When California recently became the fourth State to choose to enact “Death with Dignity” legislation, I thought it might be time to talk through a Health Care Directive (HCD) in Minnesota and the scope of its authority. This is by…
Some dementia diagnoses and certain chemotherapy side-affects for cancer patients are being treated more often with what are defined as “intrusive mental health treatments” in Minnesota law (Minn. Stat. § 145C.05, subd. 2(a)(6))– here’s the link to this Minnesota Statute….
I hear this often from adult children trying to help their aging parents with what happens next in their parents’ lives. This article from nextavenue (nextavenue article) outlines four basic steps that could make a difference as you try to…
This entry is for initial inquiries into or foundational understanding of Supplemental Needs and Special Needs Trusts. There are some basic differences between the two and they are often confused. If you think you may qualify to establish one of these…
An article I read recently, published by NextAvenue, made it ever so obvious – – Americans are procrastinators at preparing for death. We bury our heads in the sand, hoping that if we can avoid thinking about it, maybe it…
Legacy Videos: A popular new trend in some circles for those who are thinking about their end-of-life plans and wishes, is to record their choices, their wishes, their concerns, and their messages, not just in writing but on video for…
There’s a difference between “organ donation” and “anatomical bequest.” Many people choose to donate organs upon their death – healthy parts of their bodies that may be transplanted upon their death into someone else to assist that individual in recovering…
Cara’s dad assigned her authority to help him with his finances and health care decisions when he made Cara his agent with a Power of Attorney and Health Care Directive. His health has declined over the last few years, and…
On May 6, 2015, Gov. Dayton signed the Minnesota Right to Try Act into law, allowing terminally ill patients the right to apply for the use of drugs and devices not yet approved (not fully, anyway) by the FDA. See…
I downloaded the ABA’s (Commission on Law and Aging) App at the request of a friend of mine who wanted to try it. I thought it might be a useful tool for my clients, and I submit my review of…