In Maryland any competent individual may, at any time, make a Living Will, regarding their health care and/or the withholding or withdrawal of health care. Basically, you decide who will speak for you in a medical crisis, in case you are not able to speak for yourself. Generally, that person will make any and all decisions that you would make for yourself, such as receiving medical information; conferring with doctors; asking questions; discussing treatment options; second opinions; consenting or refusing medical treatment, including life sustaining treatment; and authorizing transfers to another physician or hospital. The toughest decision concerns beginning…
A health care agent is a person you appoint to make medical decisions on your behalf if you are incapacitated or unable to make any decisions. A Living Will (Advanced Directive) expresses your wishes about your health care including, but not limited to, resuscitation, life sustaining treatments (respirator, feeding tube, etc.) and withholding / withdrawing of life sustaining treatments. The Living Will is only effective when you are terminally ill or unconscious and unable to communicate your wishes. When it comes to making decisions regarding end of life issues, do you know your wishes or have you communicated those…
HOW IDENTITY THIEVES CONTACT YOU Phone calls requesting information, social security number, credit card number, 3 digit security code on the back of your card. Standard mail, such as pre-approved credit card offers containing your name and address. Electronic mail with logos and realistic names. Fake websites that mimic financial instructions. Instant messages and text messages requiring a call to toll free number. IF YOU BEOME A VICTIM Contact the fraud department of the three major credit bureaus to report the identity theft. Trans Union 1-800-680-7289 Equifax 1-800-525-6285 Experian 1-888-397-3742 You may request a free copy of your credit report….
If not, the decisions for your well-being can be made by the State, and not by your loved ones, who have your best interest at heart. Most of us prefer not to think about what may happen or even discuss what may happen to us if we are in an accident or die. But avoiding it, you place yourself and your family in jeopardy. Getting your key estate planning documents in place will give you and your family peace of mind. If you would like an initial consultation with someone who has helped other local Maryland families deal with the…
Once you have selected a nursing home, the focus should shift to assuring that your loved one receives the best care possible. Federal law mandates that nursing home must perform an initial resident assessment within two weeks of admission to determine the resident’s physical and mental condition, as well as the medical and nutritional needs. Based on these findings, the facility develops what is called a “plan of care” to meet the needs of the resident. A care plan represents the critical first step to ensuring proper care. Moreover, it is a legal part of the nursing home contract. Nursing…
Are you feeling anxious, overwhelmed and confused by all the family and legal decisions you have to make at this moment? You don’t have to do it alone. With the guidance and knowledge of my office we help you take the decisive steps necessary to protect yourself and your loved ones. I am available consultation on issues that concern you on: Health Care Power of Attorneys Living Wills Financial Power of Attorneys Wills and Trusts Call me today today at 301 663 9230 or visit my website at www.davidwingate.com For a complete list of upcoming seminars, visit our website…
A: WHEN YOU’RE IN GOOD HEALTH B: WHEN YOU’RE IN A COMA THE ANSWER, OF COURSE, IS “A.” THE PROBLEM? WE ARE RELUCTANT TO TALK ABOUT OUR MEDICAL WISHES AND ASSETS IN CASE OF SERIOUS ILLNESS OR END OF LIFE. TOO OFTEN THE RESULT IS FAMILY CONFLICT AND CONFUSION AT A TIME WHEN YOU ARE MOST VULNERABLE …AND CANNOT SPEAK FOR YOURSELF. DON’T DELAY, PROTECTING YOUR ASSETS AND APPOINTING SOMEONE TO SPEAK FOR YOU WHEN YOU CAN NO LONGER SPEAK FOR YOURSELF. FOR INFORMATION ON ASSET PROTECTION STRATEGIES … AND FOR DOCUMENTS YOU NEED TO NAME A DURABLE POWER OF…
America is aging. Today, a baby boomer turns 65 every 7½ seconds. As life expectancy continues to increase, so too does the need for nursing home care. The older we get, the more likely it is that we will require around the clock assistance nursing homes are supposed to provide. Some experts estimate that 75% of all Americans age 85 and older will one day need nursing home care. The U.S. Census Bureau projects that 85 plus age group will be over 7 million in 2020 doubling the number of people in nursing homes. That can make a bad situation…
Alzheimer disease is a heartbreaker. Not only is it awful for the patient, but is devastating for the caregiver. Someone who hasn’t dealt with Alzheimer’s disease, can’t imagine the stress of constant pacing, up at all nights of day and nights, the fidgeting, the safety concerns, and of course the memory loss. Imagine the heartbreak you feel looking into the now empty eyes of your spouse of 40 or 50 years and recalling all the wonderful times you spent together and then sitting down and crying over the horrible truth that your spouse no longer recognizes you. Your marriage vows…
The decision to move a family member into a nursing home is one of the toughest and most difficult decisions you can ever make. Over time, caring for an aging or disabled love one can deplete your energy, time and finances. The legal and financial ramifications can cost you plenty. Your income, assets and financial security can be a serious risk. Stop, before it’s too late. If you and your family are overwhelmed or confused by all the decisions you have to make. If you want to know your individual rights, or this is an urgent matter, please call us…
Frederick, MD 
301-663-9230
