5 Top Estate Planning Ideas for the Holidays

Top 5 Estate Planning Ideas for the Holidays

During this time of year most people are running around frantically trying to finish up their Christmas shopping and getting those last minute items for the kids and grandchildren.  It can be a very stressful thing to try and shop for those that you love the most, when you are dealing with the crowds, the parking, and the hustle and bustle of the holidays.

I know that estate planning is not on the list of priorities when it comes to the holidays, so this may be an exercise in futility, but since this is my profession I have to give it a shot. With the holidays comes time being spent with family that we have not seen for some time.  I would recommend to take advantage of this time together with friends and family and do the following 5 things regarding your estate plan:

• Tell your loved ones where your estate plan is kept and give them a list of important people they will need to contact should something happen to you. Do they know who your estate planning attorney is? Do they know how to get in touch with your CPA? Do they know who your financial advisor is and how to get in touch with them? Do you have a prepaid burial plan and if so do your loved ones know who it is with and how to get in touch with them? Make a list of all of the important contacts and how to get a hold of them.
• Update your asset list. The end of the year is a good time to sit down and do an internal audit of the assets that you own. Have things changed? Have you opened up new bank accounts? Have you closed old accounts down? Have you switched institutions where your assets are at? Have you sold any real estate or acquired new real estate? When you pass away one of the first things that will have to be dealt with are the assets. Make life easier for those you love by keeping an updated record of your assets and who they are currently with.
• Have a candid discussion with those you have put in charge of your estate plan. You do not need to go into detail about what it is you have and who is getting what, but it is a good idea to sit down with those that you have put in charge of your estate, should you become incapacitated or die, and talk to them about what their role is and some of the steps they need to take.
• Have a discussion with your loved ones about the personal property items in the home. These are the items that may not have a lot of monetary value but do have tremendous sentimental value to those you will leave behind. Who is going to get the jewelry, furniture, stamp collection, baseball card collection…? If your loved ones are not willing to help you decide who will get these items make the decision for them by making a list and describing who gets what.
• Finally, take the time this holiday season to write a personal letter to each of those people that you love and care about the most. Tell them you love them. Tell them you appreciate them. Tell them what your thoughts, hopes, wishes and dreams for them are. Seal this letter up in an envelope for each of your loved ones and put it in with your estate planning documents. This letter will be given to them upon your passing. This will be the most important thing you leave behind for those that you love. They will read that letter thousands of times and always have something to remember you by.

One of the hardest things, if not the hardest thing, to deal with in life is the loss of a loved one. Try to make their life easier by getting your affairs in order today.

Contributed by MHK Arrowhead, Scottsdale and Phoenix Estate Planning Attorney and Partner, David T. Eastman.

About Morris, Hall & Kinghorn:
At Morris, Hall & Kinghorn, we have focused our legal practice on estate planning for over 40 years.  Along with estate planning, our attorneys help clients and their families with matters of probate, trust administration, wills, power of attorneys, business planning, succession planning, legacy planning, charitable gifting and other important legal aspects.  We also have divisions in financial, real estate and accounting to help you incorporate all of your planning together, ensuring that everything works perfectly for your needs and situation. Our Arizona offices are located in Phoenix, Mesa, Scottsdale, Cave Creek, Tucson, Prescott, Flagstaff and Arrowhead.  Our New Mexico offices are located in Albuquerque, Las Cruces and Santa Fe.  Contact us today at 888.222.1328 to schedule an appointment!

This blog should be used for informational purposes only.  It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice.  If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney in your community who can assess the specifics of your situation.

- See more at: http://morristrust.com/2014/12/top-5-estate-planning-ideas-holidays/#sthash.DzwHftIg.dpuf 

ITN Greater Tucson ~ Volunteer to Drive Program

Volunteer in Tucson, Arizona

Drive seniors and people with visual impairments

Download a volunteer application

Online volunteer application

If you need the Adobe Acrobat Reader you can download it by clicking here. 

Why volunteer with ITNGreaterTucson?

1. You help seniors stay independent and healthy by taking them to visit friends, a hair dressers appointment or a doctor's appointment
2. You help make driving safer for everyone
3. You provide a positive alternative to a huge national problem by ensuring that seniors have a great choice without burdening family or friends
4. You get mileage reimbursement for part of the ride and transportation credits for the rest. Save these credits for your own future use, transfer them to a loved one or donate them to the Road Scholarship Program for low-income riders
5. You receive a free annual membership for yourself and one for a friend, and the quarterly newsletter

Provide one afternoon a week or a few hours during the month. You'll receive training, and ITNGreaterTucson will arrange your driving assignments and routes around your schedule. You can even pick up a rider on your way to work and do a good deed before the day's begun!

