3 Benefits of Handicap Accessible Vehicles

Freedom and self-reliance are essential to keeping an individual with a disability in good health psychologically. Having to rely on others for everything, including transportation, can really make disabled people feel helpless, and this can lead to a defeatist attitude and a poor quality of life. A great way to build up a sense of self-reliance and freedom in a disabled person is to use handicap accessible vehicles for transportation. These types of vehicles have a lot of benefits that can help restore a sense of independence and much more in disabled people.

One benefit of handicap accessible vehicles is that they now come in a variety of models, makes, and styles. There was a time years ago that disabled individuals were limited to either public transportation or ugly conversion vans. This is not the case anymore. Many people are using sport utility vehicles, trucks, and minivans as transportation for disabled people. A lot of these types of vehicles are built low to the ground making installation of a wheelchair ramp even easier. Some vehicles have doors on the back that open up to one side, which makes getting in and out of the vehicle easier and safer. Disabled individuals are no longer stuck with large, clunky vans, as they can now choose smaller vehicles like cars due to innovative automobile design and mobility equipment advancements.

A second benefit of handicap accessible vehicles is that many of them can have controls installed that will allow disabled individuals to drive safely. The controls for both the brake and gas are on the steering wheel, allowing individuals who cannot use their legs to still be able to drive themselves around. The driver seat is typically missing from these types of vehicles, which allows the wheelchair to act as the driver’s seat. There are safety clamps or tie downs that secure the wheelchair to keep it from moving during travel. The ability to drive around and run errands or visit family and friends fosters a sense of self-reliance and can improve the self-image of most disabled people.

A third benefit of handicap accessible vehicles is they are more affordable than in previous years. You can purchase a used wheelchair van or vehicle for a fairly good price. Used wheelchair vehicles are newer, usually only being a couple of years old, so the mileage is low. The equipment is already installed on the used vehicle, which saves money on buying and installing new equipment.

Ability Center has many of these options for a handicap accessible vehicle, just stop by one of our 8 stores located in Arizona, California, and Nevada. Or give them a call at (866) 405-6806 and speak to one of their knowledgeable staff, and they will get you on the road to the independence you’ve been craving.

Vist our website at:  www.abilitycenter.com 

Selling Your Home Under Post Eligibility Rules

Seniors and the Law is authored by the attorneys at JacksonWhite Attorneys at Law and addresses legal issues that arise for the elderly and their families.  Questions can be sent to firm@jacksonwhitelaw.com.

Q:        At only 66 years of age, my husband had to move to an assisted living community where he could receive care for early onset Alzheimer’s disease.  To make ends meet, he applied for ALTCS, which now covers most of his monthly care costs.  As part of that process, I learned that his eligibility was contingent upon me having no more than a certain amount of resources.  Now, several years later, I want to sell my home, but I fear it will cause my husband to lose eligibility for ALTCS.  Is there anything I can do?

            A very general answer to your question is that, yes, there probably is something you can do here.  In fact, depending on whether you did any planning prior to applying for the ALTCS program, it is possible that you can sell the home and keep all of the proceeds in your name, without regard to any requirement to which you adhered during the application process.  The reason for this flexibility stems from what is referred to as post-eligibility rules.

            In short, there are two different sets of rules that apply to the ALTCS eligibility process – initial rules and post-eligibility rules.  The initial rules limit the amount of resources that a well-spouse can keep, and they apply during the application process.  Post-eligibility rules, on the other hand, eliminate the inquiry into a well-spouse’s resources, and they begin to apply after the ALTCS application is approved.

            Depending on your particular situation, and on whether you did any planning at the outset of this process, it is likely that the home is already in your name only.  If you were to sell the home for a significant profit, you could keep the proceeds from the sale without jeopardizing your husband’s eligibility, as long as those proceeds remained in your name. 

             Richard White is an elder law attorney at JacksonWhite Attorneys at Law.  For more information on Elder Law at JacksonWhite, please visit www.ArizonaSeniorLaw.com.

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace individual legal advice.

Supreme Court Decision Voids Creditor Protection For Inherited IRA'S

SUPREME COURT DECISIONS VOIDS CREDITOR PROTECTION FOR INHERITED IRA'S

Phoenix - The law firm of Morris, Hall & Kinghorn, P.L.L.C (MHK) in response to the Supreme Court Decision on Inherited IRA's, remind Arizona and New Mexico residents that creating a qualified IRA Beneficiary Trust or a qualified Revocable Living Trust can protect a beneficiary's Inherited IRA from creditors.

