(Gaithersburg, MD) Delray, FL May 27, 2020: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new article on her law firm’s website entitled “The Many Rewards Of Helping Others,” in which Ms. Felinton highlights the story of one client-turned-friend.

Mindy Felinton

Felinton writes, “The work I do as an elder care attorney is endlessly rewarding.” She continues adding, “I meet people all the time who come to my offices overwhelmed and confused – no, let me tell it like it is – they usually come to me feeling devastated. Many are dealing with severe illness of a spouse, the possible loss of their homes and no way of knowing how to manage the long-term health care needs of their loved ones.”

“Such was the case when Betty Strubel came to my office,” says Felinton. She goes on saying, “As very often happens, she was referred to me by the doctor treating her husband who was diagnosed with early onset Alzheimer’s.”

As Felinton shares, “Betty was afraid she might have to lose her home and other assets in order to pay for her husband’s long-term care She had no idea how to access Medicaid nor did she know how to protect her existing assets.” Felinton adds, “Betty is like so many who come to me and, being able to help them untangle the fear and help them see that they will be able to keep their homes and pay for the care of their loved ones is so satisfying.”

Felinton continues, “My 30 years of experience helping people in similar situations means that I have the knowledge to help clients avoid the financial ruin associated with the high cost of long-term care.” She goes on to elaborate, “And, while in the past, Medicaid eligibility as regards long-term care was not difficult, there has been a steady drift towards more complex and restrictive rules. It is no longer as easy as reviewing one’s bank statements. There are a myriad of regulations involving look-back periods, resource limits, transfer penalties and waiting periods requiring extensive planning. I understand the process and the issues surrounding Medicaid eligibility and help my clients by implementing the planning and application process.”

According to Felinton, “Betty was so appreciative that I was able to unburden her and take these tasks off her plate. The sense of relief she felt was gratifying especially as she began to see light at the end of a previously very confusing tunnel.”

The entire article can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/the-many-rewards-of-helping-others/

About Mindy Felinton

From a young age, Mindy wanted to be the voice that would make an impact in people’s lives.   She became an attorney and has practiced law for over 30 years, so that she could fulfill her desire to help others.  As a special prosecutor, Mindy defended the underdog (literally) in cases of animal abuse.  As a state attorney in Florida she fought for justice. During the last 25 years, Mindy met many wonderful people who did not know their rights, did not understand the law, and did not know what options were available. She made a decision to focus her practice on Elder Law, Medicaid, Veterans’ benefits, and Estate Planning.  Thus she is able to guide her clients through those difficult and sometimes overwhelming processes.

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(Gaithersburg, MD) Delray, FL May 02, 2020: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new article on her law firm’s website entitled “How Many Of The 41,155 People Who Died In The U.S. Of COVID19 Were Prepared.” Ms. Felinton’s best guess is that not many of those who died had their affairs in order. 

Mindy Felinton

Felinton writes, “While many of the 41,155 people who have died to date in the U.S. from COVID19 since early March were elderly, many of them were not.” She goes on to add, “How many of those dearly departed souls were prepared to take leave of this life, I cannot say. But, I’m willing to guess that many of them did not have wills, estate plans or any legal plans in place.” “As a result,” Felinton says, “once this pandemic dies down and the surviving loved ones are able to start sorting things out, they are more than likely going to be faced with a legal mess to untangle.”

“While life as we know it is disrupted, we don’t know exactly when we will be able to move about without being aware of social distancing again,” Felinton writes. She continues, “Until that time, caution is key. Even though you may be getting “cabin fever” or going “stir crazy” it’s better than the alternative. And while everyone is proposing all kinds of activities from learning how to play musical instruments or to speak a new language, I’d be more inclined to suggest taking steps to get legal plans filed.”

According to Felinton, “Having legal plans in place if you have minor children is integral. If you should get the virus and not recover do you know who will tend to your minor children’s needs? If you are a single parent, who will take care of your minor children? These are important decisions that must be made and it’s best to make them while you are healthy and of sound mind.”