All of us have a stake in helping to ensure that older adults and the visually impaired can remain active once they stop driving. Volunteers help older people stay connected to families, friends, and activities that bring meaning to their lives - and to yours.

Visit us online @ http://www.itngreatertucson.com/ride-with-us/volunteer-drive 

Health & Wellness Green Valley Holiday Gift Exchange Game!

We had a lot of fun at the

Health & Wellness Green Valley Holiday Gift Exchange Game!

 Larry Kempton, Owner of Homewatch Care Givers in Green Valley & Mark Dec, President of Friends in Deed

Pacifica Senior Living Tucson Holiday Party!

Pacifica Senior Living Memory Care

"Holiday Party"

December 12, 2014

Hats off to the entire Pacifica Senior Living Team for this Holiday Party Event!  We enjoyed amazing Food and Wine and Great Door Prizes too!  Thank you! 

 It was great to see everyone who was able to attend.

Dale Howard, Executive Director, Colleen Besore, Head Chef and Lisa Baricevic, Community Relations Director

DOOR PRIZE WINNERS!

Brianna Henderson, Associate Director of Harmony Hospice & Home Care, Thomas Stack, Liaison for PatientCare Advocates,

Rita Perez, Marketing Manager for Bayada Home Health

and Liz Olsen with SPOTLIGHT Senior Services!

Friends In Deed Fiesta Event in Green Valley

SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options Independent Marketing Representative Liz Olsen enjoyed the 

Friends in Deed 

"Fiesta Event in Green Valley!"

Saturday, December 6th
It was a wonderful event with great music, 

entertainment and food! The Craft Fair was a lot a fun!

Green Valley is a wonderfully unique community with a very generous spirit!  

We look forward to getting to know more of the Green Valley residents during our SPOTLIGHT Event on Thursday, February 5th, hosted by Prestige Senior Living & Co-Hosted by Homewatch Caregivers of Green Valley!

  

It was a delight to see so many SPOTLIGHT Members & Advertisers at this event!  Here is who joined in.....

Alice Nealon with Assurance Healthcare, SPOTLIGHT Advertiser

(See their ad on page 18 of our guide)

Maureen Shea with Better at Home, New SPOTLIGHT Member

Amy Curtis with Gentiva Hospice, SPOTLIGHT Advertiser

(See their ad on page 24 of the guide)

Adam Bliss with Right at Home, SPOTLIGHT Advertiser

(See their ad on page 21 of the guide)

Other Green Valley Fiesta Participants included.....

Bill McCreery with Casa Community Services in Green Valley

Dave & Francis Kipling with Keller Williams Realty ~ 

The Kipling Team

Volunteer from Valley Assistance Services

Volunteers with Dezee's Hands of a Friend

Terri Young with Santa Rita Home Health Care

Mary Kacmarcik with TeleCare

Thanks Everyone for making this event so wonderful!

We love to see everyone in the SPOTLIGHT!

IN THE SPOTLIGHT ~ ITN Greater Tucson

         We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser 
            in the Tucson SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & 
                         Living Options Guide.  
                     Welcome ITN Greater Tucson!

The transportation service we provide:

Dignified

The Independent Transportation Network® (ITN) is dignified. Older adults who join ITNGreaterTucson become dues-paying members of a non-profit organization 

committed to their independence and mobility. When they pick up the telephone to 

schedule a ride, they are not asking a favor. The transition from the driver's seat to the 

passenger seat is never easy - for the drivers or for their families - but it is infinitely 

easier when there is a viable transportation alternative that keeps the older adult in control.

Consumer Oriented
The Independent Transportation Network® (ITN) is dignified. Older adults who join ITNGreaterTucson become dues-paying members of a non-profit organization 
committed to their independence and mobility. When they pick up the telephone to 
schedule a ride, they are not asking a favor. The transition from the driver's seat to 
the passenger seat is never easy - for the drivers or for their families - but it is infinitely 
easier when there is a viable transportation alternative that keeps the older adult in control.

The ITNGreaterTucson service is also consumer oriented. We provide excellent
customer service with the arm-through-arm,door-through-door standard that
sets us apart from taxis.  Like using one's own automobile, the ITNGreaterTucson
service is available 24/7 and gives customers the flexibility to schedule their rides in
advance or as needed, as well as the option to ride alone or with others, as they
please, to destinations of their choice.

