Source: https://elderlawnews.wordpress.com/tag/care-giver/
Timestamp: 2018-06-22 18:50:20
Document Index: 429967750

Matched Legal Cases: ['§ 1983', '§ 1983', '§ 1396', '§ 1396', '§ 1983', '§ 1983']

care giver – Elder Law News
Q: When Do I Need a Guardianship?
October 1, 2015 October 1, 2015 The Law Offices of Brian A. Raphan, P.C.Leave a comment
The standard under which a person is deemed to require a guardian differs from state to state. And even within some states the standards are different, depending on whether a complete guardianship or only a conservatorship over finances is being sought. Generally a person is judged to be in need of guardianship when he or she shows a lack of capacity to make responsible decisions.
A person cannot be declared incompetent simply because he or she makes irresponsible or foolish decisions, but only if the person is shown to lack the capacity to make sound decisions. For example, a man may not be declared incompetent because he spends money in ways that seem odd to someone else. In addition, a developmental disability or mental illness is not, by itself, enough to have a person declared incompetent.
Every adult is assumed to be capable of making his or her own decisions unless a court determines otherwise. If an adult becomes incapable of making responsible decisions due to a mental disability, the court will appoint a substitute decision maker, often called a “guardian,” but in some states called a “conservator” or other term. Guardianship is a legal relationship between a competent adult (the “guardian”) and a person who because of incapacity is no longer able to take care of his or her own affairs (the “ward”).
The guardian can be authorized to make legal, financial, and health care decisions for the ward. Depending on the terms of the guardianship and state practices, the guardian may or may not have to seek court approval for various decisions. In many states, a person appointed only to handle finances is called a “conservator.”
Some incapacitated individuals can make responsible decisions in some areas of their lives but not others. In such cases, the court may give the guardian decision making power over only those areas in which the incapacitated person is unable to make responsible decisions (a so-called “limited guardianship”). In other words, the guardian may exercise only those rights that have been removed from the ward and delegated to the guardian.
The standard under which a person is deemed to require a guardian differs from state to state. In some states the standards are different, depending on whether a complete guardianship or a conservatorship over finances only is being sought. Generally a person is judged to be in need of guardianship when he or she shows a lack of capacity to make responsible decisions. A person cannot be declared incompetent simply because he or she makes irresponsible or foolish decisions, but only if the person is shown to lack the capacity to make sound decisions. For example, a person may not be declared incompetent simply because he spends money in ways that seem odd to someone else. Also, a developmental disability or mental illness is not, by itself, enough to declare a person incompetent.
In most states, anyone interested in the proposed ward’s well-being can request a guardianship. An attorney is usually retained to file a petition for a hearing in the probate court in the proposed ward’s county of residence. Protections for the proposed ward vary greatly from state to state, with some simply requiring that notice of the proceeding be provided and others requiring the proposed ward’s presence at the hearing. The proposed ward is usually entitled to legal representation at the hearing, and the court will appoint an attorney if the allegedly incapacitated person cannot afford a lawyer.
A guardian can be any competent adult — the ward’s spouse, another family member, a friend, a neighbor, or a professional guardian (an unrelated person who has received special training). A competent individual may nominate a proposed guardian through a durable power of attorney in case she ever needs a guardian.
The guardian need not be a person at all — it can be a non-profit agency or a public or private corporation. If a person is found to be incapacitated and a suitable guardian cannot be found, courts in many states can appoint a public guardian, a publicly financed agency that serves this purpose. In naming someone to serve as a guardian, courts give first consideration to those who play a significant role in the ward’s life — people who are both aware of and sensitive to the ward’s needs and preferences. If two individuals wish to share guardianship duties, courts can name co-guardians.
Courts often give guardians broad authority to manage the ward’s affairs. In addition to lacking the power to decide how money is spent or managed, where to live and what medical care he or she should receive, wards also may not have the right to vote, marry or divorce, or carry a driver’s license. Guardians are expected to act in the best interests of the ward, but given the guardian’s often broad authority, there is the potential for abuse. For this reason, courts hold guardians accountable for their actions to ensure that they don’t take advantage of or neglect the ward.
