Keystone Blog
Surrogate Families and Long Term Care
Spring is a time to turn the page on our bad habits and start new and positive behaviors. Here’s a challenge of what self-interested baby boomers should resolve to do right now: reach out with personal compassion and respect to younger people. This might seem to be...
Obstacles to Health Literacy – Keystone Elder Law – Mechanicsburg, PA
Health literacy is the ability to obtain, interpret, and apply information to maximize personal wellness. Improvements in health literacy can lead to better health for any individual. The first step toward making these improvements is an understanding (by both...
Health Literacy Impacts Health Status – Keystone Elder Law – Mechanicsburg, PA
In 1992 and 2003, the U.S. Department of Education conducted a national assessment of adult literacy. The purpose of the assessment was to determine not only adults’ ability to read, but also how they apply printed and written information to daily life in home, work,...
The November Election and Aging – Keystone Elder Law – Mechanicsburg, PA
Our presidential candidates are in the news on a daily basis. Some folks may already know who they plan to vote for in November, while others may still be undecided. Despite the fact that our senior population is rapidly increasing, issues related to an older...
Maintaining Independence with a Personal Emergency Response System – Keystone Elder Law – Mechanicsburg, PA
Last week’s article about falls and older adults may have some people who live alone wondering what will happen to them if they fall and can’t get up. I’ve worked with seniors who have had varying plans in place as safety nets in case of an emergency, from carrying a...
“Help! I’ve Fallen and…” – Keystone Elder Law – Mechanicsburg, PA
The ending to this classic line from a 1980’s television commercial is well known. While the commercial tried to depict the serious and frightening situation of an older person who is home alone after experiencing a fall and requiring assistance, its design and the...
A Delicate Medication Balance – Keystone Elder Law – Mechanicsburg, PA
Polypharmacy is a term that is used to describe a situation in which an individual is taking multiple medications. The specific number of medications which constitutes polypharmacy has not been established, with some health care professionals and researchers beginning...
Distinguishing Between Dementia and Delirium – Keystone Elder Law – Mechanicsburg PA
A loved one is experiencing changes in his/her behavior, thinking skills, and/or general emotional state. Family members may initially attribute these changes to the onset of dementia. However, there is a separate and distinct condition, with symptoms similar to...
Preserving the Family Home Part II: Life Estate Deeds Can Protect Assets – Keystone Elder Law – Mechanicsburg PA
In a previous article we explained that using an irrevocable trust can be the best way to preserve the family homestead for future generations. The maker of the trust typically arranges to continue to live in the property and pay the expenses as long as he or she...
Caregiving: It’s a Man’s World Too
In our society, the term “caregiver” has been traditionally associated with the role of women. As our older population continues to expand, the need for family caregivers is also increasing and a growing number of men are taking on the challenges of this role. The...