Characteristics of the Service

• Membership based - people 60 years and older (age eligibility varies by affiliate)
  and visually impaired adults are eligible to join
• Community based affiliates are supported by private, rather than public resources
• Affordable fares that are typically lower than a comparable taxi ride
• Available 7 days a week, 24 hours a day for any purpose
• Not "just a taxi" - drivers provide arm-through-arm, door-through-door service
  and help with packages
• No money is exchanged in the vehicle, and tips are not accepted
• Riders pre-fund a Personal Transportation Account™, and a monthly statement
   details all payments and charges
• Uses automobiles, rather than vans or buses
• Rides may be booked at any time, with discounts for advance notice
• Riders may travel alone or with others, with discounts for shared rides

Visit us online @ http://www.itngreatertucson.com/

Mobile Meals of Tucson Donations & Volunteers Needed!

A simple request at this busy time of year - Mobile Meals of Tucson needs your help. We've been delivering meals to homebound adults for 45  Julia (left) has been  delivering for 38 years years. A simple act, delivering a daily meal, has been keeping homebound adults independent and in their home since 1970. Not much has changed through the years. We still rely on volunteers to deliver meals, we still rely on medical facilities to cook the food, and we still rely on donations from people like you to make sure it happens each and every day. As a taxpayer in the state of Arizona, you have a powerful and simple tool to help Mobile Meals of Tucson - the Arizona Charitable Tax Credit. Donate Now It is easier than ever this year to realize a dollar-for-dollar tax credit.  You no longer have to itemize your deductions to utilize the tax credit, simply make a donation to Mobile Meals of Tucson up to $200 if you file a single tax return, or $400 if you file jointly.  The law requires that gifts be made to a Qualifying Charitable Organization (like Mobile Meals) and before the end of the calendar year (December 31, 2014). You must then claim the gift as a tax credit on your Arizona state tax return Form 321. Just a simple request. Will you help? Donate Now

We Need You! Or Your Friends, Family Members or Co-Workers! We can't do what we do without you!  We're always looking for volunteers able to donate maybe just a few hours a week, a few days a month. We need:  Drivers Client Interviewers Schedulers Office Help Professional Services (marketing, PR, accounting, etc.) Volunteers make sure that we continue to do the following: Deliver 100,000 meals a year Serve over 800 unique clients  Provide a social connection and safety net for frail, vulnerable adults, keeping them independent and in their homes Contact Jeanne Miller for all the details! 520-622-1600 Email

IN THE SPOTLIGHT ~ Starfish Care Homes

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser in the Tucson SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options Guide.  Welcome Starfish Care Homes!

Why Starfish?  This story is why we named our home Starfish...  An old man was walking down the beach just before dawn. In the distance he saw a young man picking up stranded starfish and throwing them back into the sea. As the old man approached the young man he asked, “Why do you spend so much energy doing what seems to be a waste of time?” The young man explained that the stranded starfish would die if left in the morning sun.  “There must be thousands of beaches and millions of starfish. How can your efforts make any difference?” exclaimed the old man. The young man looked down at the small starfish in his hand and as he threw it to safety in the sea he said, “It makes a difference to this one!”

Feel at Home in Assisted Living - Kris Silverman

I will soon graduate as a Nurse Practitioner and have many years of experience as a Critical Care Nurse. I’ve cared for hundreds of people and believe in treating patients and their families with dignity and respect.  Ben and I started Starfish Care Homes to create a better place for people who need 24-hour care, a home like we would want to live in. Priorities that are most important to us to make Starfish a safe, clean, professional, and special place that you and your family can trust to be the right choice are listed here.  I invite you to visit and experience how positive, warm and comfortable assisted living can be.

Our Destiny - Ben Silverman

Kris came home tired from her 12-hour Critical Care nursing shift. She just picked up a brisket that had to go in the oven right away. Kris needed it the next day for the husband of her patient who was depressed and not eating. That was when I knew we were destined to start a special kind of care home.

The Home:

We started with a home that Kris fell in love with, where we would love to live with our family, but it is even better suited for a care home.

Large 4700 square foot Luxury Home

Open, Comfortable Commons Areas

Newly updated Kitchen, Pantry and Laundry

Beautiful Catalina Foothills Neighborhood

Fully ADA Compatible

Large Rooms with Space for Personal Items

Caregivers:

We set high standards for people who honor and respect others and elders as the basis for working here. You will find the staff to be professional, competent, and most importantly caring people.

Experienced Nurse as Manager

Certified Caregivers

Individualized Care and Comfort

Staff Managed by Owners

Goals:

Considering 24-hour a day care can be a difficult decision. We expect to enhance the lives of people who live in our home.  Residents will improve in the following areas.

