F.A.Q.
Leslie M. Stern
Leslie M. Stern Design
Yes, I feel it is very useful to start with a Home Safety Assessment of one’s home to be able to access any issues that might prevent one from “aging in place”. I spend the time going thru both the interior and exterior of the home looking for any safety flaws. Some of them may include lack of lighting, uneven flooring, accessible issues with the bathroom, kitchen and stairs among a few. A written report is completed and shared with the loved one, family and any support. This becomes the template or blueprint for the scope of work of modifications to be made to enable one to be able to stay in their home. After the report is reviewed the family can either have me complete the modifications with my resources or utilize their connections.
If a bathroom, for example, is unsafe and not supportive of one’s family member it can be either demo or corrected so that the room becomes an accessible space. Some of these modifications can include adding or replacing lighting, high rise toilets, creating a walk in shower, adding a hand held shower device, a seat in a shower or thermostatically controlled valves so one doesn’t burn themselves when turning on the water in the shower, sink or bath
These modifications mentioned above can appeal to anyone from age 2 to 102. They are universally desired whether you are purchasing a new home or moving into an older one. Whether you have a young child at home or living with your parents. Having safety conscious devices can make a bathroom timeless, safe, functional and aesthetically pleasing for years to come. They will add value to the your home and make it more desirable for the next family to move in. You will be ahead of your competition.
Faith Avner
Shalom Memorial Park / Randhill Park Cemetery
Tell them you are planning your own arrangements and ask if they would like you to include them.
Yes, the money is placed in a simple whole life insurance policy in the intended’s name. The money belongs to the insured until the time it is needed, and then the funeral home handles all of the arrangements to fund the funeral with the dollars in the policy. The goods and services are guaranteed, and the funeral home takes the risk in the growth of the policy.
There are no guarantees (like above) that the dollars will be there in the future, and if it is not pre-funded via an arrangement with the funeral home, the family pays the future costs of the funeral not the current costs.
And…they also then are obligated to make arrangements at a time of crisis, instead of a time when they can think clearly.
Ifaat Bosse, CPA
Bottom Line Financial, Inc.
Daily money managers (DMM) offer assurance that the tasks of daily money management are completed on time.
- Older adults
- Busy professionals
- People with disabilities
- High net worth individuals
- Frequent travelers
- Military personnel
- Paying bills so that bills get paid on time
- Balancing checkbooks so clients know balance in their accounts
- Banking including preparing and delivering bank deposits
- Organizing tax documents and other paperwork
- Calls to payees regarding incorrect bills and negotiating with creditors
DMMs help people maintain their independence longer by assisting clients with their day to day finances. For example, DMMs assist with bill payment by preparing the check for client signature.
Most DMMs carry Errors and Omissions insurance. If DMMs choose to act as a Power of Attorney, they have Errors and Omissions insurance with additional fiduciary coverage.
Kathy Kennedy
Presbyterian Homes
Medicare A covers the cost of skilled nursing on a short-term basis if:
- You have Medicare A and you have days left in your benefit period
- You have a qualifying inpatient hospital stay
- Your MD has decided you need daily skilled care based on your qualifying medical condition
- Services are provided in a Medicare-certified facility like Westminster Place skilled nursing
Yes, we accept direct admissions from outside our community and all our rooms are private.
Prior to your discharge we’ll develop a plan that determines any equipment needs, outpatient therapy or in-home services you may require.
Long term nursing care, respite care and memory care programs.
Jacki Kimel
North Shore Village Network
North Shore Village Network is a member-driven, grass roots membership organization for seniors who want to age in place and stay engaged and active. It is part of a national movement of about 300 Villages. The concept has continued to grow and expand since the first Village was created in Boston in 2002.
There are social events, such as pot-lucks, sing-alongs, coffees, birthday parties and walking groups.
There are ongoing educational programs, such as memoir writing, play reading, current events, and technology classes. Then there are individual lectures, such as Recreational Cannabis, Medicare, New Tax Laws, book reviews, etc.
North Shore Village Network offers volunteer services to one membership level. These include, driving, friendly visitors, small household chores, technology help, etc. There are many opportunities for members to volunteer, but that is not a condition of membership. Non-members may also volunteer.
