When Your Baby Has Special Needs
As a parent, discovering your baby has special needs can be overwhelming. Perhaps it was something you expected because of prenatal testing or birth trauma, or maybe your baby’s disability or diagnosis was discovered because of developmental delays. Either way, it can feel like you’ve been thrust into an advanced parenting class with no preparation. Where do you possibly begin to help
The SECURE Act
Comprehensive federal legislation referred to as the Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement (SECURE) Act (the “Secure Act”), became effective on January 1, 2020. The Secure Act makes changes to federal policy which may impact planning related to defined contribution plans, defined benefit plans, individual retirement accounts, and 529 plans. This article focuses on certain changes that impact owners and beneficiaries
Benefits of Therapy Dogs in Nursing Homes
Sometimes the simplest ideas are the best. What is a non-intrusive, low-risk way to help seniors in a nursing home to reduce stress, relieve boredom, and provide a needed avenue for physical touch and to show and receive love? Therapy dogs! There are several types of trained and/or certified therapy dogs. Facility Therapy Dogs and Animal-Assisted Therapy Dogs are used by
How To Write a Letter of Intent
Special Needs Planning Basics It’s difficult to know where to start with writing a letter of intent. The information provided here is designed to give you some ideas of what you might want to include, and we’ve provided a downloadable template to help you get started. Keep in mind that the letter of intent is not considered a legal document. However, it
What Does an Executor Do?
Your father recently passed away, and you’ve learned that your sister has been named executor of his estate. Where does that leave you? If you’ve lived through the death of someone close to you, you understand how complicated estate-related questions can become. Just as an individual can’t own property or act in a legal capacity after his or her death, anyone acting
Caring for a Loved One from a Long Distance
Susan’s mother had always been extremely independent, working as a school superintendent well into her 70’s and living alone after the death of her husband over 20 years ago. Then it all changed in the space of just a few months. Her mother became forgetful, and at times would become disoriented. She had to step down from the job she loved, and
Doing More With ABLE Funds | Special Needs Planning
Here’s a scenario that may be familiar to families whose adult children receive federal or state benefits, and who are concerned with how various expenses can be covered without negatively impacting those benefits. Consider this hypothetical: It’s the start of a new school year, and your young adult son with a disability is very interested in taking a course in graphic design
Special Needs Planning Basics
If you are the parent or guardian of a child or an adult with special needs, the day-to-day demands alone can be overwhelming. Thinking about the future can seem like mission impossible. When you consider how critical you are to the daily well-being of your loved one, how will you and your family ensure their future, especially if you are not there?
Aging in Place
It happens suddenly. A formerly independent family member can no longer navigate life at home successfully without assistance. Is it time to consider moving to assisted living or a nursing home? Not necessarily. In fact, according to a recent AARP survey, 76% of American adults age 50 and over wanted to remain in their current residence as long as possible. In addition
Supporting Your Child with Disabilities in College
The journey to get here has been challenging and rewarding. You couldn’t be prouder of your child for successfully navigating an educational system that simply wasn’t built for him or her. You are both grateful for the services and benefits that have made it possible to succeed. And, this isn’t the end. The next step may be college. Your child may feel