Nutrition and Diet

Daily Activities and Exercise

Socialization and Spirit

Overall Good Health

We provide the highest quality assisted living home care in Tucson AZ.  Starfish has two homes, Starfish River Hills and Starfish Old Spanish Trail.  Both homes have large rooms, beautiful views, full ADA compatibility, and 24-hour care.

Our River Hills Home is nestled in the Catalina Foothills, just north of River Road between Craycroft and Sabino Canyon.  The address is:

6611 E. River Hills Place, Tucson, AZ 85750

Our Old Spanish Trail Home is on a roomy two acre property located on the north side of Old Spanish Trail just northwest of 22nd and Harrision. The address is:

9251 E. Old Spanish Trail, Tucson, AZ 85710

Starfish Care Homes, LLC is owned by Ben and Kris Silverman.  Kris is a Family Nurse Practitioner specializing in Geriatrics, and Ben is an accomplished businessman who assists with the daily operation of the home and care of residents.

If you are considering assisted living for yourself or a loved one, please call or email us for more information.

Kris & Ben Silverman

Kris's Phone (520) 609-6478

Ben's Phone (520) 609-4693

info@starfishcarehomes.com

Visit Us Online 

http://www.starfishcarehomes.com/Home_Page.html 

IN THE SPOTLIGHT ~ Med Tech Systems, Inc.

We are pleased to announce our newest advertiser in the Tucson 

SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options Guide.  

Welcome Med Tech Systems, Inc!

 

Tools for Mature Living

Welcome to Med-Tech, Tools for Mature LivingSM. We specialize in home medical equipment and supplies, aids for daily living, and everything you need to live better as you live longer. Visit our store in Tucson, Arizona or simply browse our web store to find solutions for mobility, safety, and comfort. Growing older shouldn’t be any more challenging than it has to be. So we created Med-Tech, where we specialize in Tools for Mature Living. These are the tools people need to make life easier, whether it’s getting around, getting things done, taking care of medical issues, or just enjoying life a little more.  We’ve been helping people make the most of their Golden Years for more than a decade from our store in Tucson, Arizona. Now you can access our solutions for mobility, security, and day to day medical needs any time you like right on our website. We invite you to explore the products that make life better for people living a mature lifestyle, and for the people who care for them. You can reach us through the Customer Service page, and anytime our store is open for business, you can give us a call and speak with a product specialist. We are at your service, ready to help with whatever you need.   If you have questions, give us a call at 520-290-0337 (844-292-4319 toll-free) and speak with a product specialist. We've been family owned and operated for ten years, and we take great care of our customers. Every sale is backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee. All orders over $79 receive FREE SHIPPING.         Visit us online @  http://www.toolsformatureliving.com/

IN THE SPOTLIGHT ~ Atria Valley Manor

We are pleased to announce our newest advertisers in the Tucson 

SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options Guide.  

Welcome Atria Valley Manor!

An Exceptional Arizona Retirement Community with Senior Independent Living.

At Atria Valley Manor, you’ll enjoy a family-like atmosphere on five beautifully landscaped acres in Tucson, AZ. Our Arizona residents enjoy a wide variety of activities at this Tucson independent retirement community, including a walking club, daily group exercise classes, educational seminars and regular outings. 

We offer a choice of inviting senior apartments for independent living, and every garden home features large closets, a kitchen with modern appliances, ceiling fans and private patios.

Atria Valley Manor is close to the historic communities of Tombstone, Bisbee and Tubac. If you are exploring senior living in Tucson, Arizona, Atria Valley Manor is ready to serve your needs.

Services Include:

Concierge service

Emergency alert system

Restaurant with full table service

Scheduled transportation to local appointments, errands and events

Selection of floor plans

Amenities Include:

Engage Life® Events Program

Pet-friendly environment

Visit us online @ http://www.atriaseniorliving.com/atria-valley-manor-tucson-az.aspx?CommunityNumber=10272#Overview-tab

IN THE SPOTLIGHT ~ Atria Bell Court Gardens

We are pleased to announce our newest advertisers in the Tucson 

SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options Guide.  

Welcome Atria Bell Court Gardens!

Discover One of the Best Independent Living Communities in Tucson, AZ.

Surrounded by Tucson’s majestic mountains, Atria Bell Court Gardens offers resort-style living for active older adults. The community is housed in a magnificently restored, Mediterranean-style mansion that’s been a cherished feature of the local landscape for more than 80 years.