Felinton writes, “This is also a time to focus on your elderly parents and loved ones. It’s a good time to suggest a review of their legal plans and to find out if they have designated a Financial Power of Attorney or a Health Care Power of Attorney. Many people who believe they don’t have much stuff or money, think they don’t need any legal planss. But most people have more things of value than they know.”

The entire article can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/how-many-of-the-41155-people-whove-died-in-the-u-s-of-covid19-were-prepared/

About Mindy Felinton

From a young age, Mindy wanted to be the voice that would make an impact in people’s lives.   She became an attorney and has practiced law for over 30 years, so that she could fulfill her desire to help others.  As a special prosecutor, Mindy defended the underdog (literally) in cases of animal abuse.  As a state attorney in Florida she fought for justice. During the last 25 years, Mindy met many wonderful people who did not know their rights, did not understand the law, and did not know what options were available. She made a decision to focus her practice on Elder Law, Medicaid, Veterans’ benefits, and Estate Planning.  Thus she is able to guide her clients through those difficult and sometimes overwhelming processes.

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The devastating loss of life around the world due to COVID19 is unfathomable. In the U.S., to date there have been close to 1 million confirmed cases of COVID19. While the majority of those people have recovered, more than 54,000 people have died so far.

I can’t imagine the sadness and grief the loved ones are experiencing now. They cannot have a funeral or any kind of service to honor the lives of the dearly departed. The age of those who have lost their lives to this devastating virus range from a 6-week old infant to those in their 90s.

Strokes Are Claiming The Lives Of Younger Adults

While it was initially thought that only older adults were susceptible, that has been totally dismissed as younger, healthier people are being felled by this virus. In a WashingtonPost.com article about the number of strokes associated with COVID19, as seen at Mt. Sinai hospital  it was stated, “In a letter to be published in the New England Journal of Medicine next week, the Mount Sinai team details five case studies of young patients who had strokes at home from March 23 to April 7…The victims’ ages are 33, 37, 39 44 and 49, and they were all home when they began to experience sudden symptoms, including slurred speech, confusion, drooping on one side of the face and a dead feeling in one arm. One died, two are still hospitalized, one was released to rehabilitation, and one was released home to the care of his brother. Only one of the five, a 33-year-old woman, is able to speak.” https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/04/24/strokes-coronavirus-young-patients/?outputType=amp&fbclid=IwAR2qW2S6JEC0uwzQMfh5QhyU9pt5oAglZ0yVIQj38snf8tJ6RIwYlM5A8lw

Strokes Must Be Treated Quickly

Many of the younger adults suffering stroke symptoms are not going to the hospitals which are already overburdened. However, now that it’s clear that stroke symptoms are related to COVID19, it’s important to get to a hospital right away. According to the Mt. Sinai team  as reported in the Washington Post article, “The most important thing for people to understand is that large strokes are very treatable. Doctors are often able to reopen blocked blood vessels through techniques such as pulling out clots or inserting stents. But it has to be done quickly, ideally within six hours, but no longer than 24 hours.” The message the doctors are trying to get out is that if you have symptoms of stroke, you need to call the ambulance urgently.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/health/2020/04/24/strokes-coronavirus-young-patients/?outputType=amp&fbclid=IwAR2qW2S6JEC0uwzQMfh5QhyU9pt5oAglZ0yVIQj38snf8tJ6RIwYlM5A8lw

Anyone Over 18 Needs A Will And Advanced Directive

There are going to be more deaths. And if quarantine restrictions are lifted too early, there may be way more deaths than there are to date. Anyone over the age of 18 who is still alive and well and has not created a will, a health directive or an estate plan, now is the time to take action. It’s bad enough if your loved ones have to deal with losing you. It’s even worse if they have to go through painful legal procedures to manage the assets you may leave behind.

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(Gaithersburg, MD) Delray, FL April 29, 2020: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new blog on her law firm’s website entitled “Make Sure Your Will Is Legally Binding And Meets Your Specific State Requirements.” Ms. Felinton understands the frenzy leading to the desire to get a will and wants to help people make sure their wills are going to be legally binding in their state.

