Resources

Senior Resouces Online

Here you will find useful tips, links and other information that may be helpful.

• Area Agency on Aging
• Senior Providers
• Alzheimer's Association
• Seminole Chamber of Commerce
• MyFlorida.com
• Social Security
• Pinellas County
• Medicaid
• AARP

Helpful Tips

1. Everyone should have a Will. If you have a Will review it anytime there is a change in your life such as a death, financial change, health, marital status, employment, a gain or loss of a family member.
2. In addition to a Will you should have health care directives. These include Living Wills, Health Care Surrogates and Durable Powers of Attorney. If you have a Durable Power of Attorney dated 1995 or prior, it should be updated due to a change in the Florida law. All these advance directives should be reviewed and updated every 5 years. They also should be reviewed if you have any changes in your circumstances.
3. If you have moved to Florida from another state, it is advisable that you have Florida documents.
4. If you are anticipating marriage and own assets, you should consult an attorney several months before the wedding. Your spouse will have rights in your estate and you need to know what those rights are and what options you have.
5. Do you own real property in two states? You may want to consider a trust. A trust can avoid the necessity of probate in two states.
6. If you have a disabled child on SSI, special arrangements need to be made so that child does not lose benefits. You should consult an attorney.
7. If you or a family member has health problems, particularly if someone is diagnosed with Dementia or Alzheimer's, you should immediately have an attorney review your documents.
8. If you anticipate that a family member may need long-term care, whether at home, in an assisted living facility or in a nursing home, get the facts on Medicaid as soon as possible. Consult with an elder law attorney.
9. Make sure the professional you consult is knowledgeable. I recommend an attorney specializing in elder law.

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