for LB’s good advice. Related to that, it has been some years since I initiated my trust. There have been some life changes and I have rethought a few things. So I am meeting with my estate attorney next month to review and revise my trust documents. It is a good idea, if you have a trust/will, to periodically evaluate whether the docs reflect what you currently want/need. If you do not, think ahead and write one (preferably with an attorney) so your loved ones/your state are not left to make important decisions for you. I am also putting together a separate list of valuable or sentimental items I want to go to certain relatives, which I have not done up to now.

 

Nice hearing from you Bill. My mother suffered from Dementia for many years. My Dad died young and since I have no siblings I cared for her for 31 years. She lived in Baltimore in a nice apartment building but as the Dementia got worse we moved her to Delaware. We found a wonderful facility near us that took very good care of her. It was close to us so we could visit her more often. As her condition got worse I applied for Medicaid. A friend recommended an elder care lawyer who I hired to help me navigate through the Medicaid application. This was his specialty and he intervened with the state who were difficult to deal with and she got approved. Whenever the state contacted me with the never ending requirements he called them and satisfied their requirements. His fee was very reasonable and gave us complete peace of mind. Mom didn’t have much money and had even less when it ran out. She paid what she had to the state and then Medicare kicked in. She got a UTI, went to the nearby hospital and passed away. She was 88. We felt good that we were able to care for her for 31 years. Our daughter is a licensed clinical social worker and has 30 years experience dealing with clients who suffer from Dementia and Althiemers.. She is also our executor and has access to all of our financial information. Thanks Bill.

 

Wow, that is some story Ray. My goodness she was only 57 when she got dementia. You were clearly a great son.

 

Thanks Dave. I hope that secures my place in heaven with her.