Felinton writes, “Unlike anything that we’ve seen in our lifetimes, the COVID19 pandemic is causing people of every age to suddenly realize their mortality. As a result,” she adds, “there has been a steep increase in the immediate demand for wills as well as estate plans.”

As Felinton points out, “Initially it was thought that only people over 50 and in particular those with pre-existing health issues were susceptible to intense symptoms and death. However, as the virus has been spreading there have been new discoveries.” She emphasizes, “One of the most revealing is that it seems to be causing strokes in younger, seemingly healthy adults.”

Felinton acknowledges, “Following the established protocols and taking great caution when you have to go out for food and other supplies along with self-quarantining is integral,” and she adds, “yet there are no guarantees. Getting your desires down in a legally-binding will and/or estate plan is without question, more important than ever.”

The entire blog can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/make-sure-your-will-is-legally-binding-and-meets-your-specific-state-requirements/

About Mindy Felinton

From a young age, Mindy wanted to be the voice that would make an impact in people’s lives.   She became an attorney and has practiced law for over 30 years, so that she could fulfill her desire to help others.  As a special prosecutor, Mindy defended the underdog (literally) in cases of animal abuse.  As a state attorney in Florida she fought for justice. During the last 25 years, Mindy met many wonderful people who did not know their rights, did not understand the law, and did not know what options were available. She made a decision to focus her practice on Elder Law, Medicaid, Veterans’ benefits, and Estate Planning.  Thus she is able to guide her clients through those difficult and sometimes overwhelming processes.

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DelrayBeach, FL. February 14, 2020: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new article on her law firm’s website entitled “The Services Of An Elder Care Attorney Can Help You Retire More Confidently,” in which Ms. Felinton encourages readers to look into the services an Elder Care Attorney can provide.

Felinton writes, “With 10,000 Baby Boomers reaching retirement age each and every day, the question is, how many of these retirees are well-prepared for retirement?” She continues elaborating, “Every one of these individuals is a unique universe of needs, desires, hopes and dreams. Each is in a different state of health and in different states of financial stability.” “If you are among these retirement age boomers,” she says, “keep reading.”

According to Felinton, “As many research models predict, a majority of retirees will not be prepared for retirement or for the astronomical costs of medical care many of them will require. Far too many will be dependent upon Social Security and Medicare benefits.” She adds, “It doesn’t have to be that way. Even if you are close to retirement it’s not too late to establish a plan and to discover many of the programs that can help you have a more comfortable retirement. Also, it’s a known fact that a majority of boomers continue to work beyond retirement age. That can be a good thing if you don’t yet have a plan.”

“Whether you have a plan in place or have yet to establish a plan,” writes Felinton, “a reputable Elder Care Attorney can be of immense help at any stage. Elder law is a very specific area of legal practice with a singular focus. We cover all aspects of Elder Law for aging, illness and incapacity including Medicaid Planning, Veterans Benefits, nursing home planning, estate planning, wills, trusts, Asset Protection, and advocating for our clients.” She continues, “The focus of Elder Care Attorneys is on all the needs of elders as well as disabled clients.”

The entire article can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/the-services-of-an-elder-care-attorney-can-help-you-retire-more-confidently/

About Mindy Felinton

From a young age, Mindy wanted to be the voice that would make an impact in people’s lives. She became an attorney and has practiced law for over 30 years, so that she could fulfill her desire to help others. As a special prosecutor, Mindy defended the underdog (literally) in cases of animal abuse. As a state attorney in Florida she fought for justice. During the last 25 years, Mindy met many wonderful people who did not know their rights, did not understand the law, and did not know what options were available.

Mindy assists families with Medicaid planning to help with the cost of nursing home care and with obtaining veteran’s benefits to make the cost of care more manageable.   She also prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and medical directives.  Mindy is passionate about educating both other professionals and the public concerning VA Aid & Attendance benefits, Medicaid benefits,  and the use of trusts for the protection of assets.  She shares her experience and professional knowledge through free workshops, and as a frequent lecturer at State Bar Conferences.

