Life Care Planning
Legal and financial matters are something for all of us to consider at any age. Planning for the future becomes more important as we age, and even more so when we are diagnosed with a progressive cognitive disorder. While we may know it is necessary it can understandably feel overwhelming at times. Starting as early as possible avails the person with the dementia to participate in the planning process and share their wishes. Legal & Financial Planning may include estate planning, establishing advance directives, employment transitions, and health insurance. The following resources may be helpful starting points related to financial, legal, and/or insurance information.
American Association of Retired Persons (AARP)
Organization devoted to empowering Americans age 50 and older with health and financial tools, volunteering opportunities, and travel and restaurant discounts.
Phone: 1-888-687-2277
Website: www.aarp.org
American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
Volunteer based agency devoted to helping Americans understand their personal finances and develop money management skills, including retirement and planning for long-term care.
Phone: 1-888-777-7077
Website: www.360financialliteracy.org
Boston ElderINFO
Advocacy, information and referral, caregiver resources for Boston elders.
Phone: 617-292-6211
Website: www.elderinfo.org
Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS)
Federal agency that administers the Medicare program and works in partnership with state governments to administers Medicaid/MassHealth.
Phone: 1-877-267-2323 (CMS) 800-633-4227 (Medicare)
Website: www.mass.gov/information-for-masshealth-applicants (Mass Health) www.medicare.gov (Medicare)
Financial Planning Association of Massachusetts
Member based agency dedicated to the financial planning process in establishing personal and financial goals and creating ways to reach them.
Phone: 508-320-1685
Website: www.fpama.org
Massachusetts Legal Assistance Corporation
Legal information and resources for low-income Massachusetts residents
Phone: 617-367-8544
Website: www.mlac.org
Massachusetts Attorney General - Elder Hotline
Volunteers that can you help find answer, resolve disputes with business, and assist with theft/scams, debt collection, abuse & exploitation, health insurance, and housing issues.
Phone: 1-888-243-5337
Website: www.mass.gov/service-details/the-attorney-generals-elder-hotline
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
Offers a directory of elder law attorneys. Directory of listed attorneys are members of NAELA who are experienced and trained in working with the legal problems of older adults and individuals of all ages with disabilities.
Phone: 703-942-5711
Website: www.naela.org
National Eldercare Locator
A public service of the U.S. Administration on Aging connecting older adults and their families to services and local resources.
Phone: 1-800-677-1116
Website: www.eldercare.gov
Phone: 703-942-5711
Website: www.naela.org
New England Pension Assistance Project
Pension lawyers and counselors who can answer questions related to your pension or any private retirement plan free of charge. Recipient must reside in New England and pension and/or retirement plans must be from New England employers. Program is affiliated with McCormack Graduate School of Policy & Global Studies at UMass Boston.
Phone: 1-888-425-6067
Website: www.umb.edu/pensionaction
Senior Resource Center, Inc
Offers comprehensive solutions for care coordination, financial protection, Medicaid/MassHealth Planning and legal service coordination.
Phone: 1-888-869-6295
Website: https://helpingelders.com/
SHINE (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone)
Free health insurance information, counseling, and assistance to all MA residents with Medicare
Phone: MassOptions 1-800-243-4636
Social Security Administration
- The US Social Security Administration is the agency that administers Social Security, a social insurance program consisting of retirement, disability, and survivor benefits.
Phone: 1-800-772-1213
Website: www.ssa.gov
Super Lawyers
An online rating service of outstanding lawyers who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement.
Phone: none available
Website: www.superlawyers.com/