Resources For Aging Well

Most families do not need to follow every new court decision, Medicaid rule, tax election, or change to federal retirement law. That is our job. What families do need to know is when one of those changes could affect a decision they are making right now. After reviewing materials from the 2026 Elder Law Institute and additional training on post-death tax and estate planning, our team identified several developments that deserve attention. Some affect people planning for a loved one with special needs. Others may matter to families navigating Medicaid, administering an estate, or ensuring an existing estate plan still works as intended. Here are five groups of people who should be paying particular attention. 1. If You Have a Loved One With a DisabilityOne of the biggest developments involves ABLE accounts. Beginning in 2026, eligibility expands so that an individuals disability must have begun before age 46 rather than before age 26. That may sound like a small change, but it could open the door for individuals and families who previously did not qualify. ABLE accounts can be an important part of special needs planning because they may allow an individual with a disability to save and use money for qualified expenses while preserving access to certain public benefits. For families who were previously told that an ABLE account was not an option because of the individuals age when the disability began, it may be time to revisit that conversation. The important question is not simply, Can we open an ABLE account now? It is, How should an ABLE account fit into the rest of our planning? That may include a Special Needs Trust, beneficiary designations, public benefits, housing assistance, family support, and the long-term financial needs of the person you love. 2. If a Retirement Account Will Eventually Benefit Someone With Special NeedsThis is an area where families can have excellent intentions and still create an unintended problem. You may have spent years carefully creating a Special Needs Trust to protect a child or loved one with a disability. But then there is the IRA. Or the 401(k). Or another retirement account with its own beneficiary designation. Those beneficiary forms matter. Retirement accounts are governed by their beneficiary designations, and coordinating those designations with a Special Needs Trust can involve additional rules involving inherited retirement accounts. That means creating the trust is only part of the job. The beneficiary designation needs to work with the trust and with the rest of the estate plan. This is one reason we place so much emphasis on follow-through. A beautifully drafted estate plan cannot accomplish what you intended if the assets never make it to the right place. If your estate plan includes a loved one with special needs and you have significant retirement assets, this is worth reviewing. 3. If You Are Helping an Aging ParentFamilies helping aging parents already have enough to manage. There may be medical appointments, medications, housing decisions, caregiving, finances, insurance, and questions about whether additional care will eventually be needed. Medicaid adds another layer of complexity. There are upcoming changes involving Medicaid eligibility and administration that could affect how families prepare, when applications should be submitted, what documentation will be needed, and how much room families have to correct problems after the fact. Pennsylvania is also continuing to develop options involving Medicaid-funded assisted living, which raises another set of practical questions. Which facilities are actually participating? Is there availability? What level of care is being provided? How does the program work in the real world, not simply on paper? Those are the questions families need answered. There are also Medicaid programs beyond traditional nursing home Medicaid that may help certain individuals, including programs connected to disability, employment, Medicare costs, and other circumstances. The difficulty is that most families do not know which questions to ask. That is why waiting until a parent is already in crisis can make everything harder. If you are starting to notice that Mom or Dad needs more help than they used to, that is often the right time to begin learning about the options available. 4. If Your Spouse or Parent Recently DiedFamilies understandably want to get things handled after someone dies. Close the accounts. Transfer the assets. Distribute the inheritance. Sell what needs to be sold. Finish the estate. But moving too quickly can sometimes eliminate options that should have been considered first. There may be decisions involving inherited retirement accounts, tax elections, disclaimers, portability between spouses, cost basis, business interests, trusts, and other assets. Some of those decisions have deadlines. Others can be affected by whether an asset has already been distributed or accepted by a beneficiary. That is why we believe one of the most important parts of probate and trust administration happens before significant distributions are made. A family may be asking, How quickly can we get this money distributed? Our first question may need to be, Is there anything we should review before we do that? Estate planning does not necessarily end when someone dies. In some situations, there are still important planning decisions available to the family afterward. 5. If You Are Serving as an Executor or TrusteeBeing named executor or trustee can feel like an honor. Then the work begins. Suddenly you are responsible for property that is not yours, money that belongs to an estate or trust, deadlines you may never have heard of, beneficiaries who want answers, and legal duties that can create personal consequences if handled incorrectly. Executors and trustees may need to address issues involving distributions, taxes, creditors, conflicts of interest, business interests, retirement accounts, notices to interested parties, and the eventual closing of the estate or trust. And one of the biggest mistakes a fiduciary can make is assuming that every reasonable-looking decision is automatically a legally appropriate one. You do not have to become an estate administration expert overnight. You do need to understand your role before making major decisions. That is especially important before distributing money, selling property, transferring business interests, or taking actions that may be difficult to reverse. You Do Not Have to Keep Track of Every ChangeEstate planning and elder law continue to evolve. Some developments require immediate action. Others deserve a closer look. Still others simply need to be monitored until the law becomes clearer. Our responsibility is to know the difference. When our team attends continuing education programs or reviews new developments, we do not want that information sitting in a binder on a shelf. We ask a much more practical question: Does this change anything we should be doing for the families we serve? Sometimes the answer means updating a checklist. Sometimes it means reviewing a beneficiary designation. Sometimes it means slowing down before an estate distribution. And sometimes it means reaching out to a family because an option that did not exist for them several years ago may be available today. You do not need to understand every new development in estate planning, Medicaid, special needs planning, or estate administration. You need to know whether the changes affect your family, your plan, or the decisions you are about to make. If any of the situations above sound familiar, the next step is to learn what applies to your circumstances before making a decision that may be difficult to undo.  

