Leslie M. Stern, Leslie M. Stern Design
DO YOU CONDUCT HOME SAFETY ASSESSMENTS?
Yes I feel it is very useful to start with a Home Safety Assessment of one’s home to be able to access any issues that might prevent one from “aging in place”. I spend the time going thru both the interior and exterior of the home looking for any safety flaws. Some of them may include lack of lighting, uneven flooring, accessible issues with the bathroom, kitchen and stairs among a few. A written report is completed and shared with the loved one, family and any support. This becomes the template or blueprint for the scope of work of modifications to be made to enable one to be able to stay in their home. After the report is reviewed the family can either have me complete the modifications with my resources or utilize their connections.
HOW CAN MODIFICATIONS BE MADE TO KEEP MY LOVED ONES AT HOME IN A SAFE AND BEAUTIFUL ENVIRONMENT?
If a bathroom, for example, is unsafe and not supportive of one’s family member it can be either demo or corrected so that the room becomes an accessible space. Some of these modifications can include adding or replacing lighting, high rise toilets, creating a walk in shower, adding a hand held shower device, a seat in a shower or thermostatically controlled valves so one doesn’t burn themselves when turning on the water in the shower, sink or bath.
WILL THE MODIFICATIONS ADD TO THE VALUE OF OUR HOME WHEN WE SELL THE HOME?
These modifications mentioned above can appeal to anyone from age 2 to 102. They are universally desired whether you are purchasing a new home or moving into an older one. Whether you have a young child at home or living with your parents. Having safety conscious devices can make a bathroom timeless, safe, functional and aesthetically pleasing for years to come. They will add value to the your home and make it more desirable for the next family to move in. You will be ahead of your competition.
Faith Avner, Shalom Memorial Park / Randhill Park Cemetery
HOW DO I START THE CONVERSATION WITH MY PARENTS?
Tell them you are planning your own arrangements and ask if they would like you to include them.
IS PRE-PLANNING A FUNERAL ARRANGEMENT FINANCIALLY SAFE?
Yes, the money is placed in a simple whole life insurance policy in the intended’s name. The money belongs to the insured until the time it is needed, and then the funeral home handles all of the arrangements to fund the funeral with the dollars in the policy. The goods and services are guaranteed, and the funeral home takes the risk in the growth of the policy.
WHY CAN’T I JUST SAVE MONEY MYSELF FOR THE FUTURE?
There are no guarantees (like above) that the dollars will be there in the future, and if it is not pre-funded via an arrangement with the funeral home, the family pays the future costs of the funeral not the current costs.
And— they also then are obligated to make arrangements at a time of crisis, instead of a time when they can think clearly.
Ifaat Bosse, CPA, Bottom Line Financial, Inc.
WHAT VALUE DOES A DAILY MONEY MANAGER (DMM) OFFER?
Daily money managers (DMM) offer assurance that the tasks of daily money management are completed on time.
WHO DO DMMs TYPICALLY WORK WITH?
1) Older adults
2) Busy professionals
3) People with disabilities
4) High Net worth individuals
5) Frequent travelers
6) Military personnel
HOW CAN DMMs HELP?
1) Paying bills so that bills get paid on time
2) Balancing checkbooks so clients know balance in their accounts
3) Banking including preparing and delivering bank deposits
4) Organizing tax documents and other paperwork
5) Calls to payees regarding incorrect bills and negotiating with creditors
WILL I GIVE UP MY INDEPENDENCE IF I HIRE A DMM?
DMMs help people maintain their independence longer by assisting clients with their day to day finances. For example, DMMs assist with bill payment by preparing the check for client signature
WHAT PROFESSIONAL INSURANCE DO DMMs CARRY?
Most DMMs carry Errors and Omissions insurance. If DMMs choose to act as a Power of Attorney, they have Errors and Omissions insurance with additional fiduciary coverage.
Kathy Kennedy, Presbyterian Homes
Jacki Kimel, North Shore Village Network
WHAT IS NORTH SHORE VILLAGE NETWORK?
North Shore Village Network is a member-driven, grass roots membership organization for seniors who want to age in place and stay engaged and active. It is part of a national movement of about 300 Villages. The concept has continued to grow and expand since the first Village was created in Boston in 2002.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
There are social events, such as pot-lucks, sing-alongs, coffees, birthday parties and walking groups.
There are ongoing educational programs, such as memoir writing, play reading, current events, and technology classes. Then there are individual lectures, such as Recreational Cannabis, Medicare, New Tax Laws, book reviews, etc.
North Shore Village Network offers volunteer services to one membership level. These include, driving, friendly visitors, small household chores, technology help, etc. There are many opportunities for members to volunteer, but that is not a condition of membership. Non-members may also volunteer.
WHERE DO MEMBERS LIVE?
Members live anywhere they choose, in communities which include Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Skokie, Glenview, Northbrook and Chicago’s northside.
WHERE ARE PROGRAMS HELD?
North Shore Village Network uses community libraries, members’ homes and available meeting spaces across the geographic area served.
ARE THERE DUES?
Yes, there is a two-tiered dues structure. There is a Social Membership, which entitles members to attend any and all programs for no charge. There is a Full Membership which, in addition to programs, makes members eligible to receive volunteer services.
Allison J. List, LCSW, PC
WHAT AREAS DO YOU SERVE?
Northern Cook County and Lake County.
