As people age, their needs and abilities change.  Adult children of aging parents may notice that mom or dad is having difficulty with their finances, driving or personal hygiene.  We all want to support our older loved one’s desire to live independently, even when we have concerns about their safety.  But how do we know when it’s time to step in?

Assessment is a full review of a person’s mental, physical, environmental and financial condition to determine their ability to remain safely independent.  It identifies risks and helps determine options to reduce them.

Physical Health

Have they been diagnosed with any chronic diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, emphysema, bladder problems, heart disease, stroke or cancer?  Do they have vision problems, excessive weight issues or difficulty walking?

Mental Health

Have they been diagnosed with any mental health disorder such as depression, anxiety, psychosis, Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia?  Do they show signs of confusion, memory loss, disorientation or isolation, mood swings, sadness, loneliness?

Medications

What medications are they currently using and what is the dosage?

Daily Living Skills

Are they able to dress, bathe, use the toilet, climb the stairs, use the phone, prepare meals, do housework, yard work, and drive safely?

Safety

Do they have smoke alarms and fire alarms and can they dial 9-1-1?

Finances

Can they live on their current income and will they be able to meet future needs?  Do they pay their bills on time?  Do they make impulsive purchases?  Do they have a Will, Living Trust, Power of Attorney, Living Will?

Assessment

Assessment can help lead to problem-solving and allowing the parent to remain independent longer.  It will also result in fewer accidents and illnesses and provide a higher quality of life.  Learning to assess their needs will make it easier to know when and how to offer help. Addressing items such as estate planning or a power of attorney can make things simpler in the future.

Let Us Help You

At Gary Crews Law in Tulsa, Oklahoma, we focus on helping you make the best decisions. Whether it’s preparing for elder care, estate planning, or other legal help, we are here for you. Call (918) 493-3360 today for your free consultation with our friendly, professional staff. We are here to help!

The post How Do I Know When My Parents Need Help? first appeared on Gary Crews | Tulsa Probate Attorney.

…and her estimated $80 million estate could be in jeopardy.

Deeply private in life, Aretha Franklin’s estate will be laid bare for all to see, as according to court documents, she died without having a will or trust in place.

Legal Documents

Documents filed by her four sons in Oakland County Probate Court on Tuesday acknowledged the absence of a Last Will & Testament and named themselves as parties interested in her estate. The relevant clause reads: “The decedent died intestate and after exercising reasonable diligence, I am unaware of any unrevoked testamentary instrument relating to property located in this state….” Additionally, Franklin’s niece, Sabrina Owens, asked to be appointed as the estate’s personal representative, which could result in some protracted litigation in the probate court.

Lack of Wealth Transfer Planning

Even if the family is on the same page, Franklin’s assets (the exact net worth is unknown, but it’s estimated at roughly $80 million and includes the rights to a number of her hit songs) pass through intestacy. That being said, the complete lack of wealth transfer planning on Franklin’s part will likely result in Uncle Sam taking a huge tax bite out of that figure.

In an interview with the Detroit Free Press, Franklin’s long-time entertainment lawyer Don Wilson doesn’t paint a particularly optimistic picture. “I was after her for a number of years to do a Trust,” he said. “It would have expedited things and kept them out of probate and kept things private.” Wilson continued, noting, “I just hope [Franklin’s estate] doesn’t end up getting so hotly contested. Any time they don’t leave a trust or will, there always ends up being a fight.“

The Time to Act is Now

Whether Wilson’s fears come to pass remains to be seen; however, what is certain is that Franklin should have followed her own advice and taken some time to think—think about what your trust will be about… the time to act is now…. Before it’s too late.

Image Copyright: <a href=’https://www.123rf.com/profile_americanspirit’>americanspirit / 123RF Stock Photo</a>

The post Aretha Franklin’s 80 Million Dollar Estate May Be in Jeopardy first appeared on Gary Crews | Tulsa Probate Attorney.

Whether you are caring for a senior, or are a senior yourself, or have a loved one in senior care, you have been concerned about elder abuse. This growing problem should be a concern for all of us. Lawmakers and communities must join forces to stop the alarming problem of elder abuse.

Getting Creative

Concerned people around the country are getting creative. Some are working to allow “granny-cams” so caregiving activities can be more closely monitored. Others are working to set up special units within law enforcement to help prevent abuse and to make sure cases are litigated.

Four states, in particular, are taking steps to end elder abuse. Read more solving the elder abuse problem.

The post Elder Abuse: Let’s Solve the Problem! first appeared on Gary Crews | Tulsa Probate Attorney.