Probate - When Someone Dies #5

Author

Frie, Arndt, Danborn & Thiessen P.C.

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Frie, Arndt, Danborn & Thiessen P.C.

Posted on

Apr 09, 2024

Book/Edition

Colorado - Denver Metro

 “Coping with the loss of a loved one is difficult. We hope this information will help you focus on what you need to do and what you may wish to delegate to friends and family. This brochure will provide you with some basic information on what you may need to know in the first few days following a death. You should establish an early relationship with your attorney to assure that all matters are properly addressed. Seeking your attorney’s advice before you act may avoid more costly legal services later.

Take Care against Unethical Persons
In the period following the loss of a loved one, be careful before accepting any telephone or mail solicitation. Carefully scrutinize invoices for validity, as it is possible to receive fraudulent invoices. Avoid lifestyle changes for a period to allow for reflection on how the loss will affect the surviving family and friends.

Avoid Immediate Collection of Benefits
Avoid transferring title to assets or making claims as a beneficiary until considering whether either a tax or non-tax reason exists for refusing to receive an asset. Even though the account executive wants to be helpful, you may lose an important tax advantage if you accept an asset. An attorney can help you find the best approach.

Veterans Benefits and Social Security
The mortuary may assist you with the paperwork for both VA and Social Security benefits. For information on VA benefits, call the nearest VA listing for Benefits Information and Assistance.  For Social Security benefits, call the Social Security Administration immediately. Call (800) 772-1213. Be prepared to identify the deceased’s:

• relationship to you
• Social Security or VA claim number
• date of birth
• date of death
• place of death
• surviving spouse or next of kin
• medical history that bears on whether the death is service related or not

If you do not know the VA number, then provide:Arlington National Cemetery Spring 2010
• service number
• dates of active service

Your call will stop the monthly payments. Usually, the VA will automatically withdraw any payments made via direct deposit after the date of death. If this does not happen, you must return the check for the month of death.

Social Security monthly benefits are available to the surviving spouse and to children under 18 and certain disabled children. Benefits include a lump sum death benefit. Ask for the “Social Security Survivors” brochure.

Veteran’s benefits may be available to the surviving spouse. Benefits may include a lump sum death benefit; if death was service connected, a continuing monthly payment to the surviving spouse, and financial assistance with funeral expenses and cemetery plot, or burial in a national cemetery.  Ask for the “Federal Benefits for Veterans and Dependents” publication.”

Our office has helped many grieving families and friends with the difficult matters that need to be handled after a loved one's death.  We understand the pain of the loss can make these matters extremely stressful and we try to assist in a way that alleviates some of the pressure.

Other Articles You May Like

What is a Typical Day in a Senior Rehabilitation Facility?

Following surgery or hospitalization for an illness, seniors are typically referred to an in-patient rehabilitation center to aid in their recovery. Senior rehabilitation may include physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Because in-patient rehab is for those who require intensive care for an extended period of time additional services are offered, such as assistance with a number of daily needs as well as social activities and counseling.What is a Senior Rehabilitation Center?A senior rehabilitation center is a place for seniors to recover with specific attention on pain reduction and improved function through multiple therapies.Physical therapy helps increase strength and improve mobility, balance and flexibility, as well as manage pain.Occupational therapy assists patients with performing daily activities that often require fine motor skills or the use of adaptive equipment like a cane or walker.Speech therapy helps with communication, swallowing and cognitive skills such as attention and memory problems.What Does a Typical Day Look Like?MorningNurses visit patients and help with personal care tasks such as bathing, dressing and grooming, as needed. Since the goal of rehabilitation is to prepare patients for a successful transition home, the facility simulates a home environment as much as possible. Patients determine their own schedules (within reason), wear their own clothes, and in some cases, have their own personal living space.After breakfast, patients begin physical therapy in a gym setting that features specialized equipment and technology to aid recovery while minimizing pain. Exercises vary depending on the patients needs and abilities. Daily physical therapy builds strength, coordination and balance all necessary to regain independence.NoonPatients have time to recuperate from therapy and socialize during lunch. Options to eat with visiting family and friends, or in their room are also available. Patients meet with the dietitian regularly to discuss food preferences and dietary needs.AfternoonTherapy sessions usually continue after a relaxing lunch. Afternoon therapy might include working with a speech-language pathologist or an occupational therapist. Depending on individual needs, activities might also include shopping, counseling or other activities, such as going on excursions, taking classes, playing games, making crafts or watching live performances, to promote socialization and mental wellbeing.EveningEvening is often a time for relaxing or visiting with family. Following dinner, patients are given ample time to rest up for the next days therapy. Quiet activities such as reading or doing puzzles are encouraged.Colavria Hospitality offers short-term in-patient rehabilitation. Each of our locations provides the perfect mix of therapy, fun and engaging activities, and rest and relaxation that will prepare patients to return home as quickly as possible.Colavria Hospitality currently manages four senior living communities in the Denver metro area which offer a unique mix of care options. Our mission is to provide those we serve with an environment that focuses on hospitality, person-centered relationships, and the well-being of each individual. Each community operates under our Core Principles of Collaboration, Innovation, and Harmony to assure a rich and secure lifestyle for patients as well as a pleasant working environment for our care team. We invite you to take a tour of our facilities.