When Healthcare Costs Rise, Dont Put Your Health on HoldBy Jamie Ulmer, President & CEO, Healthcare NetworkWhen the cost of everyday life goes up, most of us look for places to cut back. We may eat out less often, postpone a purchase or reconsider a trip.Healthcare shouldnt be one of those things.Yet rising insurance costs, deductibles, prescription expenses and other household costs can make even routine healthcare feel difficult to afford. For older adults living on a fixed income, an unexpected medical expense can be particularly concerning.It can be tempting to put off an appointment when youre feeling relatively well. Maybe that lingering cough can wait. Perhaps the pain in your knee isnt quite bad enough to call the doctor. Or that annual checkup can be pushed back a few months.The problem is that delaying care can allow a manageable health concern to become a more serious one. Establishing a relationship with a primary care provider and receiving regular preventive care can help identify health concerns earlier and provide ongoing support for conditions that require monitoring.Community Health Centers Are an Option for Seniors, TooOne healthcare resource older adults may overlook is their local community health center.There is a common misconception that community health centers are free clinics or that they serve only people without insurance. In fact, community health centers provide care to people with a variety of insurance coverage. Healthcare Network accepts Medicare, Medicaid, commercial insurance and Affordable Care Act Marketplace plans. For those who qualify, care is also available on a sliding fee discount scale based on household income.For older adults, having access to primary care is particularly important. Regular visits give you and your provider an opportunity to monitor changes in your health, discuss medications, keep up with preventive care and address concerns before they become more serious.Community health centers can also make it easier to address multiple healthcare needs within one organization. At Healthcare Network, patients have access to primary care, dental care, behavioral health and other services.Getting to Care MattersCost isnt the only reason people delay healthcare. Sometimes the challenge is simply getting there.Transportation, distance and convenience can all become barriers, particularly for older adults who no longer drive, have mobility challenges or depend on family members or caregivers for transportation.Thats why access isnt only about having healthcare services available. Its also about making those services easier to use.Healthcare Network offers telehealth appointments for certain services, giving patients the option to connect with a provider from home when appropriate. For older adults, telehealth can help reduce some of the transportation and scheduling challenges that might otherwise lead them to postpone care.Access to medications is another important part of staying healthy. Healthcare Networks pharmacies offer prescription mail delivery, allowing patients to have eligible medications sent directly to their homes. This can be especially helpful for older adults managing ongoing prescriptions or those who find frequent trips to the pharmacy difficult.Of course, there are times when an in-person visit is necessary. Having healthcare closer to home can make those appointments easier, too.Here in Collier County, Healthcare Network recently opened the Van Domelen Community Health Center in Orangetree. The center brings primary care, dental care, behavioral health, pharmacy services and more to an area where rapid population growth had previously left many residents traveling significant distances for basic healthcare.Options such as care closer to home, telehealth and prescription mail delivery can remove some of the everyday obstacles that make it harder to stay on top of your health.Think of Primary Care as an Investment in IndependenceFor many of us, one of the greatest priorities as we get older is maintaining our independence.Healthcare plays an important role in that.Routine care isnt only about treating an illness after it occurs. Its an opportunity to monitor your health over time, manage ongoing health conditions, keep up with recommended preventive care and talk with your provider about changes you may be experiencing.Having a healthcare provider you know and trust can become especially valuable as you age.If cost, transportation or uncertainty about where to go has caused you to postpone care, ask what resources are available in your community. Having Medicare or Medicaid doesnt prevent you from receiving care at a community health center, and depending on your circumstances, other assistance may be available as well.Last year, Healthcare Network cared for more than 55,000 patients, including nearly half of Collier Countys children, and provided more than $19 million in uncompensated care. Behind those numbers are people at every stage of life who needed a place to turn for healthcare.Growing older brings plenty of changes. Accessing healthcare shouldnt have to become one more challenge.Taking care of your health today can help protect something that becomes increasingly valuable with every passing year: your ability to continue living life on your own terms.About the AuthorJamie Ulmer is President and CEO of Healthcare Network, a nonprofit healthcare organization that has served Collier County for nearly 50 years. He is passionate about improving access to care and strengthening community health so all residents have the opportunity to live healthy, productive lives.  

