by Twyla Sketchley | Aug 21, 2016 | Estate Planning
In life we passionately support the charities we love. However, we often believe we can no longer do so after we die. A common misunderstanding is that one must be wealthy to leave money to a charity in an estate plan. When I ask my clients about leaving money to...
by Twyla Sketchley | Jul 17, 2016 | Exploitation, Resources
After natural disasters, unlicensed contractors and scammers come into the affected areas. Many promise quick repairs, discount prices, or unobtainable results. Be skeptical. It is often impossible for people to promise immediate clean-up and debris removal in the...
by Twyla Sketchley | Jul 11, 2016 | ADA, Caregivers, Disability
Sixty percent of Americans own some type of pet. These furry family members bring us happiness, assistance, and support. Pet safety is essential during a hurricane. If you own a pet, comfort animal or a service animal, it is essential that you have a disaster plan...
by Twyla Sketchley | Jul 7, 2016 | Disability, Estate Planning, Nursing Home, Resources
Floridians think about hurricane preparedness from June 1 through November 30 each year. Special news casts alert residents to the need for survival kits. Each named storm puts a new set of communities in its path on alert for floods, winds and storm warnings. We...
by Twyla Sketchley | Jul 5, 2016 | Caregivers, Disability
With hurricane season in full swing in Florida and throughout the south, families caring for elders and loved ones with disabilities need to be prepared. There are three phases to hurricane readiness: Before the Hurricane: Have a plan for you, your family, and your...
by Twyla Sketchley | May 23, 2016 | Estate Planning, Financial Assistance
One of the big questions standing in the way of seniors selling their homes is whether they will have to pay taxes when they sell? Many seniors have lived in their homes for decades and are concerned with selling because of the tax liabilities. If you or an aging...
by Twyla Sketchley | May 17, 2016 | Exploitation
Elder exploitation is a growing problem in the United States. Some estimate that Americans lose as much as $2.9 billion a year due to financial exploitation. Often exploitation goes undiscovered until all an elder’s money is gone. Determining whether an...
by Twyla Sketchley | May 11, 2016 | Caregivers, Resources
If you are one of the millions of Americans who are helping manage someone else’s money, you are likely required to provide an accounting. An accounting is an itemized explanation of how you spent the money you were managing. If you are a trustee, guardian,...
by Twyla Sketchley | May 11, 2016 | Assisted Living
As the population ages, the use of assisted living facilities to provide long term care for aging parents increases. Often, adult children are asked to sign the admission contract on behalf of a parent who will reside in the assisted living facility. These contracts...
by Twyla Sketchley | Apr 25, 2016 | Caregivers, Exploitation
Does your elderly loved one receive a lot of mail – particularly junk mail? This may be a sign that he or she has fallen victim to scammers and identity thieves. C. Steven Baker, Federal Trade Commission Director of the Midwest Region says, “Scammers...
