Massachusetts Estate Planning and Elder Law » Uncategorized

Keeping Your House Safe (and Enjoyable) for Old & Young Visitors

admin — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 13:32:47 +0000

Whether you are trying to keep your toddlers safe at home, or preparing for a visit from your 95 year old grandmother, the techniques to keep both age groups safe and happy are similar.

Keep walkways clear of snow, leaves, rocks, toys, etc. Little legs that are just learning to walk can trip and fall. And older bodies with eyes and balance that might not be as good as they were need a clear path to stay safe. Also using a stroller or a walker is easier on clear ground.
Check the hot water temperature. Both baby skin and the skin of elderly people is more susceptible to burns from hot water. Keep both ages safe by turning the temperature down a few degrees to avoid accidental scalding.
Keep the rooms warm enough. Ever wonder why nursing homes often feel over-heated? It’s because the elderly have a harder time regulating their body temperature. Babies do, too (and they move around less so they aren’t generating their own heat.) Consider turning up the thermostat a few degrees, and being sure to provide lap blankets and sweaters if needed.
They both like to be involved! Just because a baby can’t talk doesn’t mean they should be left out of activities. Likewise, an older relative with hearing or vision issues shouldn’t be left out either. Figure out a way to integrate people of all ages into the fun. (Somehow even when my grandmother had trouble with her vision, she still managed to beat me at Chinese Checkers!)
Treasure them while they are here! Babies grow up fast, and people don’t live forever. Slow down and treasure your time with them. Take pictures, write down funny things they say and enjoy them!

Shel Silverstein has a lovely poem about the similarities between our older and younger selves. Click here to read “The Little Boy and The Old Man.“

Services

Leanna Hamill — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 15:55:43 +0000

Estate Planning

Wills
Trusts
Durable Powers of Attorney
Guardianship Proxies
Health Care Proxies
Living Wills

Elder Law

Review and revision of estate plan
Long term care planning
Medicaid/MassHealth planning
Assistance with Medicaid/MassHealth Application filing
Referral to other professionals as needed

Estate Administration

Representation of Administrators and Executors of Estates
Assist agents appointed under a Power of Attorney in carrying out their duties.

News & Articles

Leanna Hamill — Fri, 15 Jun 2007 17:43:45 +0000

Estate Planning Step by Step. First published in Kidding Around, January 2007.
Download estate_planning_step_by_step.pdf

Patriot Ledger Insider Spotlight, Interview with Attorney Leanna Hamill

Money Magazine Article, Rethinking Your Estate Plan June 2009

About You

Leanna Hamill — Thu, 24 May 2007 18:16:44 +0000

You have a family, a spouse or partner, children, and you want to “get your affairs in order” but you aren’t sure what you need. I can explain to you about the different documents you might need, and we can draft a plan for you that will protect you and your family.
You want to make sure that your minor children will be protected in the event of your incapacity or death. I can draft the appropriate documents for your to nominate the guardian of your choosing, and to make sure any funds you leave for your children are protected.
You are the adult child of an aging parent and are concerned about what might happen to them in the event of their incapacity. Maybe you live out of state and are concerned about how you will help care of them. You wonder who would handle their affairs in the event of their incapacity and how you could help. You might also need referrals to home care providers or geriatric care managers. I can review their situation, draft the documents they need and even provide you with referrals to other professionals to assist you.
You have a child or grandchild with special needs and want to ensure that they are taken care of, but you also don’t want to jeopardize any public benefits they might be entitled to. I can help you set up a special needs trust.
You are planning your retirement and haven’t updated your Will or other documents since your children were little. You also have questions about the different options for long term care payment, and related issues. I can review your existing documents, recommend updates based on your current situation and answer your questions about long term care planning.
A spouse or relative needs long term nursing care and you aren’t sure they have enough money to pay for it. I can explain the different types of payment available for nursing care, and assist you with planning for and completing the Medicaid/Masshealth application process.
You need to petition the Court to become the guardian or conservator of a parent or child. I can assist you through this process to make sure that the proper steps are followed to get you appointed in a timely fashion, and advise you of your responsibilities going forward.
You have been appointed the guardian or conservator of someone and you need assistance carrying out your duties to your ward and to the Court. I can advise you on how to make sure you are complying with the Court requirements of that responsibility, such as filing the Inventory, Accounts and any other reports.
You have been nominated as the Executor of someone’s estate and you need assistance carrying out your duties. I can assist you with becoming appointed by the Court, and then guide you in your role to ensure that you are meeting the reporting and other requirements of your role from the filing of the Inventory, the marshaling and distribution of the assets, all the way up to filing the Final Accounting.