Life can take you anywhere until knee arthritis pain slows you down. Whether its walking, golfing, traveling, or playing with your grandkids, the activities you love shouldnt be limited by chronic knee pain. So, whats the solution?For many, knee replacement surgery is an effective option to reduce pain from arthritis and continue to live an active life. The great news is that there are several different types of knee replacement surgery, as well as advanced surgical techniques that can even speed up your healing.Whether you're just beginning to explore treatment options or preparing for surgery, our board-certified orthopedic surgeons at AdventHealth can help you understand the different types of knee replacement procedures and what to expect throughout your recovery journey.Who Needs Knee Replacement SurgeryThe leading cause of knee replacement surgery is osteoarthritis, a degenerative condition that gradually wears down the cartilage in the knee joint. As the damage progresses, pain and stiffness can worsen over time, making everyday activities increasingly difficult.Common symptoms of knee osteoarthritis include:Gradual knee pain that worsens with activityKnee stiffnessKnee swellingPain after extended sitting or restingKnee pain that continues to get worseIf you have osteoarthritis, your doctor will start by offering the most conservative treatments to alleviate your pain.Some initial treatments for knee osteoarthritis might include:Weight lossPhysical therapyAnti-inflammatory medicationsCortisone injectionsViscosupplementation or gel injectionsIf these strategies are not helpful and your condition worsens, your doctor might offer knee replacement surgery as a promising option to reduce pain and return to the active life you love again.Types of Knee Replacement SurgeryNot every knee replacement is the same. While a total knee replacement restores the entire joint with an artificial implant, some patients may qualify for a partial knee replacement, which replaces only the damaged portion of the knee and preserves more of the natural joint.What to Expect Before Knee Replacement SurgeryOnce you and your surgeon have worked together to decide the right treatment plan for you, youll likely need to make an appointment with your primary care doctor to assess your general health and clear you for surgery. You may also need an evaluation and clearance from your dentist.Once this step is completed, youll be able to schedule your knee replacement surgery appointment. You may also need a CT scan of your knee so your surgeon can more precisely customize your replacement to most naturally fit your knee anatomy and movement.In preparation, make sure you have someone who can take you to your surgery appointment and be there as your caregiver after the procedure. This person will be able to drive you home, get any prescribed medications and help maintain your comfort after surgery.Your medical team might also advise you to stop taking certain medications (such as blood thinners, NSAIDs like aspirin or other supplements) up to a week before your surgery date. Youll also be advised to fast prior to surgery. In most cases, you cant have anything to eat or drink (including water) after midnight on the night before your surgery.Some other ways to prepare your home ahead of time include:Setting up your comfortable space for resting and elevating your legClearing the floor and pathways of fall and trip risks such as rugsHaving ice packs frozen and ready for when you return homeWhat to Expect During Knee Replacement SurgeryYour exact recovery will depend on exactly what type of procedure you are having as well as your overall health. Some patients may have outpatient knee replacement surgery and go home the same day. This is especially true for minimally invasive surgical procedures. Other knee replacement procedures may require you to stay in the hospital from one to four days.On the day of surgery, you'll be prepped for the procedure and given anesthesia. Most knee replacement surgeries take about one to two hours to complete. Afterward, you'll recover under close observation before receiving instructions on pain management, medications, physical therapy and follow-up care. To help you safely regain mobility, you'll likely use crutches or a walker during the early stages of recovery.What to Expect After Knee Replacement SurgeryYour surgeon will provide you with a follow-up appointment and a prescription for physical therapy. Physical therapy after surgery is essential to regain your strength and get optimal results from your knee replacement. Physical therapy usually begins immediately after surgery and may continue for up to six weeks.After roughly six weeks, most knee replacements are up to 80% healed. After three months, most achieve 90% healing and by one year, most patients are back to their active lifestyle with nearly complete knee function and comfort.Whole-Person Orthopedic CareOur orthopedic experts offer advanced knee replacement options that put your whole-health first. To learn more about the services we offer, visit AdventHealthPortCharlotte.com.  