The guardian of the property inventories the ward’s property, invests the ward’s funds so that they can be used for the ward’s support, and files regular, detailed reports with the court. A guardian of the property also must obtain court approval for certain financial transactions. Guardians must file an annual account of how they have handled the ward’s finances. In some states guardians must also give an annual report on the ward’s status. Guardians must offer proof that they made adequate residential arrangements for the ward, that they provided sufficient health care and treatment services, and that they made available educational and training programs, as needed. Guardians who cannot prove that they have adequately cared for the ward may be removed and replaced by another guardian.
Power of Attorney. A power of attorney is the grant of legal rights and powers by a person (the principal) to another (the agent or attorney-in-fact). The attorney-in-fact, in effect, stands in the shoes of the principal and acts for him or her on financial, business or other matters. In most cases, even when the power of attorney is immediately effective, the principal does not intend for it to be used unless and until he or she becomes incapacitated.
Representative or Protective Payee. This is a person appointed to manage Social Security, Veterans’ Administration, Railroad Retirement, welfare or other state or federal benefits or entitlement program payments on behalf of an individual.
Revocable trust. A revocable or “living” trust can be set up to hold an older person’s assets, with a relative, friend or financial institution serving as trustee. Alternatively, the older person can be a co-trustee of the trust with another individual who will take over the duties of trustee should the older person become incapacitated.
For more information visit http://www.RaphanLaw.com or contact me at 212-268-8200 for a free initial consultation.
asset protection, care givers, caregiving, Estate Planning, guardianship, guardianships, power of attorney#estateplanning, care giver, durable power of attorney, guardianship, power of attorney
ELDER ABUSE: FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION FOR $797,000
June 29, 2015 June 29, 2015 The Law Offices of Brian A. Raphan, P.C.1 Comment
Another case handled by Brian A. Raphan, P.C. was on the Cover Page of the New York Law Journal last week.
I was appointed as Special Referee by the Supreme Court of the State of New York to perform a forensic review of Nassau County attorney Martha Brosius’ handling of a senior citizen’s financial affairs. Brian uncovered many undocumented and improper financial transactions and filed his detailed analysis to the Court. As a result of my report, criminal actions were commenced against attorney Brosius, which ultimately led to a guilty plea. Brosius now faces 6-12 years behind bars. Of course, she will lose her license to practice law. Another win for the good guys!
The article is provided below.
*As appeared Front Page of the New York Law Journal 6/25/15,
By Andrew Denney, The New York Law Journal
A Long Island elder law attorney has admitted to embezzling more than $797,000 from her clients over a four-year period, the Queens District Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday.
Martha Brosius, 52, of Brosius & Associates of Great Neck, appeared Tuesday before Acting Supreme Court Justice Helene Gugerty and pleaded guilty to two counts of second-degree grand larceny and one count of scheme to defraud, according to a news release from Queens District Attorney Richard Brown’s Office.
“The defendant has admitted to breaching her fiduciary duty and unjustly enriching herself at the expense of her client,” Brown said in the release. Brosius was indicted for the offenses in 2013. Her clients included a 77-year-old man who had been deemed mentally incapable and for whom Brosius served as legal guardian, as well as two brothers who retained Brosius to sell their deceased father’s estate and establish a special-needs trust for their disabled sister, who was the sole heir to the father’s estate.
Brosius is scheduled to appear before Gugerty on Aug. 12 for sentencing. Gugerty has indicated that her prison sentence would range between four and 12 years. Brosius is a graduate of the St. John’s University School of Law and was admitted to the bar in 2003. According to the Office of Court Administration website, she has not been publicly disciplined. Her guilty plea will subject her to mandatory disbarment.
Assistant District Attorneys James Liander and Yvonne Francis appeared for the Queens District Attorney’s Office.
“Improper use of an adult’s funds, property, or resources by another individual is elder abuse. This includes, but is not limited to, fraud, embezzlement, forgery, falsifying records, coerced property transfers, or denial of access to assets.”
