All posts by Janet Colliton
Why the Health Care Reform Debate Will Not Go Away
On the Saturday before Labor Day, I found myself comfortably seated at my sister Joanne’s house sharing, like many other Americans in a family barbecue of hamburgers, hot dogs, ice cream and other forbidden high fat, high cholesterol foods and good conversation. This Labor Day was special since my older brother, Ray, a chemical engineer […]
Continue readingOut-of-Hospital Nonresuscitation Act addresses end-of-life decisions
Recently a reader from Kennett Square requested that I clarify a statement made by a physician regarding living wills. The information given by the physician was that “if someone who has a living will on record with their doctor is suddenly taken critically ill and 911 is called, the EMTs (emergency medical technicians) who respond […]
Continue readingStudy Reveals Most Seniors Work Because They Want To
In time for Labor Day, a new nationwide survey by the Social and Demographic Trends project of Pew Research Center finds that “a majority (54%) of workers ages 65 and older say the main reason they work is that they want to. “ See Senior Citizens Information and News at Senior Journal.Com. www.seniorjournal.com. Apparently this […]
Continue readingTravel Without Credit Card Debt
A few weeks ago my twelve year old daughter, Alisa, and I embarked on an eleven day vacation which admittedly was ambitious considering that I rarely take even a full day off. This vacation carried a hidden agenda, though. One goal, in addition to having fun, was to return with no added credit card debt […]
Continue readingBilling After Death
A favorite on-line elder law resource of mine, Elder Law Answers, www.elderlawanswers.com, at one point reported on the difficulty experienced by family members when they try to inform a deceased relative’s creditors that accounts are no longer valid. The exchanges between the family and customer service representatives are almost humorous and highlight the fact that […]
Continue readingSmall Estates Can Have Big Problems
When a relative or friend accepts the position of Executrix, she may not recognize at first the responsibilities involved. Especially when the estate is small, she may convince herself that it can be resolved quickly. Just because the estate is small does not mean that it can be easily resolved. In fact, sometimes, because there […]
Continue readingNew Pennsylvania elder law attorneys’ group battles for seniors
As the Pennsylvania budget impasse enters its second month, the participants are getting weary. While Pennsylvania has not ever in the six years of Gov. Rendell’s administration passed an annual budget on time for July 1, this year — according to at least one commentator — is different. G. Terry Madonna, professor of public affairs […]
Continue readingYour assisted living expenses may be tax deductible
Our work frequently puts us in contact with professionals in the elder care field including assisted living and skilled nursing home administrators. Recently I had the opportunity through the gracious invitation of Patricia Linberg, director of community relations at Sunrise Assisted Living of Westtown, to speak at her facility on a popular subject — tax […]
Continue readingFilial responsibility a danger when Medicaid is not approved
If your parents do not pay their nursing home bills, there is a chance in Pennsylvania that the lawsuit could be against you. The same may apply to assisted living and hospital bills. Whether this is legal or not under federal law has not yet been decided but adult children cannot ignore the danger that […]
Continue readingAmerica needs to move to a model for chronic care
A cover article in USA Today, “Double failure at USA’s hospitals,” published last week, hit me as a sign that the medical community is at last getting the picture that acute care is not enough. This is not to blame hospitals or medical professionals, however. America’s payment system for care is heavily weighted toward resolving […]
Continue readingMichael Jackson’s will provides lessons for everyday people
With the sudden and mysterious death of Michael Jackson on June 25, one question left unanswered at least temporarily was what would happen to his three children and how would his wealth be divided. With this as background, the inevitable question was did Jackson have a will and, if so, what did it say. Initial […]
Continue readingGood news and bad news reported on state budget negotiations
After my two previous columns on problems for seniors with the proposed Pennsylvania budget, see “The Worst Law For Seniors Is Introduced Through Pennsylvania Budget,” May 11, 2009, www.collitonlaw.com/09/051109/htm, and “Danger Ahead? An Update On Expanded Estate Recovery in Pennsylvania,” June 1, 2009, www.collitonlaw.com/09/060109/htm, there is both good news and bad news to report. First, […]
Continue readingTimely considerations for lending to adult children
A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to attend the Philadelphia Bar Probate and Trust Law Section Quarterly Meeting at what many of us know affectionately as the old Wanamaker’s Building. Upstairs from Philadelphia’s Macy’s at 100 Penn Square East, educational programs are conducted at Pennsylvania Bar Institute headquarters and this one, like many […]
Continue reading“Up” is charming, illuminating, uplifting entertainment
Sometimes, as a break from the usual, I combine two of my favorite activities, elder law and movies, to come up with a movie review to pique the interest of readers. A few months ago, on March 2, I did just this with one of my favorites, “Gran Torino,” starring Clint Eastwood. (f you missed […]
Continue readingA maverick from Ohio may pave the way for Pennsylvania
With all the serious talk of budget cuts and shortfalls, a humorous story from a neighboring state caught my eye last week. The report was from the Columbus Dispatch and highlighted the personality of an Ohio state legislator who seems to be changing the face of politics in that state. He also, of interest to […]
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