Compensation After a Mesothelioma DeathMesothelioma is an uncommon cancer in the U.S. In 2022, there were 2,669 new mesothelioma cases, as recorded by the CDCs U.S. Cancer Statistics. The CDC reports that exposure to asbestos causes the majority of mesothelioma cases.The American Cancer Society reports an estimated 3,000 new cases of mesothelioma annually. The long time between initial exposure to asbestos and the eventual onset of the cancer means that it disproportionately impacts older adults.When a family loses a member to mesothelioma, they face financial and emotional burdens. If asbestos exposure was the reason for their family members mesothelioma, surviving family members may be able to pursue a claim for compensation.There are many ways in which financial compensation helps families. Depending on the claim, compensation may help cover funeral and burial expenses, lost income, and medical bills.Mesothelioma compensation for family members may come from asbestos trust funds or a wrongful death lawsuit. If the exposure happened on the job, workers' compensation death benefits may also be available.Two Different Claims, Two Different PurposesIn the event of a death from mesothelioma, families can file two different types of legal claims.The first of these claims is called a survival action. It is brought on behalf of the deceased persons estate. It covers losses suffered before death, like medical treatment and lost wages. In many states, it can also recover the person's pain and suffering from diagnosis until death, though some states, including California, have limited those damages.Meanwhile, a wrongful death claim compensates the surviving relatives for the damages suffered due to the death, not for those suffered by the patient because of the disease. Those damages typically fall into two categories. According to the law firm website https://www.eastonlawoffices.com/, families who depended on the person who died can recover both economic losses, like medical bills, lost income, and burial costs, and non-economic losses, like the loss of care, comfort, and companionship.Who Actually Has the Right to FileBeing eligible for bringing a claim for wrongful death differs from one state to another, and getting this wrong can end the claim before it starts.In most cases, it is only a narrow category of people who have the right to bring such claims. This includes people like surviving spouses and surviving children or even surviving parents in certain states.Some states also provide that any person who is eligible to inherit under intestate succession will be eligible to bring such a claim. Other states allow only the executor of the estate to bring these kinds of claims.Where the Compensation Actually Comes FromSince mesothelioma is often the result of exposure to asbestos decades prior to the diagnosis, it often means that many of the companies involved have already gone bankrupt. Many of those companies reorganized in bankruptcy by setting up trusts to pay asbestos victims. Those trusts hold billions of dollars for current and future claims.It means that families of victims can often claim compensation from multiple funds without having to sue the company at all. Trust claims don't go through a lawsuit, so they often pay faster than court cases, but most trusts pay only a percentage of each claim's value.Not every victim worked with asbestos directly. Some were exposed secondhand, like family members who handled a worker's dusty clothing. Secondary exposure cases can still qualify for compensation.Why the Filing Deadline Is Easy to MissIn most states, the statute of limitations for a wrongful death case begins on the date of death. There are some states that apply a discovery rule tied to when the family learned asbestos was the cause. Asbestos trust funds also set their own filing deadlines, which are separate from the court deadline and can be shorter.Deadlines vary by state, usually from one year to several years. Missing the deadline typically bars the claim, no matter how strong the case might be.This timeline is different from the statute of limitations for a personal injury case, which would have been applicable if the patient were still alive.Why Acting With Care, Not Urgency, Still MattersNone of these factors changes the reality for the mourning family, and nothing can ever make up for their loss.The time constraints and the number of potential defendants involved in mesothelioma cases make it advantageous for families to consult a lawyer who specializes in legal cases involving wrongful death and asbestos.The article examines mesothelioma and asbestos-related fatalities from a legal and general perspective. Should you or someone you know be experiencing the loss of a loved one and having trouble coping with the situation, consulting a grief counselor or therapist may help.