Caring Companions Of Atlanta

Helping People Live With Dignity

470-514-5954

Legal Matters for the Future

Legal adviceI met elder care attorney Riana Nadler recently at a vegetarian restaurant called Sunflower Café. I thought we’d enjoy a healthy lunch while I learned about her practice. In retrospect, I am not certain the meal was overly healthy. Kind of tasted too good to be good for you. If you go though, go for the Pad Thai!

Over lunch, I asked Raina to help me understand how Elder Law fits into the senior “ecosystem.” She led off with her tag line/positioning statement which is: “Legal Matters for the Future.” Sounds pretty intuitive, but I did not want to assume I knew what she meant. She went on…”I help people plan for where their personal property and money should go when they pass on. But it doesn’t stop there. People need to prepare for the future happenings in their life and the truth is, many do not. These future happenings could be tomorrow or twenty years down the road. I help families make sure the documents they’ll someday need are in order before crisis hits. Then, if one does occur, they will have a person legally authorized to step in to help. Make decisions. Handle their affairs.

I also discuss families’ big-picture planning needs. This includes things like powers of attorney, healthcare release, life insurance, long term care insurance…financial advisement. And then there are the things most people don’t really want to address but should. Like burial plans and wills…advanced directives. Once a family has taken all of this into consideration, they frequently can let go of a lot of underlying worries and concerns. Lead life confident they have their affairs in order.”RNLogo

I am not yet an “older adult,”…yet. But I have to admit, I now wonder if I need to meet with her as a potential client! There is a whole lot I just don’t know about her space. I guess that’s why there are elder law attorneys like Raina. I wonder if she offers discounts to her fellow senior service providers? Raina!? Yes?

If you want more information on the topic…or simply want to ask her if she thinks she can help you, her website and contact information is below.  Or, ask her to Sunflower Café and try the Pad Thai!

Raina Nadler Law

1525 Northridge Road, Atlanta, GA 30350

678-779-6938

Adam

Independence Day

I know there are all kinds of patriotic quotes out there…but I have ALWAYS be partial to this one:

“There, I guess King Georgworkse will be able to read that.”
John Hancock
On signing the American Declaration of Independence.

Enjoy your long weekend and freedom! And thanks to all those that have helped make that possible!

Adam

We Like Having Fun!

Yes…we are in the business oMustang2f taking care of people…and yes, that feels pretty dang nice! But we also like having fun. A LOT of fun. So, as part of getting involved, we frequently ask our friends in the senior care business how we can help make what tElvishey do extra special. To that end, our friends at Insignia of Sandy Springs had a brilliant idea to add the cherry on top of their Senior-Senior Prom event last night. They already had plans to crown a king and queen of the ball. And, Elvis was in the house! But that just wasn’t enough. I got an email from Jennifer Franks and Chelsea Taylor asking if I knew anyone with a classic car for photo ops. Well, guess what? I did!

Mustang1We had a terrific time helping out last night! They are always best in class in what they do and I love seeing how they go that extra mile for their residents. Thanks a million for asking us to be a part of it!

“You ain’t nothin’ but a hound dog…..”

Adam

Community Involvement

Neil At Caring Companions of Atlanta, we take a different approach to community involvement. Sure, we volunteer for a variety of senior and special-needs related organizations, including Perimeter North Village and Atlanta area hospice. We also serve on the Chambers of commerce in Dunwoody and Sandy Springs. But it doesn’t stop there. We offer entertainment modules to senior facilities across the Atlanta metro area and even sit with fellow senior resources to find out how we can help with their priorities. Sow how does that all come together? Well, here is a snapshot of what we’ve done lately:

  • Provided dozens of rides for seniors free of charge
  • Scheduled, and paid for multiple performances by the British Voice Actor Neil Scott-Barbour to do readings at Atlanta area senior facilities
  • Donated décor and resources to help assisted living and memory care units plan fun events for their residents
  • Facilitated getting Atlanta Braves tickets for 45 residents of a facilityNeil2

Recently, one of our friends at Dogwood Forest called and said they were packing toiletry kits for Atlanta area homeless. We were so happy to get a call! We took it as a complement that they were comfortable tell us that they needed…and not what we offered! We went and bought a ton of travel sized toiletries and even sent staff to pack kits with their residents. Another partner said they wanted to play host to a summer fest party. We jumped in and have been active members of the planning committee. To us, participating in our community is the best investment we can make.

I love a quote from Booker T. Washington: “If you want to lift yourself up, lift up someone else.”

Makes sense to us!

Adam

Daily Money Management for Older Adults

Bakerdmm logoI met Chris Baker of Baker DMM. LLC about a year ago though a mutual friend. I was interested in what he did with the senior population and how he helped them with their day-to-day finances. In speaking with Chris, he mentioned that studies show that elderly people are conned out of $2.9 billion every year, but experts believe only 1 out of every 30 cases of elder financial fraud are ever reported. We all know people that have their financial house in order and “high-five” to all those seniors that do. However, if you have loved one that might be vulnerable to fraud or simply cannot keep up with their monthly bills or cash flow, Baker DMM can help. One instance of fraud can wreck someone on a fixed income.

I asked Chris to share some of his wisdom on seniors and money and he was kind enough to send me the piece below. Take a read…and If it sounds like your loved one, give him a call. He can help.

“Signs an Elderly Person May Benefit from a Daily Money Manager

All types of people can benefit from having a daily money manager look out for their personal financial interests. It can make life so much easier to know you can rest assured your money is being managed on your behalf.

The elderly benefit from a daily money manager for a number of reasons. They generally have a nest egg that needs watching over, but whether it be from a cognitive or physical impairment, they may have a tough time doing so on their own. In addition to these issues, elderiStock_000014512399Large - Copyly individuals are often targets for people who may not have their best interests at heart. Sadly, many times the people taking advantage of the Senior are the people they know best.

If you know an elderly person who would benefit from the services of a daily money manager, it can sometimes be tough to broach the subject. But there are signs to look for that should encourage you. If you visit them at their home, you may notice some of the following examples:

  • House is unorganized
  • Mail is starting to pile up
  • Valuables have gone missing
  • Bills are going unpaid
  • Utilities are cut or in jeopardy of being cut

If you are a service provider, you may also notice odd things with their documents. Perhaps a change of address shows up on their financial statements or bills. They may change their power of attorney or loved ones may inform you of a new “friend” who is isolating them. Someone new may even be moving in. If you ever notice new relationships, signatures, or documents that might seem suspicious, this should set off alarm bells.

So whether you’re a loved one, or a service provider, if you see any of the above mentioned events occurring, please reach out to Baker DMM so we can figure out the best way to help your loved one or client.”

Thanks for the info Chris…I know I am going to keep my eyes peeled for those that might be in distress. If you want to contact Chris, please see a link to his website below, a testimonial (let’s face it, we want to know who handles out money!) and his contact information.

Cris Baker, CPA

Managing Director

678.828.4314

http://www.bakerdmm.com/about-us/

 

Adam