This month, we shine our Employee Spotlight on Community Relations Manager, Jerry Gorman!Jerry is a senior living professional with over 35 years of sales, marketing, operations, and management experience. He is a servant-driven leader focused on helping his clients live their best lives by understanding their needs and exceeding their expectations.Jerry most recently worked in Senior Living as a Community Sales Director and Executive Director for many years before joining HomeWell Care Services in June of 2022 as the Community Relations Manager serving the North Dallas area.His responsibilities include creating positive brand awareness, networking with professional organizations, building relationships with senior living communities, churches, rehabilitation centers, adult senior centers, hospitals, and more that will result in long-lasting community partnerships, and keeping our home care services top of mind within the community we serve.Thank you, Jerry, for being an amazing professional. You are an asset to our companys continuing growth and make a difference in the lives of your clients and HomeWell Care Services Plano, TX! If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in Plano, TX, contact the caring staff at HomeWell Care Services Plano TX today!Call (469) 596-6500HomeWell Care Services Plano TX is a Trusted Home Care Agency serving Plano, Allen, McKinney, Frisco, Richardson, Garland, Little Elm, Prosper, and the surrounding areas.

Greetings,In our last bi-monthly newsletter, I mentioned we had nominated one of our caregivers Jane, as the Caregiver of the Year for Visiting Angels nationwide. We were notified at the end of January, she was selected to move onto Round 2 of nominations! This round, we must submit video testimonials about Jane from the client, family members, office staff, and our owner Karen. By the time you read this, we will have submitted the video testimonials and will hear back by March 21st if Jane is a semi-finalist for this prestigious award. The winner of this years Caregiver of the Year award will be announced at the Visiting Angels 26th Annual Conference being held in June and will receive $5,000. There are many team members deserving of consideration for Caregiver of the Year, yet Janes exceptional qualities really stand out. Id like to share an excerpt from the written nominations highlighting Janes contribution.Jane has worked with our team for almost three years. She is dedicated to her work and committed to her clients. She is always on time and never calls out, no matter the weather conditions. The dignity of those in her care is a top priority for Jane while maintaining a positive attitude. Shes willing to go-with-the-flow in any circumstance. For example, when her client resists wearing oxygen and doesnt remember why they need to wear it, Jane knows how to navigate the situation with grace and patience. On the other hand, she holds her ground with difficult clients, and even though it may be uncomfortable, she handles it with respect and kindness.Nominating a caregiver of the year is not just a process, its an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the extraordinary dedication and compassion of someone whose role is to serve others. Being a part of this journey of recognition has been rewarding because it highlights the invaluable contributions of caregivers nationwide and the importance of acknowledging their efforts. Its been a reminder of the power of appreciation and the significance of recognizing individuals who demonstrate excellence in their work. Im pleased to be a part of a nationally known and locally owned company, like Visiting Angels, who understands the importance and joy of recognizing others. In the end, nominating a caregiver is about acknowledging the countless acts of kindness and the immeasurable impact caregivers have on the lives of others. Whether or not Jane wins nationwide, she is our Visiting Angels of Medford, MA Caregiver of the Year 2023, and that is something to celebrate! I look forward to giving you another update regarding the award in May. All for now,Abby

What about those greedy relatives?Remember the Baudelaire children from our previous Legal Brief about Lemony Snickets A Series of Unfortunate Events? Lets look at another way parents with children of any age can protect their legacy.In Lemony Snickets tale the Baudelaire children are left with a significant family fortune when their parents die. Their uncle hopes to gain access to this vast fortune by taking in the children. When that does not work he tries to marry Violet, the oldest daughter, so he can access the family wealth. Hopefully your relatives are not awful like Count Olaf; yet, sometimes you only find out who people truly are after someone passes away. So, what is the estate planning remedy for greedy relatives or even your childs questionable spouse?Trust planning.Trust planning ensures your family fortune, no matter the amount, stays with your children; not in the hands of a greedy relative, in-law, creditor, or even used in an unintended manner by your children.There are many ways to write trusts to ensure your wishes are met. The general starting point for trust planning is a revocable living trust. When properly funded, this type of trust allows trust assets to pass directly to beneficiaries bypassing the probate process. Bypassing probate also keeps your wishes private. Additionally, if a surviving spouse remarries a revocable living trust can be built to keep existing family assets within the family. The surviving spouse can access assets but when they pass away trust assets continue down to your children and grandchildren instead of going to an unintended beneficiary.More specific concerns?Maybe you have a child with a disability? Consider a special needs trust. A special needs trust prevents a large lump sum from an inheritance going directly to a beneficiary. Instead, a trustee manages the trust and assets. Money is given on an as needed basis for anything not provided through other benefits or programs. This can be especially useful when needs based programming covers only the minimum services. This specialized trust allows you to protect and provide for your loved ones with special needs and circumstances when you are no longer able to do so, while still allowing them to maintain their other benefits.Is one of your children caught up in drugs or debt? Consider a heritage trust. A heritage trust could help in Violets situation with her uncle or if some other gold-digger comes along and tries to marry her for the family fortune. How? Heritage trust planning allows you to name a trustee who can manage trust assets. This person or institution provides the beneficiary with funds for reasonable requests (e.g., housing, education, etc.). The trustee acts as a gatekeeper. Trust assets pass from your child to grandchildren or other beneficiaries. This shelters trust assets, keeping them within your family or named beneficiaries for multiple generations. Trust assets are also protected from creditors, lawsuits, and from spouses or others not directly named as beneficiaries.What exactly is a trustee?Your trustee is the person who manages and distributes trust assets after your passing. As with any decision regarding finances, choose your trustee carefully. Appoint someone to this role who you will take their responsibility seriously. Someone you trust to carry out your wishes and manage trust assets wisely. Allowing assets to grow and benefit your family members for years to come.Remember: trusts do not go through the probate process like a will, so your decisions remain private. Give yourself peace of mind today by taking care of your estate planning with Stone Law! Make your guardianship wishes known in your will and put together trust planning to ensure your assets go where you want them to.