The post Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers Founder, Mindy Felinton Talks About The Particular Area Of Focus Of Elder Care Law appeared first on Felinton Elder Law and Estate Planning Centers.

Delray Beach, FL November 18, 2019: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new article on her law firm’s website entitled “Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month Reminds Me Why I Do What I Do,” in which Ms. Felinton shares two incidents that shaped her future.

Felinton writes, “My desire to work helping the elderly in a legal capacity began a long time ago.” She continues adding, “In effect, the seeds for my career were planted years ago when the phone rang, and, upon answering I heard the panic-stricken voice of my friend on the line. She was terrified that she was going to lose her home because of the devastating cost of her husband’s nursing home care.” “Another dear friend,” says Felinton, “sought my advice when she discovered that her husband had early onset Alzheimer’s.”

According to Felinton, “I’ll never forget how my journey began, especially during this month that is dedicated to Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness. This is a time that I am reminded once again of how quickly and easily families can be devastated by this and other diseases if they have no plan in place and no one to turn to for guidance.” Felinton points out, “I continually have prospective clients come to my offices whose elderly, and sometimes not so elderly parents are in the grips of late stage Alzheimer’s.” She continues adding, “These are circumstances where there has been no communication between parents and their adult children about the future. The what if questions were never asked. What if something were to happen? What if I were to suddenly become ill and not be able to make decisions anymore? What if I were to get into an accident, be suddenly killed or permanently disabled, who would care for me?” She further elaborates, “Parents have been so busy taking care of their children that their own future needs are all too often not even considered. Most people tend to forget about their own long-term health care needs in favor of more immediate needs and desires.”

“The adult children,” writes Felinton, “who have children and busy lives of their own, are typically caught up and have not been able to turn their attention fully to their parents. So signs of dementia may go unnoticed during short visits or phone calls.” As she points out, “So this disease tends to sneak up on families. And when elderly parents can no longer make important legal decisions due to mental decline, the adult children are suddenly thrown into a position of having to figure things out. It can be very disconcerting and chaotic. But there are solutions.”

The entire article can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/alzheimers-disease-awareness-month-reminds-me-why-i-do-what-i-do/

About Mindy Felinton

From a young age, Mindy wanted to be the voice that would make an impact in people’s lives. She became an attorney and has practiced law for over 30 years, so that she could fulfill her desire to help others. As a special prosecutor, Mindy defended the underdog (literally) in cases of animal abuse. As a state attorney in Florida she fought for justice. During the last 25 years, Mindy met many wonderful people who did not know their rights, did not understand the law, and did not know what options were available.

Mindy assists families with Medicaid planning to help with the cost of nursing home care and with obtaining veteran’s benefits to make the cost of care more manageable.   She also prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and medical directives.  Mindy is passionate about educating both other professionals and the public concerning VA Aid & Attendance benefits, Medicaid benefits,  and the use of trusts for the protection of assets.  She shares her experience and professional knowledge through free workshops, and as a frequent lecturer at State Bar Conferences.

The post Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers Founder, Mindy Felinton Tells Readers How Alzheimer’s Disease Influenced Her Decision To Become An Elder Care Attorney appeared first on Felinton Elder Law and Estate Planning Centers.

Elder care law, estate planning, and asset protection all go hand in hand…

My desire to work helping the elderly in a legal capacity began a long time ago.

In effect, the seeds for my career in elder care law were planted years ago when the phone rang, and, upon answering I heard the panic-stricken voice of my friend on the line. She was terrified that she was going to lose her home because of the devastating cost of her husband’s nursing home care. Another dear friend sought my advice when she discovered that her husband had early onset Alzheimer’s.

In The Beginning of My Elder Care Law Career…

I’ll never forget how my journey began, especially during this month that is dedicated to Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness. This is a time that I am reminded once again of how quickly and easily families can be devastated by this and other diseases if they have no plan in place and no one to turn to for guidance.

