While the gentleman didn’t have a lot of money, he did have a large IRA. These ladies
sought counsel from other folks who weren’t board certified in Elder Law. Nor did they
offer this family a solution which was pretty easy to see.

Medicaid has special rules for the treatment of IRA’s and other qualified money. The
money doesn’t have to be spent down nor does it have to be cashed in. It can be made an
exempt asset for Medicaid purposes simply by following the rules.

Had they not been referred to me, this family would have cashed in the husband’s IRA
incurring unnecessary tax consequences. They also would not have applied for benefits
which can help pay for his care in a nursing home. It is important to consult with a board
certified Elder Law Attorney to learn the facts about how to pay for long term care.

My typical client is a 45-year-old working mother or father of two who juggles a career with parenting. This client comes into my office with piles and piles of paperwork. They take a few moments to sort through their personal mail, children’s report cards and latest proposal from work. A few minutes into the chaotic shuffling, they finally land upon that one paper I need to see during our Medicaid Planning consultation: their aging father’s Durable Power of Attorney.

This is my client. A member of the “Sandwich Generation”; taking care of their aging parents while also taking care of their own children. The daily emotional stress of taking care of an aging parent, mixed with the added stressors of your personal life, is a lot for anyone to take. JetBlue Flight Attendant Steven Slater is no different.

Mr. Slater, who had been caring for his father and recently found out his mother had cancer, snapped. He lashed out in a moment of emotional stress. Being the sole caretaker to two sick parents had finally worn him down. In my practice, I see this all too often. People don’t ask for help. They don’t seek counsel. They believe they are in this alone.

On top of caring for aging parents emotionally and physically, there is the added financial burden. Parents of the “Sandwich Generation” lost key assets in the latest economic downfall. It’s up to the children to be there with financial support. If you couple this with the fact everyone is worried about maintaining employment in this economy, then you have a recipe for a tarmac meltdown. Perhaps that same pressure is what led the individual onboard Mr. Slater’s flight to berate him in the first place. Everyone in the “Sandwich Generation” at one time or another has wanted to shoot out of an exit door and escape from it all.

Mr. Slater’s actions will more than likely lead to his unemployment and a potential criminal record. Before his reality becomes yours, please know there are resources to help. For those caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or dementia, contact the Alzheimer’s Resource Center at 407-843-1910 for education and support. There are many home health agencies which have qualified, licensed and bonded professionals to help you care for your loved one in your home. For qualified Veterans, contact the Veterans’ Administration to learn what benefits are available to you.

Reach out before you lash out.