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.

The post The COVID19 Death Toll Rises Among The Young appeared first on Felinton Elder Law and Estate Planning Centers.

Delray Beach, FL October 3, 2019: Mindy Felinton, founder of Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers, has posted a new blog on her law firm’s website entitled “Depression And Mental Health Awareness Month Serve As Reminders To Update Will.” Ms. Felinton suggests that greater awareness of mental health issues may lead to the sense that those who suffer are not alone.

Felinton writes, “This is the time of year to turn our attention to upcoming holidays and, importantly to focus on those loved ones with special needs.” She continues adding, “October is devoted to the awareness of mental health. It is also Depression Awareness Month, which includes Mental Illness Week and National Depression Screening Day.”

“Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States,” says Felinton. “In fact,” she adds, “the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that in 2016 more than 16 million adults dealt with a depressive episode.”

As Felinton reminds readers, “Winter months, and the holidays in particular, very often trigger depression. While most people are singing joyful tunes and feeling the lighthearted spirit of the season, there are millions of people battling the symptoms of depression and dealing with self-destructive depressive episodes.”

“If you have a loved one suffering from mental health issues,” Felinton says, “you may also need special instructions for his or her ongoing care in your will and estate and asset protection plan. The greatest gift you can give to someone with mental health issues is to make sure they will be cared for in the event that you are not around to help them.”

The entire blog can be read at https://www.felintonlaw.com/depression-and-mental-health-awareness-month-serve-as-reminders-to-update-will/

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.

The post Felinton Elder Law & Estate Planning Centers Founder, Mindy Felinton Reminds Readers To Tend To The Needs Of Loved Ones With Mental Health Issues appeared first on Felinton Elder Law and Estate Planning Centers.

Remembering to – or Finding A Time to Update A Will – Can Be Hard. Certain Times, However, Remind Us More Than Others.

How does Mental Health Awareness Month serve as a reminder that it might be time to update a will?

Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses in the United States.

In fact, the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) estimates that in 2016 more than 16 million adults dealt with a depressive episode.

This is the time of year to turn our attention to upcoming holidays and, importantly to focus on those loved ones with special needs. October is devoted to the awareness of mental health. It is also Depression Awareness Month, which includes Mental Illness Week and National Depression Screening Day.

Winter months, and the holidays in particular, very often trigger depression.

While most people are singing joyful tunes and feeling the lighthearted spirit of the season, there are millions of people battling the symptoms of depression and dealing with self-destructive depressive episodes.

If you have a loved one suffering from mental health issues, you may also need special instructions for his or her ongoing care in your will and estate and asset protection plan. The greatest gift you can give to someone with mental health issues is to make sure they will be cared for in the event that you are not around to help them. Knowing they will be cared for offers a great sense of relief to someone who is unable to work and/or interact with others in socially acceptable ways.

Battling depression and other mental health issues is difficult.

However, it may be a little easier for those who suffer knowing they’re not alone and that efforts are being made to understand mental health issues and find ways to help.

If you need to update a will – or update an estate and asset protection plan to include instructions for a loved one with mental health issues or special needs of any kind, give us a call.

The post Time to Update A Will? Depression And Mental Health Awareness Month Serves As a Reminder… appeared first on Felinton Elder Law and Estate Planning Centers.