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Because reports of elder financial abuse continue to rise, the California Legislature enacted the Donative Transfer Restriction Statute. It ensures the validity of written gifts – also called donative transfers – made to people who provide older adults with legal advice, personal care or other support. The statute’s purpose: Eliminate gifting that may heighten accusations of undue influence or financial fraud.

As part of the normal aging process, many people need assistance with specific types of care. This might mean help with bathing, dressing, preparing meals and accessing transportation. It might also include finding medical services, social orientation and psychological support. A geriatric care manager or GCM is a human service professional who assists individual older adults in meeting their care needs.

Many older adults hire GCMs to do the following:

In 2011, 2.5 million baby boomers – those born between 1946 and 1964 - will become “senior citizens.” For many, Social Security, Medicare and veteran benefits will provide special tools and options:

Social Security Retirement

Question: Why does my doctor want me to bring all my medications to my scheduled wellness exam.

Answer: By reviewing all your medications – both prescription and over-the-counter drugs – your doctor can better work with you in preparing your personal health plan.

Because the risks of developing eye diseases often increase as we age, it is very important that everyone aged 60 and above has a yearly eye exam with either an optometrist or ophthalmologist.

An optometrist is licensed to examine, diagnose and treat common eye conditions and diseases, and prescribe proper glasses and contact lenses.  An ophthalmologist is a physician who specializes in eye and vision care, as well as extensive medical and surgical treatments should their needs arise.

Because current costs for nursing-home care are incredibly high, more and more Californians are seeking financial support through Medi-Cal. Those who are eligible can receive the equivalent of a no-interest loan.  With it, Medi-Cal pays a portion of the patient’s monthly nursing home fees, while the patient’s continued income defines his or her monthly deductible or share of cost.

As people age, many find themselves needing help with routine types of care – getting dressed, bathing, preparing meals or keeping the household clean. Although many older adults either rely on family members or friends or hire at-home care providers, others move to Residential-Care Facilities for the Elderly or RCFEs. 

California law defines RCFEs as housing arrangements for people aged 60 and above who need assistance with personal care or non-medical health-related services. Licensed RCFEs must provide their residents with:

Question: The person I just hired to provide in-home care was referred by an agency. Since I’ll pay her directly, will I need to make payroll deductions?

Answer: California law says the person hiring the household worker becomes the employer if the employment agency's only involvement is employee placement. So people who hire caretakers, domestic workers, drivers, health aides, housekeepers or private nurses must make payroll deductions and pay required taxes.

Here are the major financial responsibilities:

In California, when someone dies intestate – without a valid will – the right to inherit automatically passes to the closest surviving relatives, also known as next-of-kin. If the decedent left a valid will, living trust or life insurance policy, chosen beneficiaries trump rules of intestacy.