Don't Believe Everything You Read

Recently, there have been several articles in the Minneapolis Star Tribune about conservators, guardians, and power of attorneys. These articles seem to indicate that there are people out there in the senior industry who are out to take money from their clients.

One recent article indicated that a person from "A Little Help for the Elderly and Disabled" obtained a power of attorney from a man in a nursing home whose wife did not follow through with an application for Medical Assistance. Without knowing all the details... it seems that the person did not advise the wife of the man about the power of attorney obtained. It is hard to know if that is really the case, but the wife claims the new attorney in fact spent thousands on a pre-paid burial and paid herself over a thousand dollars in service fees.

I have to say that the article is misleading. It is perfectly normal to pre-pay a funeral as a method of spending down to qualify for Medical Assistance. The amounts vary but those become exempt assets and therefore not counted in determining eligibility. Also, the time involved in completing a Medical Assistance application would certainly entail many hours of hard work and depending on the hourly rate, would be at least $1,000.

I would suggest that there are people out there who really, truly care for their senior clients. I would hope that the person involved in this case had the man's best interests at heart. At worst, I believe there may have been an error in having an incapacitated person sign a power of attorney.

As a former paralegal in Elder Law, I would never ask an incapacitated person to sign a document giving away financial powers to me or anyone. This is a very unfortunate incident and I don't know the person in question, but, I would hope this serves as a reminder to all families out there. It is very important that you obtain good references for any services provided to seniors. Know your rights and particularly safeguard your vulnerable family members' rights as well.

Call me with any questions in this regard. (612) 385-6446.

NEWS YOU CAN USE IN THE NEW YEAR

I have been slightly remiss in adding to my blog as you can see... However, I wanted to update the blog with news and some upcoming events:

NEWS YOU CAN USE:

I am now a licensed insurance agent for health, life and accident. I will be getting appointed to an insurance company so I can help you with your insurance needs.

I joined Absolute Connections chapter of BNI, the world's premier networking group.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

March 16, 2009 @ 1:30 p.m.

"Who can you trust with your money?" I will be speaking at Augustana Apartments in downtown Minneapolis on how to protect yourself from theft, fraud, or scams... whether it is inflicted by strangers or your own family. Recently, there have been several articles in the newspaper about vulnerable seniors and how easily their assets were liquidated often without them even being aware.

There are still reputable people out there who can help you with your money management and won't take advantage of you. But...you have to be alert and aware of the warning signs and empower yourself or others to take action on your behalf.

March 23, 2009 at 7 p.m.

"Who can you trust with your money?" I will be speaking at Calvary Cooperative in Golden Valley on how to protect yourself from theft, fraud, or scams... whether it is inflicted by strangers or your own family. Recently, there have been several articles in the newspaper about vulnerable seniors and how easily their assets were liquidated often without them even being aware.

There are still reputable people out there who can help you with your money management and won't take advantage of you. But...you have to be alert and aware of the warning signs and empower yourself or others to take action on your behalf.

If you would like to attend either event, please contact me at alonglifespath@juno.com

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

Thank you all for your support this past year. My business continues to grow and the success I have achieved in part belongs to my friends who have been so supportive.

I wish you all the happiest holiday season and continued blessings in the coming year.

HOLIDAYS QUICKLY APPROACHING

Now that the holiday season is knocking on our doors, I would like to remind those of you who will be visiting your aging parents to pay a little extra attention to their situation. For example: Is there mail all over the house that remains unopened?
Is their house not quite as clean as mom used to keep it?
Are there bills that haven't been paid or notices of termination of utility service?

These are signs that things may be getting overwhelming for your aging parents. Don't confront them directly but gently suggest that you may be able to help or you know someone who can help them with day to day money management. Often your parents don't want you to know how confusing things have become for them. It's important, however, that they get some assistance or at least have access to resources for when they do need it.

ALONG LIFE'S PATH can help. Even if they don't want my services (per se), I can direct you or your loved ones to just about every kind of resource available to seniors. I am more than happy to assist in any way I can. I know what it's like to struggle with running your own life and trying to stay up with Mom and Dad's personal business.

What this means for you is that next holiday season you can spend time with your family without the stress and anxiety of worrying about Mom and Dad.

FALL AGING CONFERENCE

The Annual Fall Aging Conference sponsored by the Minneapolis and St. Paul Area Senior Workers Association will be held THURSDAY, OCTOBER 30, 2008. It is held at Earle Brown Heritage Center, Brooklyn Center, MN.

This conference is geared to all workers in the senior industry. There will be a large vendor fair as well as interesting speakers. This year's theme is: "THE INVISIBLE ELDER" The cost is $60 for members and $75 for non-members. You can join MASWA at the Conference.

For more information you can link to www.seniorworkers.org and register online.

Scott County Senior Expo

Reminder: The Scott County Senior Expo will be held on Friday, October 17, 2008 from 8:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the (new)
Shakopee Senior High School.
1000 17th Avenue West
Shakopee, MN

Many vendors, such as myself, will be there with information and resources for our aging parents, spouses and family members. They will be able to answer questions on services available to the senior community. Please stop by the booth for "Savvy Seniors" where we will be handing out the guidebook with a wealth of information.

Door prizes will be awarded at lunch time.

A Shining Star

"Strictly Seniors" a cable TV show on Channel 6 locally, will have me (Barb Grimm) as the guest on an upcoming show. The air date is Tuesday, September 16, 2008 at 6:30 p.m. It also airs on the following Wednesday morning but the time is to be announced.

I hope you will tune in and let me know what you think about my stellar performance. Just kidding.

Roland Minda is the host of the show and his website is www.strictly-seniors. com Feel free to check out the website for other interesting appearances by people in the senior industry.