There are ongoing educational programs, such as memoir writing, play reading, current events, and technology classes. Then there are individual lectures, such as Recreational Cannabis, Medicare, New Tax Laws, book reviews, etc.
North Shore Village Network offers volunteer services to one membership level. These include, driving, friendly visitors, small household chores, technology help, etc. There are many opportunities for members to volunteer, but that is not a condition of membership. Non-members may also volunteer.
Members live anywhere they choose, in communities which include Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Skokie, Glenview, Northbrook and Chicago’s northside.
North Shore Village Network uses community libraries, members’ homes and available meeting spaces across the geographic area served.
Yes, there is a two-tiered dues structure. There is a Social Membership, which entitles members to attend any and all programs for no charge. There is a Full Membership which, in addition to programs, makes members eligible to receive volunteer services.
Allison J. List, LCSW, PC
Allison J. List, LCSW, PC
Northern Cook County and Lake County.
- Coping with a life-limiting illness
- Adjustment to a new phase in life and/or new living environment
- Completion of advance directives — defining what makes your or your loved one’s life meaningful and filling out the appropriate paperwork to communicate your wishes
- Grief after the loss of a loved one(s)
- Persistent feelings of anxiety or sadness
- Relationship problems
- Sleep disturbances
A home health social worker has to be ordered by a physician, can only visit while the visiting nurse or physical therapist is involved, and works for the home health agency. I don’t require a doctor’s order, and I am my own professional services corporation.
A geriatric care manager provides more comprehensive assistance with the concrete aspects of planning and managing care needs and may plan for you when you are not present. I am a social worker who does counseling with the primary goal of improving my clients’ emotional well-being. My work occurs during a 50-minute face-to-face session where you live, and it is covered by Medicare Part B. Medicare does not cover geriatric care management.
After a 30-minute complimentary introduction phone call, we will set up a face-to-face meeting in which we will set goals together. Most clients are seen once per week, but frequency can be flexible. Counseling is a process, and that process is different for each person. Counseling continues until the set goals have been met.
Daniellah Salario
ASSISTING HANDS HOME CARE
Finding a reliable and trustworthy caregiver can be overwhelming. Working with an agency like Assisting Hands Home Care takes the guesswork out of the process. We carefully screen and hire all our caregivers to ensure the best match for each client, offering families peace of mind.
Additional benefits of working with a home care agency include:
- Concierge Service: We recruit, screen, and train caregivers daily, using our experience to find the best fit for your family’s specific needs.
- Backup Care: If a caregiver is unable to attend a scheduled shift, we provide a qualified replacement to ensure consistent coverage.
- Specialized Care: Our caregivers are trained to support individuals with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other conditions that require special skills or assistance with mobility.
- Streamlined Billing: We manage payroll, taxes, and employment verification for all caregivers.
- Personal Injury Protection: Our caregivers are insured and bonded. This protects against theft or injury and provides access to worker’s compensation.
Absolutely! Ongoing professional development is central to our mission of elevating the caregiving profession.
Our caregivers undergo annual training that covers a wide range of conditions, including strokes, Parkinson’s disease, and dementia. All training is led by a Certified Dementia Practitioner, ensuring that our staff understands both the physical and emotional needs of clients.
Caregivers are trained to:
- Provide personal care, bathing, and toileting
- Assist with mobility and transfers
- Respond to emergencies
- Identify and report abuse
- Recognize signs of a stroke
Yes. Assisting Hands Home Care is fully licensed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), ensuring compliance with state-mandated caregiver training, intake procedures, supervision standards, and scope of care. We provide insurance, oversight, and protections in accordance with IDPH requirements.
Yes. Assisting Hands is a preferred provider for the VA. We take our role as a trusted community care provider seriously. Contact your local VA office to learn more about eligibility and next steps.
Respite care allows professional caregivers to share responsibilities, giving family members a break while ensuring consistent, compassionate care for their loved ones. It’s a healthy, supportive solution that promotes balance for everyone involved.