I continually have prospective clients come to my elder care law offices whose elderly, and sometimes not so elderly parents are in the grips of late stage Alzheimer’s. These are circumstances where there has been no communication between parents and their adult children about the future. The what if questions were never asked. What if something were to happen? What if I were to suddenly become ill and not be able to make decisions anymore? What if I were to get into an accident, be suddenly killed or permanently disabled, who would care for me? Parents have been so busy taking care of their children that their own future needs are all too often not even considered. Most people tend to forget about their own long-term health care needs in favor of more immediate needs and desires.

Typical Family Life

The adult children, who have children and busy lives of their own, are typically caught up and have not been able to turn their attention fully to their parents. So signs of dementia may go unnoticed during short visits or phone calls. So this disease tends to sneak up on families. And when elderly parents can no longer make important legal decisions due to mental decline, the adult children are suddenly thrown into a position of having to figure things out. It can be very disconcerting and chaotic. But there are solutions.

The Sad Truth

According to an Alzheimer’s resource, alz.org, “Alzheimer’s disease is thought to begin 20 years or more before symptoms arise, with small changes in the brain that are unnoticeable to the person affected. Only after years of brain changes do individuals experience noticeable symptoms, such as memory loss and language problems.”

No one I know is on the lookout for these kinds of symptoms. Most of us move through life busily attending to things until we are stopped in our tracks by accidents or illness. A family member or friend is diagnosed, then we all remember seeing the signs which were not recognized as the beginning of an illness but only thought to be absent mindedness.

Ask Questions About Future Care Before It’s Too Late

If there is a take-away from all of this, it would be that families start taking an active role in asking their parents about the future. Find out if they have an estate and asset protection plan in place that includes long-term care. These topics are becoming easier to bring up as we humans are living longer and more of us are seeing family members and friends not knowing what to do when they are caught off-guard. And, please, seek the services of a reputable Elder Care Attorney sooner rather than later.

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Understanding Elder Care Law: What is an Elder Law Attorney?

Many people are not aware of this relatively new area of the law created to specifically serve the needs of the elderly and disabled as well as their families. Elder Care Law emerged due to our prolonged life expectancy.

Because we humans are living longer, we are facing more and more complicated issues. Estate planning, disability, health care, retirement, taxes, financial planning, abuse and discrimination issues can, and often do arise in the elder years. It is important to know your rights and seek counseling and advice when needed. When dealing with legal issues that pertain to the elderly, it is wise to seek counseling from a lawyer who practices ‘Elder Law’.

Despite the fact that there are laws and community-based programs that exist for the elderly, unless you are educated in this area and have a deep understanding of elder care law, you may miss out on available services as well as many rights you may have inherited as you have aged. When dealing with elder care law choose a lawyer that is familiar not only with elder law, but one that can also recognize ethical issues that may arise and can suggest public and private non-legal resources in the community to help meet your needs.

Life Management and Special Needs

Nearly all aspects of life management for the elderly are covered under some form of elder care law that protects your rights. Specific elder laws pertain to estate planning, wills, trusts, guardianships and end of life planning. In addition, elder laws exist for the protection against abuse, neglect and fraud. It is important to consult elder laws when dealing with disability, medical care, nursing home and housing issues, as well as retirement, insurance and employment issues.

As a result of the growing needs of elders, many state and local agencies receive grants to offer services such as support groups and counseling. These organizations can advise on elder law topics and suggest services that may be helpful. Check your phone book or the Internet for local and state agencies that may be able to help if you are facing an issue pertaining to elder law.

Appreciating True Difficulties Accompanying The Aging Process

Attorneys who primarily work with seniors and people with special needs appreciate the complex financial and social decisions their clients face. Elder law and special needs planning attorneys bring to their practice a knowledge of their clients that allow them and their staff to ignore the myths relating to aging and the competence of seniors and people with disabilities. At the same time, they take into account and empathize with the true physical and mental difficulties that often accompany the aging process. Elder Care Attorneys are tied into a formal or informal system of social workers, geriatric care managers, psychologists, and other professionals who may be of assistance to you or your loved one.

If you or someone you love is in need of an elder care attorney, call Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers. Helping to care for and protect the elderly is our passion.

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