Resources
Estate Planning Weekly COVID-19 Update – 08.12.20
This weekly COVID-19 update is brought to you by our Chambliss Estate Planning team. We are sharing articles, legal developments, external resources, and tips for coping during these uncertain times. Each weekly issue will cover various trends of vital interest in the world of estate planning, elder law, and special needs planning. To be added to our email list, please subscribe.
While many of us are working remotely at present, we are also collaborating to implement creative and resourceful solutions to meet the needs of our clients in this uniquely challenging time.
We are doing planning consultations, document signings, care coordination, drafting of documents, and all related work—in sum, all the types of work we usually do. We have generally moved most meetings to either Zoom video conference or audio conference calls. In person document signings at our office are generally being done abiding carefully by social distancing protocols. Moreover, the governors of Tennessee and Georgia have signed executive orders which enable “virtual document signings” for a limited period of time.
Please do not hesitate to contact us if we can assist you with your elder law, special needs planning, or estate planning needs.
— Dana, Greg, and your Chambliss team
Featured Article
Is Your Physician Your Long-Term Care Quarterback?
By: Sally Brewer
Fast moving, continuous coverage, and goal-oriented! It sounds like football, but hopefully this describes your physician’s practice and their dedication to your care. With hopes of football right around the corner, follow me with some corny analogies, but serious implications for your loved ones life. Your primary care physician (PCP) should be the quarterback in managing each yard of your health care offense. That means talking with you about your treatment decisions; giving long-term care recommendations; and working alongside your other team members to implement your preferred defense or plan of care. If your doctor provides no razzle-dazzle, you could fumble the ball before you make it to the end zone.
Our elder law team considers your PCP as a critical playmaker who helps us maximize aid and ultimately implement our sound long-term plan of care for you. A reoccurring theme amid this pandemic is the restriction of family visitation in health care facilities where loved ones reside, depriving them of the crucial mental and social support needed to thrive. Dire health consequences are the result of these tactics. As resident rights are stripped away for the promise of staying virus-free, your loved ones safety may now warrant additional layering of paid care for oversight. Is your doctor helping to bring in the special teams? Are they fighting for the rights of your loved one with dementia?
Surprisingly, in consultations with my clients, it is shocking to find that about 70% of them do not have a good relationship with their current provider. Ponder these questions about your current doctor:
- Does this provider give me clear answers to my questions? Do they return my calls in a timely manner?
- Does this provider listen to my concerns with courtesy and respect?
- How long do I have to wait for the visit to begin while attempting to occupy the time of my loved one with dementia?
If your answers leave you apprehensive, you may need a new offense…
COVID-19 Resources
Caregiver Contracts: How to Pay a Family Member for Care
Although many people are willing to voluntarily care for a parent or loved one without any promise of compensation, entering into a caregiver contract with a family member can have many benefits.
Five Topics to Discuss With Your Spouse Before You Retire
You may have a vision for your retirement, but does your spouse share that vision? Spouses often disagree about many key retirement details, so it is important to work together to come up with a plan you both can accept.
Also Check Out…
The Promoting Alzheimer’s Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act
The Alzheimer’s Association’s priority legislation — the Promoting Alzheimer’s Awareness to Prevent Elder Abuse Act — has been passed unanimously by the Senate. The bipartisan bill will require the Department of Justice to develop training materials to assist law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges, medical personnel, victim services personnel, and others who encounter and support individuals living with dementia. For details, read the Association’s update.
Tennessee Respite Coalition Mini Grant Program
The Tennessee Respite Coalition’s Mini Grant program is designed to provide family caregivers with the opportunity to access funding to take care of their health and wellness by purchasing “breaks” of their choosing. Caregivers may use the grants to purchase items, equipment, or subscriptions that can help enhance their quality of life and have a break from caregiving. View the Mini Grant Application for details.
Oh, SNAP: My Client has Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Benefits
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), formerly known as food stamps, is a benefit for low-income families who need assistance paying for food. If your client has SNAP benefits and is receiving a settlement, they need to be aware that their recovery could impact eligibility for this important benefit. For a look at the ins and outs of SNAP benefits, especially in the case of having a special needs trust, read this article by Settlement Solutions National Pooled Trust.
A Series of Free Art Classes for Adults 65 and Older
The Chattery is excited to partner with ArtsBuild and Morning Pointe Senior Living Centers to present four free classes for adults living in Chattanooga aged 65 and older. The classes were originally designed for in-person, but have been rescheduled to be online via Zoom to ensure the safety of all guests. Classes will be recorded for those who cannot attend live. Check out the full schedule.
Coping With COVID-19
Chattanooga Therapeutic Recreation Services Virtual Programming
The Therapeutic Recreation Division of the Chattanooga Youth and Family Development Department seeks to provide leisure and recreation opportunities for citizens of all abilities. They serve both youth and adults with physical, cognitive, and/or emotional disabilities. Through their programs, education, and advocacy, individuals can build confidence, improve physical and cognitive abilities, expand support and social networks, and enhance overall quality of life.
Check out their August newsletter for details on upcoming virtual programs including:
- Virtual Parent Feedback Meeting
- Fit 5 – Special Olympics
- Virtual Hiking Club (Tuesdays)
- TR Challenge (Wednesdays)
- Chillin’ Chats (Thursdays, bi-weekly)
- Zoomacise With Coach Jacob (Fridays)
- TR Superstars
- Artsy Ali and Garden Guru Grace
- Back to School Photo Op
- Tech Support
Finally! Initial PPP Loan FAQs Released
On the whole, the FAQs confirm and restate many items from earlier interim final rules, which we’ve reported on. But a few important clarifications will assist borrowers that are working through the forgiveness process.
Our Chambliss team continues to monitor legal developments in connection with the COVID-19 pandemic. Please contact Jim Catanzaro, Justin Furrow, or your relationship attorney if you have questions or need additional information.
