MA Elder Law and Estate Planning Blog

Currently, the purchase of and expenses related to a “Technology-Assisted Tracking Device” are not covered under health benefits plans in Massachusetts. Patients with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or Autism Spectrum Disorder can me prone to becoming lost or wandering from a given location. In addition to the panic and heartache this causes family members and caregivers, it often requires many hours of time from the police, fire department or other civil services. A quality “locator” device is invaluable to everyone, saving time, money and insuring less unsupervised time for the patient.

On January 16, 2013 Mr. Aaron Michlewitz of Boston, and five other people filed a petition to the Massachusetts Joint Committee on Financial Services (accompanied by a bill, House, No. 956) that would make this service available for coverage by health insurance. Filed as an amendment to Chapter 118E of the General Laws, the Act states:

               “A health benefit plan shall provide full coverage, subject to all applicable co-payments, co-insurance, deductibles and out of pocket limits, for insured individuals who are diagnosed by a licensed physician with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease or Autism Spectrum Disorder, to obtain a Technology-Assisted Tracking Device if they or their guardian choose.”

The Act also clearly defines necessary capabilities of any wearable device such as being waterproof, work indoors or undercover and be-tamper resistant. We recommend that you read the short Bill and contact members of the Legislature to express support for this Amendment.

To read a copy of the Bill:

http://www.malegislature.gov/Bills/188/House/H956

To contact a member of the Joint Committee on Financial Services: http://www.malegislature.gov/Committees/Joint/J11

To find your House or Senate representative: http://www.malegislature.gov/People/Search

To read about Lojack's Safety Net devices: http://www.lojack.com/People-at-Risk

November is National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month.  At the Law Office of Julie Low, we often get calls from people who haven’t done any estate planning and now find themselves in a crisis situation with regards to a loved one who has Alzheimer’s disease.  If you become sick or disabled, either temporarily or permanently, who will make financial decisions for you?  A  Power of Attorney allows you to appoint someone you trust to do just that.  If you cannot pay bills, get records or make other financial decisions due to physical or mental limitations, your family may be prevented from helping you.  Arranging for a Power of Attorney now can save the $4000-$5000 in legal fees that a conservatorship or guardianship process can cost.  To learn more about Power of Attorney and other important estate planning documents, please attend one of our educational workshops.  Dates, times and further information are available here.   Or log on to www.lawofficeofjulielow.com and click on Seminars.  To learn more about National Alzheimer’s Disease Awareness Month, click here!

Our Fact or Fiction: Estate Planning De-Mystified workshop orginally scheduled for Saturday, September 22 at 10:00 a.m. will be postponed until Saturday, October 20 at 10:00 a.m. If you would like to sign up for October 20th, then please click here.  Or you may call us at 978-922-8800.  If you prefer our weeknight workshop on Thursday, October 4 at 6:30 p.m. then please click here to register.

During these seminars, Attorney Low explains the facts and dispels the myths of estate planning. These two-hour seminars are designed to give you the crucial information you need so you can start thinking about the best ways to protect your family and assets. You will come away with a general understanding of many of the different estate planning documents such as wills, revocable and irreovcable trusts, living trusts, healthcare proxies and Durbale Power of Attorney. All of our upcoming workshops may be found at www.lawofficeofjulielow.com.

Kids going back to school, apple picking, hay rides, cider donuts, football, estate planning and fall foliage.   One of these things is not like the other!  If you guessed estate planning, you’re right!  However, what you may not realize is that autumn is a great time to start thinking about what you can do to protect your family in the case of an untimely and potentially devastating event.  Having your affairs in order is a labor of love.  Call the Law Office of Julie Low today at 978-922-8800 and ask us about our free estate planning  workshops coming up in October and how to arrange for a free one-hour consultation.  It’s the first step in creating peace of mind for you and your family.

It’s Sunrise Spirit Week at Sunrise Senior Living in Lynnfield.  They are celebrating their community activities that are designed to enrich the mind, body and spirit. They are offering tours of their community, so you can see how their residents truly experience the joy of every day.  And one of their activities this week features our very own, Attorney Julie Low!

On Saturday, September 15 from 2:00–3:30 p.m., Attorney Julie Low of the Law Office of Julie Low and Michael Murray, a Financial Planner at Peabody Financial Services are holding a joint seminar entitled: Affording Senior Living Options .  They will speak on estate planning & the financial options that make assisted living & other long term care options possible.  RSVP today for this free event by calling (781) 245-0668 or email: Lynnfield.DCR2@SunriseSeniorLiving.com.

Sunrise Senior Living is located at 55 Salem Street, Lynnfield, MA.

