some of the common misconceptions that people have about grief.

This episode looks at real family situations and how people decided to own property and why. It shows how people think about their arrangements and how it actually plays out when a family member encounters a predictable challenge. Your estate plan may not work if it's not set up to shield you from later-in-life challenges!

Life comes at you fast. Unexpected health problems emerge. Assembling a team to get you through challenges becomes essential. In this episode, Brian Kennedy of KCA Wealth Management describes the kind of planning he does with clients. His life planning approach is heavily informed a transformative personal experience.

Medicare will play a crucial role in the later years of life as a person's health insurance. But Medicare does not arrive in a neat one-size-fits-all package. There is a dizzying array of coverages and copays. Choosing the right plan depends on a person's finances, lifestyle, health, and other factors. It helps to have a guide who is fluent in the A-B-C's of Medicare. Bob Pease and Tessa Brosky from the Alera Group break down the basics of Medicare, especially for people who may still be covered by an employer's group health insurance.

Estate planning is not a set of documents. It is shield to protect you and your family from predictable threats. The legal documents are an important part of that plan, but so is the way you arrange ownership of property and the way you record practical details about your life. Having a comprehensive plan for the later years of life means asking "What if...?" over and over. Identify the threats and build a shield.

Most people balance medical treatment options against the quality of life they will experience. But few understand the details of palliative care and hospice. In this episode, Lauren Smeltzer of Hospice for All Seasons explains when palliative care and hospice are appropriate, the team of professionals involved, and the scope of services that enrich the lives of the patient and the patient's family members.

As you get older, it's important to have a guardian angel. If dementia or a stroke or an accident deprives you of the ability to pay bills, manage money, or sign agreements, you will need someone to keep you safe and handle those responsibilities. This is why the power of attorney is such an important legal planning tool. This episode goes into detail about what a power of attorney is and how it is used.

When former Pennsylvania Governor George Leader group in a rural area, he saw people caring for older adults in the home. He knew then that more could be done to offer care and support for older Pennsylvanians. He not only created what is now called the Pennsylvania Department of Aging, but also he started Country Meadows Retirement Communities. George Leader's son, Michael Leader, carried on the family tradition as CEO of Country Meadows. In this episode, Michael Leader explains how independent living, personal care, assisted living, and memory care have evolved, what they offer, and what people should consider when researching communities as a residential option in the later years of life.

If using your smart phone is confusing and watching TV has become impossible, then this episode is for you. Technology has advanced rapidly, but it's the way the world works now. Understanding technology provides independence, convenience, and connection with loved ones. Barry Gordon of Senior Tech Tutor talks in this episode about common problems that older people have with technology and his service to teach people in simple bite-sized steps to use the technology they need to live.

On the Dementia Journey, there is no turning back and no way to get off the path. But there are helpful friends on this journey and resources to make living with dementia as full and rewarding as it can be. In this episode, Maureen Elliott and Serenity Hoch of Artis Senior Living explain how to determine if a family member may be on the Dementia Journey. They recommend next steps and compare care provided at home with care in a community. Gone are the days of institutionalized care for persons with dementia. Maureen and Serenity share stories about creative ways to improve life for a person with dementia.

If there is one thing that keeps a parent or grandparent up at night, it's wondering who will take care of a child or grandchild with special needs when older family members are gone. Special needs planning -- whether for a spouse on Medicaid for long-term care or a child with a disability -- is at the heart of elder law. This episode focuses on one type of special needs law: special education. For parents or grandparents who worry about a child getting the right plan of education, this episode is for you. From Individual Education Plans to disciplinary issues to bullying, special education attorney Cory Winter lays out the full picture of what you need to know.

Imagine the people closest to you. Your spouse, your children, your siblings. Now imagine what they will be feeling on the day you pass away. Will they be in any state to make decisions about the details of your funeral, burial, or cremation? Will the money be set aside? Funeral preplanning has many emotional benefits for everyone involved. There are also financial benefits to planning your funeral in advance. This episode, featuring Jill Lazar of Hoffman Funeral Home & Crematory in Carlisle, Pa., explains all the details of what can be accomplished by planning your funeral while you're still healthy.

Parents generally want to protect their money, but the end goal is to help their children. Helping children might mean gifting or it might mean taking other steps to support a child for years after the parent dies. This episode looks at the legal issues that come up when parents want to help their children.

People sometimes have reservations about doing good estate planning and asset protection. They don't want to think about getting sick or dying. They don't want to pay an attorney to prepare the plan. One thing is clear. The cost of NOT doing good planning is ALWAYS more than the cost of planning.

A combination of diet, smoking, lack of exercise, and other lifestyle factors have caused the rate of heart disease, strokes, and diabetes to skyrocket. Dr. Raj Dave, a world-renowned expert in interventional cardiology, explains the nature of the problem, how it can be prevented, and the types of procedures that can be performed in an outpatient setting.

What is happening in the brain of a person with dementia? How do those changes in the brain affect the person's speech and behavior? Dr. Rollin Wright from Penn State Health's Hershey Medical Center explains in detail what dementia is and how it progresses. Knowing in detail what dementia does to a person enables loved ones to be better sources of care and support.

There are over 100 communities offering assisted living or personal care to people living in Southcentral Pennsylvania. When you consider medical needs, financial resources, and other factors affecting quality of life, how is any family supposed to know which community is right for their loved one? In this episode, Rick Campomizzi of Assisted Living Locators gives an insider's guide to deciding when a care community is appropriate and the process of choosing one.

Long-term care expenses are one of those significant -- and most predictable -- threats that middle-class families face. There are ways to plan ahead, but first you need to understand the levels of care, what they cost, and the various ways to pay for care. This episode covers all of these questions.

Most people think of money and real estate when they think of estate planning. But what can be more important than choosing your quality of life when your health declines? Everyone has a legal right to say what medical treatment happens to their body. If you lose the ability to speak for yourself, how will your wishes be honored?