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May 2016
Contact Us             What We Do             Get to Know Us             Resources
IN THIS ISSUE
Mental Health Awareness Week
Older Americans Month
Estate Recovery Update
How to Appoint
 
Mental Health Awareness Week
This year, Mental Health Awareness Week takes place 
 from May 16th to the 22nd and focuses its theme on 'Relationships'. Why relationships? Because good relationships are essential in maintaining good mental health. May also is recognized as Mental Health Month in general by Mental Health America.

Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. The focus is to bring awareness to mental illness and fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for equal care.

These issues are important to address year round, but highlighting these issues during Mental Health Awareness Week provides a time for people to come together and display the passion and strength of those working to improve the lives of the tens of millions of Americans affected by mental illness.

For more information or to learn how to get involved visit here or here!

Elder Law Solutions will also be walking again in the NAMI Walk on May 14th as team Mental Health for Everyone. To join our team or donate click here!

  
Older Americans Month
May is also when we celebrate Older Americans Month, acknowledging the perennial contributions of older adults to our communities. The theme for 2016 Older Americans Month is 'Blaze a Trail'. The purpose is to use this opportunity to raise awareness about important issues facing older adults by highlighting the ways that older Americans are advocating for themselves, their peers, and their communities. Be a trailblazer! Join us in promoting activities, inclusion, and wellness for older Americans in your community!
Estate Recovery Update
Last week, we reported on the successful campaign to remove expanded estate recovery from the Fiscal Year 2017 state budget. We need your help again! Governor Baker's administration is planning to cut the Health Safety Net, a fund set up to help pay for health services for certain low income uninsured and underinsured individuals, on June 1st. Seniors with incomes between $16,000 and $25,000 who rely on this program will face an additional $500 deductible. These seniors already pay thousands out-of-pocket for Medicare premiums and copayments and cannot afford even higher healthcare costs. Tell Governor Baker not to cut the Health Safety Net by calling 617.725.4005 or by sending an email. For more information, please contact the Massachusetts Senior Action Council.
How to Name Someone to Administer Your Estate After You Pass Away
When it comes time to sit down and create or update your estate plan, an essential aspect of this process is to appoint someone to oversee the administration of your estate after you pass away. The person in charge of an estate administration is referred to as a personal representative, also known as an executor. Choosing the right person for this job is not always obvious or easy. Once you make this difficult decision, however, it is crucial to ensure that you appoint him or her properly in order to ensure that your wishes are met. Click here to read more! 
  
At Elder Law Solutions we concentrate our practice in estate, long-term care and special needs planning. We are located on the North Shore and have a strong commitment to client service.  If you have questions about these or other legal matters, do not hesitate to contact us by e-mail by clicking here or by calling us at (978) 465- 5407.


Elder Law Solutions
Margot G. Birke, Esq.                                        www.elderlaw-solutions.com
One Harris Street                                              info@elderlaw-solutions.com
Newburyport, MA 01950
(978) 465- 5407