Should I Consent to My Ward/Loved One Getting Vaccinated?

Remember that you are obligated to consult your ward and apply the substituted judgment standard; that means making the decision based on their previously expressed wishes and values, not what you or their physician thinks is best for them.» Read More

In recent days, The New York Times has devoted several articles to the long-term care industry and its failure in the pandemic. (See “This Is Why Nursing Homes Failed So Badly,” “Nursing Home Patients Are Dying of Loneliness,” and “Push for Profits Left Nursing Homes Struggling to Provide Care.”)» Read More

As COVID cases surge again, many clients have expressed concerns about loved ones requiring long-term care. Families are naturally hesitant to consider facility placement. Facilities are definitely better prepared now than in the spring, and most have so far been able to keep cases under control.» Read More

The law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to present the Special Needs Spotlight Webinar Series. In this next session, “Understanding NJ Medicaid for Individuals With Disabilities,” Shana Siegel, a Member of the firm and Chair of its Elder Care & Special Needs Law Practice Group, was joined by Gwen Orlowski, Executive Director of Disability Rights New Jersey.» Read More

The impact of COVID-19 has disproportionately affected New Jersey seniors living in long-term care facilities. Nearly half of the state’s deaths were residents of these facilities, and nursing homes remain under strict lockdown. I have mourned the loss of clients and listened as families shared devastating stories of death, sudden and drastic decline, and isolation.» Read More

The law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to present the Special Needs Spotlight Webinar Series. In this session, “Guardianship and Supported Decision-Making,” A. Nichole Cipriani, a Member of the firm, was joined by Elizabeth McKenna, CFP and Chartered Special Needs Consultant at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.» Read More

The law firm Norris McLaughlin, P.A., is pleased to present the second session of the Special Needs Spotlight Webinar Series, “Integrating Financial & Legal Planning for Families with a Child with a Disability.” Shana Siegel, a Member of the firm and Chair of its Elder Care & Special Needs Law Practice Group, and Elizabeth McKenna, CFP and Chartered Special Needs Consultant at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, spoke on financial, estate, and other legal planning for families with children with special needs.» Read More

One of the hardest things for us to talk about is planning for end-of-life care. This includes appointing fiduciary roles to make decisions concerning health care and expressing wishes regarding life-prolonging measures and treatment. Unfortunately, most people wait too long before consulting an elder law attorney about estate planning and health care documents, which may be costly.» Read More

My symptoms for the suspected COVID-19 illness began three weeks ago with a fever, fatigue, nausea, and a loss of my sense of smell and taste. While I was one of the extremely fortunate patients who ultimately did not struggle with shortness of breath, the fear that I could become short of breath at any moment was real and the anxiety almost crippling at times.» Read More

Did you know that 92% of Americans believe it is important to discuss their end-of-life wishes with their loved ones? Yet, how many have done so? Only 32%.

» Read More