Amenities include a heated pool, spa, sunroom and outdoor kitchen. Each month, residents take advantage of a full calendar of engaging events including lectures, water aerobics, art classes and group outings to performances by the Tucson Pops Orchestra. The community is convenient to nearby shopping, dining and entertainment, and our residents and their four-legged friends appreciate our on-site, leash-free pet park.

Add to that 12 spacious apartment floor plans to choose from and staff available 24 hours a day, and Atria Bell Court Gardens ranks among the finest independent living communities in the area.

Services Include:

Concierge service

Emergency alert system

Restaurant with full table service

Scheduled transportation to local appointments, errands and events

Selection of floor plans

Trained staff available 24 hours a day

Amenities Include:

Cafe offering refreshments and lighter fare

Club and volunteer opportunities

Community computers

Engage Life® Events Program

Hot tub

Pet-friendly environment

Swimming pool

Worship space 

Visit us online @ http://www.atriaseniorliving.com/atria-bell-court-gardens-tucson-az.aspx?CommunityNumber=10342#Overview-tab

IN THE SPOTLIGHT ~ Atria Campana del Rio

We are pleased to announce our newest advertisers in the Tucson 

SPOTLIGHT Senior Services & Living Options Guide.  

Welcome Atria Campana del Rio!

Discover Exceptional Senior and Assisted Living in Tucson, AZ.

At Atria Campana del Rio, residents discover a welcoming senior living community nestled in the foothills of the Santa Catalina Mountains in Tucson, Arizona. The area’s Spanish-style architecture is reflected in the red-tile roofs and soft desert colors throughout each senior apartment and townhome. There's also an entertainment lounge, a movie theater, a chapel, and two full libraries to enable a more fulfilling retirement living experience.

While some retirement living communities satisfy either the need for relaxation or the need for stimulation, Atria Campana del Rio satisfies both. With a full calendar of social and cultural events – and the freedom to participate in as many or as few of them as they like – residents enjoy a complete assisted living experience at Atria Campana del Rio.

Services Include:

Concierge service

Emergency alert system

Housekeeping and linen services

Medication assistance

Restaurant with full table service

Retreat/temporary stays

Scheduled transportation to local appointments, errands and events

Selection of floor plans

Trained staff available 24 hours a day

Amenities Include:

Cafe offering refreshments and lighter fare

Club and volunteer opportunities

Community computers

Engage Life® Events Program

Pet-friendly environment

Worship space 

Visit us online @ http://www.atriaseniorliving.com/atria-campana-del-rio-tucson-az.aspx?CommunityNumber=10270#Overview-tab

What To Consider NOW When Hiring Home Care Services

Home care agencies can provide in-home care caregivers to consumers, or consumers can hire caregivers either privately or through the use of a registry, which refer self-employed caregivers. Home care agencies and consumers alike have traditionally been exempted by law from paying overtime to the caregivers they employ.

Several new laws will NOW (01/01/2015) impact that affordability. Family Home Care’s President, Donald Irish, was recently featured in the Council on Aging – Orange County Answers Guide. To read the full article click here.

Family Home Care is the legal employer of our entire caregiving team. Health professionals agree that the most important factor in selecting an in-home care agency is to select a company that services as the legal employer of the caregiver and thereby carries the associated legal and financial responsibilities.

The employer model home care agency shields families from legal liability and financial risk. Some home care companies hide the fact that they do not legally employee their caregivers, because this single factor has such broad and far reaching effects.

When you choose Family Home Care for your in-home care needs you can expect the following from our caregivers:
E-Verified W-2 Employees
All Caregivers are Background Checked & have Fingerprint Clearance through the State
Verified Drug & Alcohol Free Workplace
CPR Certified & TB Screened
Previous In-Home Caregiving Experience Verified
Provided with Ongoing & Specialized Training

·         In-House Skills Development Lab

·         80+ Hour Foundational Caregiving Training Program

·         Alzheimer’s & Memory Care Training

·         Hospice & Palliative Care Training

Covered by Extensive Safety Net

·         Workers’ Compensation Insurance

·         Bonded Against Theft/Dishonesty

·         General & Umbrella Liability Coverage

·         Compatibility Guarantee

Driving/Transport Services Provided
Caregiver’s License & Motor Vehicle Insurance Verified
Caregiver’s MVR/DMV Driving History Verified

Multilingual Care Team

·         Please inquire with your specific need

PLEASE ASK FOR AND EXPTEC THESE STANDARDS WHEN SELECTING AN IN-HOME CARE AGENCY.

Visit us online @ www.familyinhomecare.com