TO REPORT FINANCIAL EXPLOITATION OF ELDERS IN NY STATE Click Here. Or Call 844-697-3505
FOR THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY’S PRESS RELEASE Click Here.
asset protection, care givers, elder abuse, elder care, elder law, financial planning, guardianships, special needs trusts, Trusts#caregiver, #eldercare #eldernyc #aarp, #guardianships, asset protection, care giver
Medicaid Recipient Cannot Bring Claim to Require State to Deduct Guardianship Fees
June 6, 2015 June 6, 2015 The Law Offices of Brian A. Raphan, P.C.Leave a comment
NEW YORK: The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit holds that a Medicaid recipient who is under guardianship cannot bring a § 1983 claim to require the state to deduct guardianship fees from her available income. Backer v. Shah (U.S. Ct. App., 2nd Cir., No. 14-1367-cv, June 3, 2015).
New York resident Mindy Backer lived in a nursing home and received Medicaid benefits. Under state law, she had to contribute all of her monthly income, except for a $50 personal needs allowance, to the nursing home. The court appointed Ms. Backer’s sister as her guardian. The guardianship order stated that Ms. Backer’s income would be considered unavailable for the purposes of calculating her monthly available income. However, in a separate proceeding, the state determined that Ms. Backer could not deduct guardianship fees from her available income.
Ms. Backer sued under 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleging that the state violated 42 U.S.C. § 1396a(a)(19), which requires the state to ensure eligibility is determined in the best interest of the recipient, and 42 U.S.C. § 1396a(q)(1)(A), which requires the state to deduct a personal needs allowance. The district court dismissed the claim for lack of standing because Ms. Backer’s injury was solely attributable to her own action in paying her guardian instead of the nursing home, and Ms. Backer appealed.
The U.S. Court of Appeals, Second Circuit, affirms, holding that while Ms. Backer had standing to bring the claim, she did not allege a violation of a federal right that could be enforced through § 1983. The court rules that the provision requiring the state to ensure eligibility is determined in the best interest of the recipient could not be enforced through § 1983 because it does not provide a “workable standard for judicial decision making.” In addition, according to the court, the personal needs allowance section does not require the state to allow the deduction of guardianship fees.
For the full text of this decision, go to: http://cases.justia.com/federal/appellate-courts/ca2/14-1367/14-1367-2015-06-03.pdf?ts=1433341806
To see the Top 8 Medicaid Planning Mistakes click here.
asset protection, care givers, caregiving, medicaid, medicaid planning#estateplanning, aarp, asset protection, benefits, care giver, caregivers
What Rights Do Bedsore Victims Have?
May 8, 2015 May 8, 2015 The Law Offices of Brian A. Raphan, P.C.1 Comment
You’d be surprised how many times we hear the following from clients…”the nursing home said our dad’s skin condition was broken down and poor health led to bedsores”, or some similar version of this. These comments inappropriately lead people to believe they or there loved ones do not have legal rights when it comes to bedsores or pressure sores (decubitus ulcers). Of course they are not the fault of the bedsore victim. Especially when they are in the care of professionals of a hospital, medical or nursing facility. Patients, elders, unhealthy or not do have legal rights–which also includes the right to sue for bedsores. Read more about the Rights of Bedsore Victims below:
The defendants insurance company may ask you for a recorded statement describing the appearance of bedsores and your treatment. Remember you have no obligation to give them such a statement, nor is it wise to do so.
The defendant’s insurance company will ask you for authorizations to obtain your medical records. Let your attorney release your records after he or she has reviewed them. It’s best not to offer information by yourself.
Some insurance companies will offer you money to settle the case before you contact an attorney. In this situation the insurance company knows they will have to pay out money and they hope to settle the claim before you hire an attorney who can negotiate and demand a higher amount. Always consult an attorney if an insurance company is offering you money. By doing so you will in all likelihood increase your net recovery even after taking out the lawyers fee.
Once a bedsore case is settled and the defendant is released, regardless of whether you make a full recovery or not, the money you received cannot be taken away, it is your money…tax free.
If you need surgery, it is important to go forward with that before you settle your pressure sore or bedsore lawsuit.
If you are persuaded by a hospital or nursing home and settle a case on your own, only to find out 6 months later you have more serious conditions than first thought, you have forfeited your rights to recover additional money. That is why it is so important to contact an experienced bedsore attorney before you sign anything.
You are able to sue for and recover a monetary award from new injuries and infections and the aggravation of old ones caused by bedsores or pressure ulcers.
