On Monday evening, January 8, Care One on Teaneck Road hosted a presentation by Eric Goldberg, certified elder law attorney and co-founder of Goldberg Law Group, LLC. With offices in Essex, Morris and Bergen counties, the Goldberg Law Group specializes in elder law, estate planning, Medicaid planning and other closely related areas of the law pertaining to the growing elderly population.
Goldberg, who has practiced elder law for the past 10 years, enjoys the opportunities to work closely with families and provide them with superior strategic legal plans that can solve their complex long-term healthcare, financial and housing issues. The Goldberg Law Group works collaboratively with other professionals such as geriatric care managers, caregivers, financial advisors and accountants to assist with those issues that go beyond the basic practice of law. Through this collaborative approach, the Group strives to be counselors for life.
Goldberg and his associated professionals work as a team, utilizing the same processes and procedures. They follow up with all of their clients every six months to update information and provide additional guidance. When dealing with estate planning, documents change as situations change, and old powers of attorney become outdated. In planning for Medicaid, Goldberg provides guidance and legal advice in protecting assets and filing successful Medicaid applications.The Group helps clients select appropriate assisted living arrangements and generally eases the complications of navigating through the long-term-care maze.
In presenting the “Eight Common Mistakes Families Make as a Loved One Ages,” Goldberg shared that most of his clients come to him after having made these errors in the hope that he can correct them. Therefore, through sharing these potential pitfalls, he hoped to help his clients avoid them.
Mistake #1: Giving one’s house or other assets to one child or split among children. Rather, put your house and other assets in a living trust.
Mistake #2: Denying that there is a problem and/or assuming that you will die in your sleep without designating a power of attorney.
Mistake #3: Assuming that Medicaid is only for poor people. Most middle-class people apply for Medicaid to prevent their assets from depleting.
Mistake #4: Paying for home care out of pocket without adequate documentation, believing this to be the least costly route.
Mistake #5: Failing to include elective share language in wills. Always be aware of beneficiary designation.
Mistake #6: Adding only one child’s name to your checking account even though you love each child equally.
Mistake #7: Neglecting to secure veteran’s benefits when you initially qualify for them.
Mistake #8: Failing to seek professional advice before the onset of a crisis.
Goldberg advises strongly to be prepared for all eventualities. Work with professionals to keep your finances safe and working for you.The Goldberg Group will service you for flat fees and reduced retainers yearly. To learn more about the services provided by the Goldberg Law Group visit www.goldbergplanning.com or email [email protected].
Also in attendance was David Bersson, director of operations at SYNERGY HomeCare, Teaneck, providers of customized service plans for all needs. SYNERGY’s services include personal care, companionship, meal preparation, light housekeeping, medication reminders, escorts for shopping and errands, respite care for family members and maintenance of a clean and healthy home. Their caring aides have been trained and certified by the state of New Jersey, are insured and bonded and have undergone national criminal and background checks. When needed, they are familiarized with the laws of kashrut and the running of an observant Jewish home.
Care One provides premier short- and long-term care in their newly renovated facility at 544 Teaneck Road. Their services include general surgery care, cardiac, pulmonary, orthopedic, oncology and palliative and hospice care, among other specialties, as well as a full offering of therapy services. They are a kosher facility with an on-site synagogue. To learn more, visit www.careoneteaneck.com or call 201-862-3300.
By Pearl Markovitz
