It is a call nobody wants to receive: an energetic, independent parent in a distant state is suddenly behaving differently. When Jane first came to Grimaldi & Yeung her mother, Margaret, was in her early 80s and starting to have some health problems. Worse, she was showing signs of confusion. What could Jane do to take care of Margaret without uprooting either of their lives? Grimaldi & Yeung’s attorneys and social workers:

• Performed a home inspection to determine what supports Margaret would need to remain at home.
• Created a financial plan — including a trust — to protect Margaret’s assets and establish her eligibility for Medicaid to provide home care services.
• Put Margaret’s legal documents — including a Durable Power of Attorney, Health Care Proxy and other Advanced Directives — in order so that Jane could direct her care and, if necessary, act as her agent.
• Helped Jane identify and hire appropriate in-home health.
• Consulted with Margaret’s physician to create a simplified routine that was easier for her to follow.
• Held a “summit” with two care agencies to create a structure for Margaret and remove some of the uncertainty in her life.

Structure had become increasingly important for both Margaret and Jane. Additionally, Margaret’s assets needed to be consolidated and protected. Grimaldi & Yeung worked with the two women on a range of levels — legal, financial and human — to help take care of Margaret’s current and anticipated needs without disrupting either of their lives.