Additional Bedsore information & Guides:
THE DOCTOR WEIGHS IN BEDSORE ARTICLE by Attorney Brian A. Raphan
HOW MUCH IS A BEDSORE LAWSUIT WORTH: CASE EVALUATOR
DOWNLOAD: BEDSORE LEGAL & MEDICAL GUIDE
Grades of pressure sores
If a person is bedridden for long enough, the areas of skin constantly in contact with the mattress
or chair will start to discolor. This shows that the skin is in danger of ulcerating.
Pressure sores are graded to four levels, including:
• Grade I – skin discoloration, usually red, blue, purple or black
• Grade II – some skin loss or damage involving the top-most skin layers
• Grade III – necrosis (death) or damage to the skin patch, limited to the skin layers
• Grade IV – necrosis (death) or damage to the skin patch and underlying structures, such as tendon, joint or bone.
Complications of pressure sores
Untreated pressure sores can lead to a wide variety of secondary conditions, including: • Sepsis (bacteria entering the bloodstream)
• Cellulitis (inflammation of body tissue, causing swelling and redness)
• Abscess (a collection of pus).
For more helpful information or a free consultation you may contact me by email here: Contact
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January 28, 2015 January 28, 2015 The Law Offices of Brian A. Raphan, P.C.Leave a comment
The need to protect your assets is always at hand. Planning for long-term care with an elder law attorney can help protect your assets for the in home spouse and heirs. Medicaid Planning or Life Care Planning helps to ensure that you or your loved one get the best possible long-term care and the highest possible quality of life, whether at home, in an assisted living facility, or in a nursing home. The following article brings this issue to light.
Article via The New York Times:
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Can I Give My Kids $14,000 a Year?
January 22, 2015 The Law Offices of Brian A. Raphan, P.C.Leave a comment
The $14,000 figure is the amount of the current gift tax exclusion (for 2014 and 2015), meaning that any person who gives away $14,000 or less to any one individual does not have to report the gift to the IRS, and you can give this amount to as many people as you like. If you give away more than $14,000 to any one person (other than your spouse), you will have to file a gift tax return. However, this does not necessarily mean you’ll pay a gift tax. You’ll have to pay a tax only if your reportable gifts total more than $5.43 million (2015 figure) during your lifetime.
Many people believe that if they give away an amount equal to the current $14,000 annual gift tax exclusion, this gift will be exempted from Medicaid’s five-year look-back at transfers that could trigger a waiting period for benefits. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The gift tax exclusion is an IRS rule, and this IRS rule has nothing to do with Medicaid’s asset transfer rules. While the $14,000 that you gave to your grandchild this year will be exempt from any gift tax, Medicaid will still count it as a transfer that could make you ineligible for nursing home benefits for a certain amount of time should you apply for them within the next five years. You may be able to argue that the gift was not made to qualify you for Medicaid, but proving that is an uphill battle.
The Law Offices of Brian A. Raphan, P.C. 7 Penn Plaza, New York, NY 10001 212-268-8200
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A great way to enhance quality of life for elder New Yorkers
January 2, 2015 January 6, 2015 The Law Offices of Brian A. Raphan, P.C.Leave a comment
Activities for Life NY, LLC offers an amazing service that has been helping enhance the quality of life for many of our clients.
My law office has used their unique services of for over 10 years because we have found they offer excellent 1 to 1 therapeutic recreation, tailored to our clients who have lost their connection to recreation and/or are unable to get out and enjoy life like they once did. I have personally seen some of my clients ‘come back to life’ under the tutelage of Marni Rose, President of Activities for Life.
The goal of therapeutic recreation is to help stimulate a person mentally and/or physically through fun, engaging, and creative activities, regardless of age or illness. One of the most important aspects of working with Marni and her team is that they really ‘get’ how to communicate to all the involved parties of someone under geriatric care.
Activities For Life’s relationships with personal care aides, care givers and managers, family members, and us lawyers allows her a 360 degree ability to coordinate the pieces with grace. I know that when my clients are contracting the services of Activities for Life, they will simply get the best that New York has to give in therapeutic geriatric services and live their best life possible.
To see the benefits of Marni’s service see links below.
Activities for Life NY, LLC
www.activitiesforlifeny.com
facebook.com/activitiesforlifeny
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