PATTI'S BLOG

Monday, February 18, 2013

Is it possible to establish a Trust for your Pet?

Laws on the subject of pet trusts vary from state to state.  Since animals are not allowed to be beneficiaries of a trust, various legislative devices have been employed in the past.  Some states authorized the creation of “honorary trusts” which could be used to provide for the care of a pet, but were not enforceable by a court.  The Uniform Probate Code recognized “pet trusts” in 1990, and the Uniform Trust Code added a pet trust provision in 2000.  However, the Uniform Codes are only recommendations, and each state chooses whether or not to adopt any of their provisions.


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Monday, February 11, 2013

Helpful News for Trustees and Beneficiaries for Special Needs Trusts (POMS)

Last fall the Social Security Administration quietly released the text of changes to the Program Operations Manual System -- the POMS. Though described as "clarifications" by Social Security, they were actually far-reaching changes that would have driven up the cost of trust administration, complicated the lives of beneficiaries and provided no additional protection for anyone involved.

Lawyers, trustees and advocates raised objections, and thankfully Social Security listened. Last week another set of changes were announced and the news is entirely good for everyone.

First, a word about POMS.


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Wednesday, January 23, 2013

The Importance of Making the Right Choice in Assisted Living

When families and seniors are looking at assisted living communities, it’s a momentous, life changing time. With so many options out there, it is important to get it right the first time.

It can be such an intimidating choice that many families come down with “analysis paralysis” and indefinitely postpone a decision out of fear of making the wrong choice.

Fortunately, the decision becomes easier as you expand your knowledge and visit several places.


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Monday, January 21, 2013

Can A Special Needs Trust Pay For Things Such As Credit Card Bills Or Security Deposits?

Administering a "special needs" trust can be a challenge. The rules often seem vague, and they occasionally shift. What may seem like a simple question might actually involve layers of complexity. Sometimes expenditures might be permissible under the rules of, say, the Social Security Administration, but not acceptable to AHCCCS, the Arizona Medicaid agency -- or vice versa. Trustees work in an environment of many constantly-moving parts.


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Friday, January 11, 2013

New Scholarships in Georgia allowing Special Needs Children to attend Private schools with better care are changing lives!

http://www.daily-tribune.com/view/full_story/8961920/article-The-Georgia-Special-Needs-Scholarship-Program-is-changing-lives


Read more . . .


Wednesday, January 9, 2013

Speaking Engagement! Come learn about the new changes to the Veterans' Pension Benefits!

Patti will be speaking at the Benton House of Johns Creek about the new changes for 2013.

Learn about valuable information that can help you plan for this year!

Patti will be there from 6:30pm-7:30pm and will be availiable for questions after.

Refreshments provided


Friday, January 4, 2013

Know More: What are Advance Directives?

Are you prepared if a tragedy strikes making you or a loved one is sent to the hospital? Fortunately we have the right to make our own decisions when it comes to our healthcare, but what if that ability was taken away? How will you and your loved ones wishes be protected? The solution: Advance Directives. Advance Directives are legal documents stating your wishes for the doctors and rest of your healthcare team to follow when you are unable to make decisions for yourself. During critical times, these documents can make a world a difference

To learn more about the importance of an Advance Directive clink on the link below:

http://seniorcarecorner.com/health-care-decisions-dnr-advance-directives


Read more . . .


Wednesday, January 2, 2013

The start to a new life for the Mentally Disabled

It is a new strategy for Georgia, one of several states responding to mounting pressure from the Justice Department, which in recent years has threatened legal action against states accused of violating the civil rights of thousands of developmentally disabled people by needlessly segregating them in public hospitals, nursing homes and day programs.

For a family with a loved one who is mentally disabled, one of the hardest decisions they will have to face is determining the proper care for their loved one. Until recently, many mentally disabled persons have been placed in hospitals to live for the rest of their lie. While they are under constant care, there are social elements that are missing when living in a hospital. These social elements, such as sense of community, friendships, and activities like dancing, are essential for personal growth.



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Thursday, December 6, 2012

The Importance of Getting Vaccinations

It is that time of season again! While we fret over  getting gifts for our children or doing more cleaning than we have done all year because the in-laws are coming, we are forgetting one important thing this holiday: our health. I am sure you have seen the advertisements Pharmacies and Drug Stores put out about getting the flu vaccine, but how important is it?

The CDC says that, 'Influenza is a serious disease that can lead to hospitalization and sometimes even death.'  Even I have to admit, I did not think that the Flu was serious enough to cause death, but in reality it does. In fact, over a period of 31 seasons between 1976 and 2007, estimates of flu-associated deaths in the United States range from a low of about 3,000 to a high of about 49,000 people. That is not a small number.


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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Social Security COLA to Rise 1.7% in 2013

There’s news abounding for 2012 coming from the Social Security Administration (SSA) including increases to the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), a rise in what seniors pay for Medicare Part B, and new wage limits workers must meet before the Social Security tax of 6.2 percent stops as a deduction from paychecks.

Here's how it works: By law, most Medicare enrollees can't be charged a Part B premium that produces a net reduction in Social Security benefits. Assuming the Social Security and Medicare percentages come in as forecast, this "hold harmless" feature would protect seniors with Social Security benefits of $625 or lower, according to SCL.

Seniors with higher benefits would see a small inflation raise.


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Monday, November 26, 2012

IRS Issues Long-Term Care Premium Deductibility Limits for 2013

The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) is increasing the amount taxpayers can deduct from their 2013 taxes as a result of buying long-term care insurance.

Premiums for “qualified” long-term care insurance policies (see explanation below) are tax deductible to the extent that they, along with other unreimbursed medical expenses (including Medicare premiums), exceed 7.5 percent of the insured’s adjusted gross income. This threshold is rising to 10 percent on January 1, 2013, although it will remain at 7.5 percent for taxpayers 65 and older through 2016.


Read more . . .


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