Alan E. Sohn
Law Offices of Alan E. Sohn Chartered
Most people need a will in order to provide for the passing of their assets following their death, as well as to name their executors and the guardians of the estates and persons of their minor children.
State law will determine the division of your property among your heirs. If you have children, your spouse will receive one half of your estate and your children will receive one half divided in equal shares between and among them. There may be a conflict among your heirs as to who should be your executor, and if your spouse does not survive you, who should be the guardian of your children.
As an Illinois resident, persons with estates having a value of in excess of $4 million will pay estate taxes on the excess amount. However, if the person dies with a surviving spouse, any amount which qualifies for the marital deduction that is provided for the surviving spouse will be deducted from the amount of the taxable estate. There is a federal estate tax which is assessed against estates in excess of $11.18 million. The federal estate tax also includes a marital deduction for any amount left to the surviving spouse which qualifies for the marital deduction.
No, a will does not avoid probate. However, if a person has a will, the probate can be much less costly if certain provisions are included in the will.
The cost of the will is dependent upon the specific needs and desires of the person making the will. Usually, after an initial consultation the cost can be determined.
A very effective way of avoiding probate is to create a living trust. There are other ways to avoid probate which are dependent upon an individual’s choices.
There are many different types of trusts. The most common type of trust is a living trust. A living trust is a document which sets forth the terms and provisions concerning the management and distribution of a person’s assets during the person’s lifetime and upon the person’s death. Usually, the person who creates the trust is also the initial trustee of the trust. Therefore, that person continues to maintain control over the her/his assets as if they were registered in that person’s name.
That is a question that should be taken up with your attorney.
Tenancy by the entirety is a means of holding title to residential property in which married people reside. It is only available to married persons. If a married couple holds title to their home as tenants by the entirety then judgment creditors are not able to satisfy a judgment against only one of the married persons.
Under Illinois law, the surviving joint tenant of a bank account becomes the sole owner of the account upon the death of one of the joint tenants. Unless the surviving joint tenant agrees to share equally with his or her siblings, the other children will need to go to court in order to prove that the account was set up in joint tenancy as a convenience. The presumption is against such a finding, but it is rebutted upon clear and convincing evidence, which is tantamount to the criminal standard of beyond a reasonable doubt.
The proceeds of life insurance policy are not ordinarily subject to income taxes. However, they are added to a person’s estate for Illinois and federal estate tax purposes and may be subject to such taxes.
An executor manages the estate of the decedent through probate.
Someone who you trust implicitly and who is familiar with financial matters.
Sherwin Weisman
North Suburban Hearing Service
There are a few ways to test yourself to see if you have difficulty hearing. If you have trouble following conversations, others complain the T.V is too loud, you say “what” frequently, misunderstand people or have been exposed to noise through job or recreation, you may want to consider having a hearing evaluation.
The best way to determine if you need hearing aids is to first see if you have a hearing loss. By completing a hearing evaluation, the audiologist can determine the type of hearing loss and provide advice for any type of hearing aid.
We suggest scheduling periodic appointments for cleaning and checking the hearing aids to insure the hearing aids are clear of dirt and debris. We also check your ear canals to be sure they are wax free.
Caring for your hearing aids entails keeping them in a dry place, changing the batteries when needed, and making sure they are free of wax.
F.A.Q.
Leslie M. Stern
Leslie M. Stern Design
Yes, I feel it is very useful to start with a Home Safety Assessment of one’s home to be able to access any issues that might prevent one from “aging in place”. I spend the time going thru both the interior and exterior of the home looking for any safety flaws. Some of them may include lack of lighting, uneven flooring, accessible issues with the bathroom, kitchen and stairs among a few. A written report is completed and shared with the loved one, family and any support. This becomes the template or blueprint for the scope of work of modifications to be made to enable one to be able to stay in their home. After the report is reviewed the family can either have me complete the modifications with my resources or utilize their connections.
