The ABCs of Public Benefits: What Are the Options and Who Qualifies?
Various public benefit programs are available to individuals living with disabilities and other challenges. This primer offers basic information about some common types of public benefits and can serve as an at-a-glance glossary of acronyms commonly used within the practice.
What To Know About The Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) Form
The Physician Orders for Life-Sustaining Treatment (POLST) form is a tool for end-of-life planning. The form ensures that a patient's treatment wishes are known and will be followed by health care professionals during a medical crisis, when the patient cannot speak for themselves.
Why is Family History Important to Pass on to the Next Generation?
One of the most important reasons to pass on family history to the next generation is because it helps guide decision-making about your health. Family history can be a powerful antidote against adverse life experiences, showing us we can overcome disasters and survive tough times.
How Do You Make Children Financially Responsible?
Teaching kids the basics of money management can help them develop the skills necessary to achieve financial success later in life. Introducing your children to the concept of earning money and spending mindfully when they are young can help them build a future of financial responsibility.
The Importance of Funding a Trust
Funding a trust is the process of transferring your assets into the ownership of your trust. When properly prepared and funded, a trust can avoid the public, costly, and time-consuming court processes at death and incapacity.
Factors to Consider When Picking a Guardian for a Child
No one wants to think about the possibility of someone else raising their child, but it’s important to have a plan for your children if something were to happen to you and your partner. Keep these considerations in mind when making your selection.
Why You Need An Attorney for Nursing Home Contracts
For both residents and family members, nursing home admissions occur during stressful and emotional times. As a result of this pressure, residents and family members are sometimes inclined to agree to whatever conditions the nursing home represents. Having an attorney review the nursing home contract before it can be signed will help make sure problems do not arise within the contract.
Keep Your ID Up to Date, Even If Housebound
The Homebound State ID program is a service program for older adults, bedridden individuals, and people with disabilities who are unable to leave their homes to obtain a state ID card from a Secretary of State facility.
Estate Planning Considerations for Firearm Owners
As individuals age, their commitment to gun safety should deepen, reflecting a combination of physical adaptation, heightened awareness, continued education, and a sense of responsibility to oneself and others. Here are some estate planning considerations for firearm owners.
New Requirements for Small- and Mid-Sized Business Owners
Beginning in 2024, many Illinois businesses must report their beneficial owner(s) (individuals who own or control the business) to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN), which is part of the U.S. Department of Treasury.
Getting Help at Home
Utilizing caregivers for the elderly is crucial for several reasons. Learn more about the benefits, what services may be offered, and further resource to help make the best decision for you or your loved one.
How to Create a Pet Companion Journal
Here are some suggestions for creating a pet companion journal to make sure your loved companion has everything they need with another caretaker in your absence.
Communication Tips for the Hearing Impaired
Communication is a critical skill, but many people struggle to explain complicated concepts in ways that are easily understandable, especially with those who are hearing impaired. These tips can help you communicate more effectively.
Essential Reasons to Pass Down Your Family History
Passing down your family history is important for a number of reasons. Find out some of the key ways it can help children develop.
Understanding VA Disability Compensation
If an armed forces Veteran has a service-related injury or illness, they may be eligible for disability compensation. Surviving spouses, parents, and children of Veterans or service members who died due to service-related injuries or illnesses may also be eligible to receive disability compensation.
In-Kind Support and Maintenance Calculations May Soon Exclude Food
The Social Security Administration (SSA) has proposed a rule change that would omit food from the in-kind support and maintenance (ISM) calculations used to determine Supplemental Security Income (SSI) eligibility and payment amounts.
Book Recommendation: Snap & Go
If you’re looking for your next read, we highly recommend this book about a legacy learned by Jack Harnedy, former long snapper for Northwestern University. It’s a simple read about knowledge learned from family, friends, coaches, schools, and corporate employment and about the steps in your journey through life.
The Basics of Hospice Care and How to Avoid Providers Involved in Medicare Fraud
When faced with a terminal illness or condition, more people than ever are choosing hospice care over expensive medical treatments. Knowing that unethical hospice care providers are out there looking for new patients can make it challenging to find a good provider, but there are helpful resources available.
An Easier Way to Disburse Funds From an SNT
For those clients who are managing a special needs trust, the responsibility not to distribute cash to the beneficiary is essential to the protection of the beneficiary. We encourage you to review the True Link Visa® Prepaid Card, which helps family trustees manage beneficiary spending and track purchases.
Medicare Recipients Have the Right to Appeal Their Patient Status
According to a 2020 federal court decision, and an appeal in 2022, some Medicare beneficiaries now have the right to appeal previous decisions concerning their inpatient and observation status. This article will help you determine whether you can benefit from the resulting legislation.