CAN YOU GIVE ME SOME EXAMPLES OF WHEN MY LOVED ONES OR I MIGHT USE YOUR SERVICES?
coping with a life-limiting illness
adjustment to a new phase in life and/or new living environment
completion of advance directives — defining what makes your or your loved one’s life meaningful and filling out the appropriate paperwork to communicate your wishes
grief after the loss of a loved one(s)
persistent feelings of anxiety or sadness
relationship problems
sleep disturbances
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOU AND A HOME HEALTH SOCIAL WORKER?
A home health social worker has to be ordered by a physician, can only visit while the visiting nurse or physical therapist is involved, and works for the home health agency. I don’t require a doctor’s order, and I am my own professional services corporation.
WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN YOU AND A GERIATRIC CARE MANAGER?
A geriatric care manager provides more comprehensive assistance with the concrete aspects of planning and managing care needs and may plan for you when you are not present. I am a social worker who does counseling with the primary goal of improving my clients’ emotional well-being. My work occurs during a 50-minute face-to-face session where you live, and it is covered by Medicare Part B. Medicare does not cover geriatric care management.
HOW OFTEN WOULD YOU SEE ME AND HOW LONG WOULD MY TREATMENT LAST?
After a 30-minute complimentary introduction phone call, we will set up a face-to-face meeting in which we will set goals together. Most clients are seen once per week, but frequency can be flexible. Counseling is a process, and that process is different for each person. Counseling continues until the set goals have been met.
Alan E. Sohn, Law Offices of Alan E. Sohn Chartered
DO I NEED A WILL?
Most people need a will in order to provide for the passing of their assets following their death, as well as to name their executors and the guardians of the estates and persons of their minor children.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DIE WITHOUT A WILL?
State law will determine the division of your property among your heirs. If you have children, your spouse will receive one half of your estate and your children will receive one half divided in equal shares between and among them. There may be a conflict among your heirs as to who should be your executor, and if your spouse does not survive you, who should be the guardian of your children.
WILL I HAVE TO PAY ESTATE TAXES?
As an Illinois resident, persons with estates having a value of in excess of $4 million will pay estate taxes on the excess amount. However, if the person dies with a surviving spouse, any amount which qualifies for the marital deduction that is provided for the surviving spouse will be deducted from the amount of the taxable estate. There is a federal estate tax which is assessed against estates in excess of $11.18 million. The federal estate tax also includes a marital deduction for any amount left to the surviving spouse which qualifies for the marital deduction.
DOES A WILL AVOID PROBATE?
No, a will does not avoid probate. However, if a person has a will, the probate can be much less costly if certain provisions are included in the will.
WHAT DOES IT COST TO DO A WILL?
The cost of the will is dependent upon the specific needs and desires of the person making the will. Usually, after an initial consultation the cost can be determined.
HOW CAN I AVOID PROBATE?
A very effective way of avoiding probate is to create a living trust. There are other ways to avoid probate which are dependent upon an individual’s choices
WHAT IS A TRUST?
There are many different types of trusts. The most common type of trust is a living trust. A living trust is a document which sets forth the terms and provisions concerning the management and distribution of a person’s assets during the person’s lifetime and upon the person’s death. Usually, the person who creates the trust is also the initial trustee of the trust. Therefore, that person continues to maintain control over the her/his assets as if they were registered in that person’s name.
DO I NEED A TRUST?
That is a question that should be taken up with your attorney
WHAT IS TENANCY BY THE ENTIRETY?
Tenancy by the entirety is a means of holding title to residential property in which married people reside. It is only available to married persons. If a married couple holds title to their home as tenants by the entirety then judgment creditors are not able to satisfy a judgment against only one of the married persons
IF I PUT MY SON OR DAUGHTER ON MY BANK ACCOUNT FOR CONVENIENCE, WILL MY OTHER CHILDREN SHARE IN THE BALANCE ON THE ACCOUNT AT MY DEATH?
Under Illinois law, the surviving joint tenant of a bank account becomes the sole owner of the account upon the death of one of the joint tenants. Unless the surviving joint tenant agrees to share equally with his or her siblings, the other children will need to go to court in order to prove that the account was set up in joint tenancy as a convenience. The presumption is against such a finding, but it is rebutted upon clear and convincing evidence, which is tantamount to the criminal standard of beyond a reasonable doubt.
WILL MY HEIRS PAY TAXES ON THE PROCEDSOF MY LIFE INSURANCE POLICIES?
The proceeds of life insurance policy are not ordinarily subject to income taxes. However, they are added to a person’s estate for Illinois and federal estate tax purposes and may be subject to such taxes.
WHAT DOES AN EXECUTOR DO?
An executor manages the estate of the decedent through probate.
WHO SHOULD I APPOINT AS MY AGENT UNDER MY POWER OF ATTORNEY FOR PROPERTY?
Someone who you trust implicitly and who is familiar with financial matters
Sherwin Weisman, North Suburban Hearing Service
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE A HEARING LOSS?
There are a few ways to test yourself to see if you have difficulty hearing. If you have trouble following conversations, others complain the T.V is too loud, you say “what” frequently, misunderstand people or have been exposed to noise through job or recreation, you may want to consider having a hearing evaluation.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED HEARING AIDS?
The best way to determine if you need hearing aids is to first see if you have a hearing loss. By completing a hearing evaluation, the audiologist can determine the type of hearing loss and provide advice for any type of hearing aid.
DO I NEED TO FOLLOW-UP WITH CARE AFTER RECEIVING HEARING AIDS?
We suggest scheduling periodic appointments for cleaning and checking the hearing aids to insure the hearing aids are clear of dirt and debris. We also check your ear canals to be sure they are wax free.
HOW DO I CARE FOR MY HEARING AIDS?
Caring for your hearing aids entails keeping them in a dry place, changing the batteries when needed, and making sure they are free of wax.