Communities are where things happen. Our goal is to bring people together so they can discuss issues that matter to them. We believe our community is more likely to thrive when people share ideas, experience and wisdom. We also know that caregiving is hard work. Caregivers are often burdning the candle at both ends and in the middle. Knowing that makes us mindful of a scene from The West Wing, Season 2, Episode 10. There, the character Leo McGarry tells Josh Lyman:
“This guy’s walking down the street when he falls in a hole. The walls are so steep he can’t get out.
“A doctor passes by and the guy shouts up, ‘Hey you. Can you help me out?’ The doctor writes a prescription, throws it down in the hole and moves on.
“Then a priest comes along and the guy shouts up, ‘Father, I’m down in this hole can you help me out?’ The priest writes out a prayer, throws it down in the hole and moves on
“Then a friend walks by, ‘Hey, Joe, it’s me can you help me out?’ And the friend jumps in the hole. Our guy says, ‘Are you stupid? Now we’re both down here.’ The friend says, ‘Yeah, but I’ve been down here before and I know the way out.’
At some time or another, all of us have been in a hole. We want to be the guy you jumps into the hole and shows you the way out. That’s our goal at EZ Elder Law. We plan to do that by bringing you resources. We plan to bring you forums where caregivers can ask each other questions and share experiences. We hope to build a virtual caring closet where people can share stories, helpful hints, unused caregiving supplies and unwanted medical equipment. Among the pages we intend to bring is one with recipes of old-time dishes (to bring back memories) and easy to fix dishes (for caregivers on the go). We’re just getting started, so hang on!
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ADLs and IADLs
Activities of Daily Living and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living describe basic skills for getting through the day. “The ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL), such as bathing or dressing, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), like shopping and managing finances and mobility – the ability to walk without assistance- are essential to […]
Planning for Adult Children with Disabilities
Childhood Disability Benefits assist disabled children and adults who became disabled prior to age 22. Most begin with Supplemental Security Income, which is a monthly cash payment for individuals with limited income and few resources. Because a parent’s income and resources are usually deemed available to the child, SSI usually begins after the child is […]
Another Scam, and this one makes my blood boil
Recently, my dad died. While I was driving back from being sworn in as his executor, I got a call. My father-in-law, who is a very smart man, was at the bank about to take money to some scumball because he thought he was about to be arrested. Yes, the scammers are now impersonating the […]
The ARC Fights to Protect Medicaid
Medicaid is critical for individuals with special needs. It pays for things no one else will pay for and it has recently come under fire. The Arc is working to protect Medicaid for its constituents. It is activating advocates to protect services for the disability community. It is also seeking donations to further its efforts. […]
When Should I Take Social Security?
Many people want to know when they should apply for Social Security (assuming it still exists when you need it). One of the reasons people ask this question is because the benefit paid is higher if you wait until after your full retirement age, but lower if you apply before your full retirement age. A […]
What is the Social Security Fairness Act?
The Social Security Fairness Act was signed into law on January 5, 2025. Prior to passage of this new law, the Windfall Elimination Provision and Government Pension Offset rules reduced benefits for certain individuals who received both Social Security and a pension based on work that was not covered by Social Security. A non-covered pension is […]
Pat Summitt Documentary
If you follow Women’s College Basketball, then you must have heard of Pat Summitt. Coach Summit was a legend in NCAA women’s basketball prior to leaving the game due to early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Now, there is a rumored new documentary on Netflix that recounts her journey from player to becoming a legend at the University […]
Find a Certified Elder Law Attorney
If you are looking for assistance understanding Elder Law, a Certified Elder Law Attorney can help. Before you can sit for the exam, which (last time we checked) has a forty percent pass rate, Certified Elder Law Attorneys (CELAs) must meet the following criteria: Licensed Attorney: You must be a licensed attorney and an active […]
Social Security Announces 2.5 Percent Benefit Increase for 2025
On October 10, 2024, the Social Security Administration announced that Americans will increase a 2.5 percent cost of living increase in 2025. A fact sheet linked to the preset release shows that the monthly SSI rate for an individual will increase from $943 to $967. This COLA means the following (estimates) should apply beginning January […]
Getting Organized
Many people think that estate planning is just having documents prepared. They have a lawyer prepare a Will, get it signed and they’re done. As Lee Corso says on Game Day, “Not so fast!” The hardest part of stepping into someone else’s shoes, whether its as an agent under a power of attorney, or as […]