On June 12th the U.S. Supreme Court  unanimously decided that an inherited IRA does not follow the same guidelines nor bare the same characteristics of typical retirement funds (IRA and Roth IRA).  This ruling means that an Inherited IRA left to a beneficiary cannot be protected from creditors as previously argued in Clark v. Rameker.  Proper protection can still be gained by the creation of a qualified IRA Beneficiary Trust or a qualified Revocable Living Trust.  MHK continues to help individuals, families and beneficiaries protect their assets by providing these qualified trusts to protect your legacy and those who inherit it.

MHK devotes its practice to estate planning matters and has helped thousands of families and individuals  meet their long-term estate planning and financial goals. The firm is a premier member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys (AAEPA).

To arrange an interview, please contact Rhonda Royse at (602)249-1328 (office)
or (480) 209-6465 (cell)

Your referrals are the best compliment you can give -
If there is someone you care about whom we should be helping, please let us know!

Visit our website @ www.morristrust.com

ABILITY CENTER More Than Just Wheelchair Accessible Vans

Modern-day handicap vans include equipment that has taken decades of advanced technology to achieve. Disabled drivers and passengers are now able to travel far easier than in the past. Getting into and out of a vehicle no longer has to be the hassle it once was. From running simple errands to taking long vacations, handicap-equipped vehicles have simplified the process allowing for greater ease and enjoyment of such activities.

Equipment should be properly installed by an expert in handicap-vehicle conversions. That’s why at Ability Center all of their service professionals are certified with the manufacturers. So you don’t ever have to worry about anything set up improperly.  Ability Center is one such company that specializes in new and used handicap vans, and handicap conversion equipment.  Once you buy a vehicle from Ability Center, you’re automatically a member of the Guardian Vehicle Program.  Giving you preferred schedule service appointments, guaranteed vehicle buy-back, a free 43 point inspections with reminders twice a year, a Guardian ID card, and 24-hour emergency phone assistance plus more.

Loading and unloading equipment is typically the first piece of equipment that most people consider. Ability Center offers a variety of lifts depending on your unique needs. For instance, wheelchair lifts can be installed on the side or rear of your vehicle, or they can be mounted on the outside and underneath of a mobility van. Some lifts simply lift and store a wheelchair or scooter on the outside or inside of a vehicle. Others lift both wheelchair and occupant into the van.

Transfer seats are available which make the transfer from a wheelchair to a car seat much easier. For drivers, this feature can be especially important. The height and distance of the driver seat can be adjusted for maximum comfort.

Many disabled individuals require hand controls in order to drive a vehicle. For the greatest amount of control and ease, such hand controls may be used for both right and left hand operation. They can include features which allow the driver to accelerate, brake, operate, turn signals and window washers, and other controls necessary for safe driving.

Talk with an expert who specializes in handicap vans and mobility van conversions. After discussing your personal conversion needs, the Ability Center specialist should be able to assist you with the most relevant solutions.

Visit our website @ www.abilitycenter.com 

Handicap Accessible Vans on Vacation

Many people who are in wheelchairs find that they do not take as much time as they should on vacation. One of the biggest reasons for this, at least for a large subset of those who are in wheelchairs, is that they do not want to go through the hassle of finding transportation while they are on vacation. This is a shame, because it’s possible to find handicap accessible vans for use on vacation. If you have your own van that you use at home, you could always take this with you when you are traveling. Of course, this is only useful if you are within driving distance of your destination.

You will also find companies that offer wheelchair accessible vans for rental. These rental vans are available throughout the country, and they may well be available in the area where you want to go on vacation. Check on the web to see if any dealers or companies in the area are offering rentals and then book a rental. Make sure that it is a van that you or someone in your traveling party is going to be comfortable driving. Most of the companies that rent the vehicles have a decent selection.

If you’ve never driven large full size handicap accessible vans before, it might be a better option to choose a minivan. These are usually easier to handle, and they are easier to park. This is a good option when you are visiting a new area. You want to have something that’s easy to drive. Always make sure that you book your vehicle well in advance of when you are taking your trip. You want to make sure that they will have a vehicle when you arrive after all!

Something else that you might want to look into when you are at home is a rental agency that also sells their vehicles. If you’ve been trying to find handicap accessible vans to buy, you may have found that you can’t afford a new van. Used vans through a company that rents vans can be much cheaper. It’s a great way to save money and still get the van that you need. Look no farther than Ability Center. They have 8 stores, located in Arizona, California, and Nevada, all the hot vacation places, so there is always a rental dealership nearby.

Start looking at all of the possible places you can visit on vacation. You deserve some time out of the house, and with rentals of handicap accessible vans, it’s easier than ever. Have a great time on your next vacation! Stop by one of Ability Center’s stores or give them a call at (866) 405-6806, and one of their helpful staff will assist you and help make your vacation the best it can be.

Visit our website @  www.abilitycenter.com