Tips On Staying Independent as a Senior

Home care can help seniors who want to age in place and maintain their independence by helping them around the house, providing transportation, and much more.Home care can help seniors age in place and keep their independence.Not all seniors want to go to nursing homes; many want to age in place and live out their days in their own ways. This is becoming a huge trend in the senior community, and it is more doable than ever before with a home care provider. Your senior loved one can stay at home and live the life they want without having to give up quality care.Here are some of the best ways your loved one can remain independent. Go To the DoctorJust because someone chooses to age in place doesnt mean they get to stop monitoring their health. In fact, one of the best ways to remain independent for as long as possible is by going to the doctor for regular checkups. A doctor should always be monitoring the health of a senior and they should be talking regularly about medications, side effects, and any concerning health problems.Your loved one can be independent and still have a team of home care professionals supporting their health and routing for them. This support will help them age in place and live a high-quality life. Keep MovingNo matter how old you get, you should be moving around, and this goes for your senior parents, too. They may not be able to run around the block or go rock climbing, but they can get up and move around the house every day. They may want to garden during the spring and summer or walk in their yard. Whatever it is, the more movement they can do, the more likely they are to live well while aging in place. Modify The HomeNot all homes are suitable for aging in place, but there are many ways to modify the home so your loved one can live there for as long as possible. Many of these modifications are not expensive, and your loved one can work around things. Move them to the main floor, put in non-slip rugs, change the doorknobs and light switches. You may even be able to add a home security system to help keep your loved one safe.When in doubt, encourage your loved one to move to a first-floor apartment. There are many ways for a senior to remain independent, and not all of them have to be expensive or massive. Get More HelpAt some point, more help will be necessary, but that does not mean you have to give up independence. Your loved one may need to ask family members for help, and its important you show up when its needed. However, many seniors dont want to feel like a burden, and they also dont want to move to a senior home.One of the best things they can do is hire home care to help them around the house. Home care providers will help with routines, transportation, and much more. Your loved one will never have to give up their high-quality life, and they dont need to give up care when they need it most. Its time to look into hiring a home care provider for your elderly mom or dad.  If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care in Brighton, CO, please contact the caring staff at Talem Home Care & Placement Services today. Call (720) 789-8529At Talem Home Care of Broomfield, we provide passionate, understanding, and flexible caregivers in Broomfield, Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Brighton, Commerce City, Denver, Erie, Firestone, Lafayette, Lakewood, Longmont, Louisville, Northglenn, Sherrelwood, Thornton, Welby, Westminster, Wheat Ridge and surrounding areas in Colorado.

Dementia Challenges: Ways To Address Wandering

If you are caring for a parent or client with dementia, the thought of them wandering will no doubt causes you anxiety. Unfortunately, over 60% of dementia sufferers will wander at one time or another. However, despite the statistics, there are things you can do to help ensure their safety. Whether it has happened before or you are thinking ahead to the possibility, these practical tips can be very helpful when dealing with someone who is at risk of wandering. Practical Tips to Keep Your Senior from Wandering 1. Make sure that all of the doors and windows are secure, without creating a fire hazard.If possible, install devices that will alert you if doors or windows are opened. For doors that have deadbolt locks, try moving the locks to a less noticeable spot; perhaps higher or lower on the door. Also, if you already have an alarm system, you may be able to adjust the settings or wiring to fit your changing needs.2. Sometimes seniors try to leave home to get something to eat or drink.If that is the case with your client or loved one, perhaps you can keep water and snacks handy in areas they frequently relax, including near their bed. When that isnt plausible, ask them regularly if they need anything, before they attempt to go searching for it on their own.3. Many dementia sufferers think they still need to go to work or do other things that used to be part of their normal routine.Also, boredom and restlessness can increase the risk of them wanting to leave home. Physical activity and planned movement can help keep your loved one content. Try to establish a daily routine to help instill a sense of responsibility and stability in your loved one.4. If possible, avoid unfamiliar or busy places that can cause confusion and disorientation.When it is necessary to enter new surroundings, be sure not to leave a person with dementia unattended, even if it is just for a couple of minutes. In their attempt to get themselves to a familiar environment, they may inadvertently wander too far.5.  If your client or parent shouldnt be alone outside, try and make your neighbors aware of this.Simply seeing a senior walking outdoors will not alarm most people, especially if they dont look at all disoriented. Try to make your specific situation clear to those that live nearby and provide your phone number so they can call you if necessary.6. Look into getting ID jewelry, such as this bracelet from the Alzheimers Association.This particular model works with a 24-hour nationwide service. After you call to inform them of what has happened, they will contact members of the community network as well as emergency personnel to begin looking for the person wearing the bracelet.7. If your client or loved one does wander off, spend no more than 15 minutes looking for them in the most likely and nearby places.Then, notify law enforcement. Provide them with a recent photo and a description of the clothing there are wearing.It is wonderful when the adult children of aging parents are able to provide the care needed as they age. However, this isnt always possible due to the busy lives we all lead! Also, being the sole caregiver can be very taxing. Elderlink Home Care, Inc. can help by sending caregivers into the home to assist with daily living activities.Please contact us today for more information about our home care services.

Local Services By This Author

Frie, Arndt, Danborn & Thiessen P.C.

Elder Law 7400 Wadsworth Boulevard, Arvada, Colorado, 80003

Bob Frie has been an attorney for thirty-five years. He specializes in elder law, wills, estates, probate, real estate and Medicaid. In 2004, he received the prestigious "Award of Merit" from the Jefferson County Bar Association. He served as Mayor of Arvada for sixteen years ending in 1999. The Law Firm received "Law Firm of the Year" Award in 2005 from MVL / CBA.Please contact us to see how we can assist you with your legal situation.