If a bathroom, for example, is unsafe and not supportive of one’s family member it can be either demo or corrected so that the room becomes an accessible space. Some of these modifications can include adding or replacing lighting, high rise toilets, creating a walk in shower, adding a hand held shower device, a seat in a shower or thermostatically controlled valves so one doesn’t burn themselves when turning on the water in the shower, sink or bath
These modifications mentioned above can appeal to anyone from age 2 to 102. They are universally desired whether you are purchasing a new home or moving into an older one. Whether you have a young child at home or living with your parents. Having safety conscious devices can make a bathroom timeless, safe, functional and aesthetically pleasing for years to come. They will add value to the your home and make it more desirable for the next family to move in. You will be ahead of your competition.
Faith Avner
Shalom Memorial Park / Randhill Park Cemetery
Tell them you are planning your own arrangements and ask if they would like you to include them.
Yes, the money is placed in a simple whole life insurance policy in the intended’s name. The money belongs to the insured until the time it is needed, and then the funeral home handles all of the arrangements to fund the funeral with the dollars in the policy. The goods and services are guaranteed, and the funeral home takes the risk in the growth of the policy.
There are no guarantees (like above) that the dollars will be there in the future, and if it is not pre-funded via an arrangement with the funeral home, the family pays the future costs of the funeral not the current costs.
And…they also then are obligated to make arrangements at a time of crisis, instead of a time when they can think clearly.
Ifaat Bosse, CPA
Bottom Line Financial, Inc.
Daily money managers (DMM) offer assurance that the tasks of daily money management are completed on time.
- Older adults
- Busy professionals
- People with disabilities
- High net worth individuals
- Frequent travelers
- Military personnel
- Paying bills so that bills get paid on time
- Balancing checkbooks so clients know balance in their accounts
- Banking including preparing and delivering bank deposits
- Organizing tax documents and other paperwork
- Calls to payees regarding incorrect bills and negotiating with creditors
DMMs help people maintain their independence longer by assisting clients with their day to day finances. For example, DMMs assist with bill payment by preparing the check for client signature.
Most DMMs carry Errors and Omissions insurance. If DMMs choose to act as a Power of Attorney, they have Errors and Omissions insurance with additional fiduciary coverage.
Gayle Byck, PhD, BCPA
InTune Health Advocates, LLC
An independent patient advocate is someone who works for you. We are not paid by insurance companies, hospitals, or health care systems. Therefore, we can put your interests first.
An independent patient advocate will help you navigate the health care system and be an additional set of eyes and ears. Because, every situation is different, it’s important to have an advocate who listens to you and understands your unique situation. We will then take action to help you meet your needs and achieve your goals. We can save you time and money, connect you to resources, provide peace of mind, and help you feel more empowered and in control of your health care.
- We work with you, your loved ones, and your health care team to support you in your health care journey.
- We aim to reduce the noise and confusion you are experiencing to help you get the answers, services, and care that you need.
- We listen to what your needs are, educate you about your options, and empower you as you move through the health care system.
- We do not: replace your health care providers, offer medical advice, or offer legal advice.
- Better communication and coordination with health care providers
- Preparing for and accompanying you to physician appointments
- Managing transitions between hospital, rehab/skilled nursing facilities, and home
- Understanding a diagnosis and finding credible health information
- Questions about insurance benefits, denials, and appeals
- Making phone calls and keeping track of paperwork
- Identifying community resources and support
- Researching and understanding options for treatment and services
- Keeping family members informed about your care, as appropriate
- Discussing end-of-life planning
- Conflict resolution and facilitated family discussions
- Additional services
Eileen just received a serious diagnosis. She can’t think straight. She isn’t sure what questions to ask at her upcoming doctor appointment or how to evaluate different treatment options.
We met with Eileen to prepare for her appointment, accompanied her to her appointment, made sure her questions were answered and that she understood her diagnosis and treatment options, and assisted her with next steps and understanding her insurance benefits.
Diane is juggling a full-time job, raising two young children, and caring for her frail mother. She is overwhelmed and needs guidance in finding options and developing a plan for her aging mom.
We helped Diane identify and access resources that helped her in her role as a caregiver for her mom.
Jack is worried about transitioning home from the hospital. He’s stressed, tired, and scared – but he wants to avoid another hospitalization.