Our Fact or Fiction:  Estate Planning De-Mystified workshop orginally scheduled for Thursday, September 6 at 6:30 p.m. will be postponed until Thursday, October 4 at 6:30 p.m.  If you would like to sign up for October 4th, then please click here.  Or you may call us at 978-922-8800.  

During these seminars, Attorney Low explains the facts and dispels the myths of estate planning. These two-hour seminars are designed to give you the crucial information you need so you can start thinking about the best ways to protect your family and assets. You will come away with a general understanding of many of the different estate planning documents such as wills, revocable and irreovcable trusts, living trusts, healthcare proxies and Durbale Power of Attorney.  All of our upcoming workshops may be found at www.lawofficeofjulielow.com. 

The Law Office of Julie Low is pleased to announce the addition of an associate attorney to the firm.  Attorney Daniel Lundstrom received his undergraduate degree from Gordon College with a Bachelor of Arts in International Affairs.  In 2011 he received his law degree from Indiana University School of Law in Indianapolis and was admitted to the Massachusetts Bar in June 2012.  He is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association, Wealth Counsel, Elder Counsel and the Christian Legal Society.

Daniel will be assisting Attorney Low with client meetings, drafting of estate planning documents as well as asset worksheets, Veteran Benefits applications and Medicare applications.  He will also be facilitating the funding process for our clients that decide to include a trust in their estate planning portfolio.  To view Daniel’s full biography, simply click here.

Feel free to stop by our Beverly office at 234 Cabot Street, Suite 8.  Daniel is looking forward to getting to know and service our current estate planning and elder law clients and would be happy to discuss a personalized estate plan designed just for you.  For more information about the Law Office of Julie Low, please visit our website at www.lawofficeofjulielow.com . 

Maintaining a sense of independence is so important for the elder community.  The sad truth is, many seniors, and those who love and care for them, do not know about the many services that are available to them.  One non-profit, national organization is the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE).  PACE promotes quality integrated care and cost-effective services for older adults who need personal attention and family support to stay independent and out of a nursing home.  

The Law Office of Julie Low is familiar with these programs and other community options that you may have not considered.  Make sure you know all your options by contacting Elder Law Attorney Julie Low today at 978-922-8800.

Many of our clients have come to know and appreciate Jerrica Krzywicki, the Office Manager & Legal Assistant here at the Law Office of Julie Low since June of 2011.  Jerrica has been a loyal and dedicated employee over the last year and she will truly be missed.  We wish her the best of luck at Rochester University where she will be working towards her MBA beginning next month. 

Many clients and friends stopped by last Thursday for a farewell party for Jerrica at the office.  One of our dear clients was nice enough to give Jerrica her very own “Global GPS” keychain and “Eye-Pad” as she journeys to Rochester, New York.  Thank you to everyone for stopping by!

The Law Office of Julie Low is proud to announce the award-winning Don Lombardi as our featured artist for the months of July and August.  Known to many simply by his nickname, Nino, he has been painting his whole life.  Touring his studio, you’ll find a variety of beautiful seascapes, and local points of interest.  Any North Shore admirer would quickly recognize his paintings of Lynch Cove, Good Harbor Beach and Motif #1.  But beyond the North Shore paintings you’ll also find the State House in Boston, the Swan Boats at the Public Gardens and even a serene scene in Italy.  A sampling of Nino’s artwork is now on display in our office at 234 Cabot Street, Suite 8.  Please stop by and take a look!

I am happy to be the newest member of the team of the Law Office of Julie Low.  I met Julie a couple of years ago at a Beverly Chamber of Commerce networking event.  I was immediately impressed with her outgoing personality and energy.  This spring I heard of a job opportunity at Julie’s firm and was quick to respond.  After several interviews, I was offered the position of Client Services Manager.

With my particular experience in club management, I understand and appreciate the importance of treating clients with courtesy and respect.   No stranger to the North Shore, I graduated from Gordon College and have held positions as the Assistant Manager at the Manchester Athletic Club, Manager of the Bass River Tennis Club and General Manager of the Beverly Golf & Tennis Club. 

Starting in early June, I have already learned so much about the world of estate planning and elder law.  I am so proud to be associated with a firm that takes the time to make sure every client receives the best plan possible.  One of my responsibilities is to offer interesting blogs and tweets to help educate, inform and entertain our clients and friends.  As Client Services Manager at the Law Office of Julie Low, I will also be handling client communications and maintenance, workshop facilitation, website maintenance, social media and networking. 

I look forward to our upcoming workshop at the Beverly Chamber of Commerce at Cummings Center on Thursday, July 12 from 6:30-8:30 p.m.  This is a great opportunity to meet Julie and decide if her services are a good fit for you and your family.  You may sign up at our seminar page or by calling us at 978-922-8800.  The workshop is free and is a great first step in de-mystifying the often confusing realm of elder law and estate planning.  We hope to see you there!