We met with Jack and the discharge planner, then met again with him at home to make sure he understood the discharge plan and what signs and symptoms to be on alert for, scheduled and accompanied him to follow-up appointments, and arranged for support services (transportation, help with errands) while he was recovering.
Bob has cancer and is frustrated because his insurance company denied coverage for a treatment, claiming that it is considered experimental. His research shows that it is not experimental.
We researched Bob’s diagnosis and preferred treatment, developed a case for why the treatment was not experimental, wrote an appeal letter to the insurance company, and followed up throughout the process.
We met with Eileen to prepare for her appointment, accompanied her to her appointment, made sure her questions were answered and that she understood her diagnosis and treatment options, and assisted her with next steps and understanding her insurance benefits.
Diane is juggling a full-time job, raising two young children, and caring for her frail mother. She is overwhelmed and needs guidance in finding options and developing a plan for her aging mom.
We helped Diane identify and access resources that helped her in her role as a caregiver for her mom.
Jack is worried about transitioning home from the hospital. He’s stressed, tired, and scared – but he wants to avoid another hospitalization.
We met with Jack and the discharge planner, then met again with him at home to make sure he understood the discharge plan and what signs and symptoms to be on alert for, scheduled and accompanied him to follow-up appointments, and arranged for support services (transportation, help with errands) while he was recovering.
Bob has cancer and is frustrated because his insurance company denied coverage for a treatment, claiming that it is considered experimental. His research shows that it is not experimental.
We researched Bob’s diagnosis and preferred treatment, developed a case for why the treatment was not experimental, wrote an appeal letter to the insurance company, and followed up throughout the process.
Kathy Kennedy
Presbyterian Homes
Medicare A covers the cost of skilled nursing on a short-term basis if:
- You have Medicare A and you have days left in your benefit period
- You have a qualifying inpatient hospital stay
- Your MD has decided you need daily skilled care based on your qualifying medical condition
- Services are provided in a Medicare-certified facility like Westminster Place skilled nursing
Yes, we accept direct admissions from outside our community and all our rooms are private.
Prior to your discharge we’ll develop a plan that determines any equipment needs, outpatient therapy or in-home services you may require.
Long term nursing care, respite care and memory care programs.
Jacki Kimel
North Shore Village Network
North Shore Village Network is a member-driven, grass roots membership organization for seniors who want to age in place and stay engaged and active. It is part of a national movement of about 300 Villages. The concept has continued to grow and expand since the first Village was created in Boston in 2002.
There are social events, such as pot-lucks, sing-alongs, coffees, birthday parties and walking groups.
There are ongoing educational programs, such as memoir writing, play reading, current events, and technology classes. Then there are individual lectures, such as Recreational Cannabis, Medicare, New Tax Laws, book reviews, etc.
North Shore Village Network offers volunteer services to one membership level. These include, driving, friendly visitors, small household chores, technology help, etc. There are many opportunities for members to volunteer, but that is not a condition of membership. Non-members may also volunteer.
There are ongoing educational programs, such as memoir writing, play reading, current events, and technology classes. Then there are individual lectures, such as Recreational Cannabis, Medicare, New Tax Laws, book reviews, etc.
North Shore Village Network offers volunteer services to one membership level. These include, driving, friendly visitors, small household chores, technology help, etc. There are many opportunities for members to volunteer, but that is not a condition of membership. Non-members may also volunteer.
Members live anywhere they choose, in communities which include Evanston, Wilmette, Winnetka, Skokie, Glenview, Northbrook and Chicago’s northside.
North Shore Village Network uses community libraries, members’ homes and available meeting spaces across the geographic area served.
Yes, there is a two-tiered dues structure. There is a Social Membership, which entitles members to attend any and all programs for no charge. There is a Full Membership which, in addition to programs, makes members eligible to receive volunteer services.
Allison J. List, LCSW, PC
Allison J. List, LCSW, PC
Northern Cook County and Lake County.
- Coping with a life-limiting illness
- Adjustment to a new phase in life and/or new living environment
- Completion of advance directives — defining what makes your or your loved one’s life meaningful and filling out the appropriate paperwork to communicate your wishes
- Grief after the loss of a loved one(s)
- Persistent feelings of anxiety or sadness
- Relationship problems
- Sleep disturbances
A home health social worker has to be ordered by a physician, can only visit while the visiting nurse or physical therapist is involved, and works for the home health agency. I don’t require a doctor’s order, and I am my own professional services corporation.
A geriatric care manager provides more comprehensive assistance with the concrete aspects of planning and managing care needs and may plan for you when you are not present. I am a social worker who does counseling with the primary goal of improving my clients’ emotional well-being. My work occurs during a 50-minute face-to-face session where you live, and it is covered by Medicare Part B. Medicare does not cover geriatric care management.
After a 30-minute complimentary introduction phone call, we will set up a face-to-face meeting in which we will set goals together. Most clients are seen once per week, but frequency can be flexible. Counseling is a process, and that process is different for each person. Counseling continues until the set goals have been met.
Alan E. Sohn
Law Offices of Alan E. Sohn Chartered
Most people need a will in order to provide for the passing of their assets following their death, as well as to name their executors and the guardians of the estates and persons of their minor children.
State law will determine the division of your property among your heirs. If you have children, your spouse will receive one half of your estate and your children will receive one half divided in equal shares between and among them. There may be a conflict among your heirs as to who should be your executor, and if your spouse does not survive you, who should be the guardian of your children.
As an Illinois resident, persons with estates having a value of in excess of $4 million will pay estate taxes on the excess amount. However, if the person dies with a surviving spouse, any amount which qualifies for the marital deduction that is provided for the surviving spouse will be deducted from the amount of the taxable estate. There is a federal estate tax which is assessed against estates in excess of $11.18 million. The federal estate tax also includes a marital deduction for any amount left to the surviving spouse which qualifies for the marital deduction.
No, a will does not avoid probate. However, if a person has a will, the probate can be much less costly if certain provisions are included in the will.
The cost of the will is dependent upon the specific needs and desires of the person making the will. Usually, after an initial consultation the cost can be determined.
A very effective way of avoiding probate is to create a living trust. There are other ways to avoid probate which are dependent upon an individual’s choices.
There are many different types of trusts. The most common type of trust is a living trust. A living trust is a document which sets forth the terms and provisions concerning the management and distribution of a person’s assets during the person’s lifetime and upon the person’s death. Usually, the person who creates the trust is also the initial trustee of the trust. Therefore, that person continues to maintain control over the her/his assets as if they were registered in that person’s name.
That is a question that should be taken up with your attorney.
Tenancy by the entirety is a means of holding title to residential property in which married people reside. It is only available to married persons. If a married couple holds title to their home as tenants by the entirety then judgment creditors are not able to satisfy a judgment against only one of the married persons.
Under Illinois law, the surviving joint tenant of a bank account becomes the sole owner of the account upon the death of one of the joint tenants. Unless the surviving joint tenant agrees to share equally with his or her siblings, the other children will need to go to court in order to prove that the account was set up in joint tenancy as a convenience. The presumption is against such a finding, but it is rebutted upon clear and convincing evidence, which is tantamount to the criminal standard of beyond a reasonable doubt.
The proceeds of life insurance policy are not ordinarily subject to income taxes. However, they are added to a person’s estate for Illinois and federal estate tax purposes and may be subject to such taxes.
An executor manages the estate of the decedent through probate.
Someone who you trust implicitly and who is familiar with financial matters.
Sherwin Weisman
North Suburban Hearing Service
There are a few ways to test yourself to see if you have difficulty hearing. If you have trouble following conversations, others complain the T.V is too loud, you say “what” frequently, misunderstand people or have been exposed to noise through job or recreation, you may want to consider having a hearing evaluation.
The best way to determine if you need hearing aids is to first see if you have a hearing loss. By completing a hearing evaluation, the audiologist can determine the type of hearing loss and provide advice for any type of hearing aid.
We suggest scheduling periodic appointments for cleaning and checking the hearing aids to insure the hearing aids are clear of dirt and debris. We also check your ear canals to be sure they are wax free.
Caring for your hearing aids entails keeping them in a dry place, changing the batteries when needed, and making sure they are free of wax.
