Page 39 - December 2019 Bar Journal

ELDER LAW FEATURE

retain up to $127,061 (as of December 2018).
The yearly household income must be less
than the amount set by Congress to qualify
for the pension benefit (currently $26,766 for
a married veteran who qualifies for aid and
attendance). Recent changes to the VA rules
have resulted in a three-year “lookback” period
for gifts or asset transfers.
3. Medicaid. Medicaid is available to low-
income and low-resourced individuals who

require long-term care (whether such care is Celebrating Women & INSPIRE Awards
at home, in an assisted living or in a nursing
home). A single individual may have no more As recognized throughout the annual conference, INSPIRE honorees are innovators,
than $2,000 in countable resources. A married entrepreneurs, and influencers for an engaging exchange about the most important issues of our
couple may retain the home, one car, and time, translating their ideas into action that chart the course for the future. It celebrates those
the community spouse resource allowance women as a source of inspiration and support that connects and empowers women, helping them
(generally calculated as one-half of the couples to realize their potential and reach new heights.
combined resources subject to a maximum Programs support learning, networking, inspiration, team-building, and career advice for advancing
threshold of $126,420 ). There is also an your career, growing your organization’s business, and transforming the industry.
2
income cap of $2,313 per month. Individuals
whose income exceeds this threshold must Recipients from the CMBA/WIL Section include: Karen Giffen on behalf of the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland,
Mary Jane Trapp, Thrasher Dinsmore Dolan LLP/ Judge for the 11th Ohio District Court of Appeals;
establish a Qualified Income Trust prior to Allison McMeechan, Reminger Co., L.P.A.; and Caroline Gluek, Northern Trust. Founder Lee Ann O’Brien,
applying for Medicaid. And, finally, Medicaid CMBF Trustee and WIL section member (second from left).
has a 60-month “lookback” period for gifts or
asset transfers. WHEN WOMEN MENTOR WOMEN, WE ALL RISE!
There is also movement challenging
th
us to think differently about accessibility. Now accepting nominations for the 10 Anniversary INSPIRE Awards!
Accessibility to affordable housing, accessibility CelebratingWomenNEO.org/Inspire-Awards
to quality housing that supports people
remaining in their homes with innovative
designs that can promote independence,
and accessibility to social and community rights, domestic violence, education, come during the day for medical services and
programs promoting a healthy lifestyle for employment, family law, health, housing, activities between one and five days a week.
quality of life and longevity. New concepts to foreclosure, immigration, public benefits, McGregor PACE provides transportation for
consider include elder self-directed intentional utilities, and tax. participants to and from their home.
community (EIC), the Household Model, 3. Senior Transportation Connection (STC) 5. City of Cleveland Department of Aging
Walkable Communities, “Go Tiny,” Village to (www.ridestc.org). STC will provide (www.city.cleveland.oh.us/CityofCleveland/
Village Network, Villages, and other affordable transportation to medical appointments, Home/Government/CityAgencies/Aging).
housing options. Other resources to familiarize including dialysis, rehabilitation and The City of Cleveland Department of Aging
yourself with include: treatment; senior centers; meals and provides health and social services, home
1. Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry (www. programs; grocery shopping; personal service maintenance, financial assistance housing
lutheranmetro.org). Lutheran Metropolitan appointments; and social opportunities so assistance, transportation, and senior
Ministry focuses on housing and shelter, clients can remain independent, healthy and safety information.
workforce development, health and wellness connected to the community. STC supports 6. Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging
services, innovative programs that serve with 36 zip codes within 75 percent of Cuyahoga (WRAAA) (www.Areaagingsolutions.
people who are homeless, youth who are at- County. org). The WRAAA provides services and
risk, older adults who are vulnerable, people 4. Program of All-inclusive Care for the programs to older adults and persons
impacted by the criminal justice system, and Elderly (PACE) (www.mcgregorpace.org). with disabilities in an effort to provide
individuals with behavioral health needs. PACE is the only program of its kind in information, assistance, consultation, and
2. Legal Aid Society of Cleveland (www. Ohio, addressing the medical, rehabilitative, long-term care services and supports.
lasclev.org). Legal Aid represents clients social, and personal care needs of Cuyahoga Balancing career, family, life and fulfillment
in court and in administrative hearings County’s seniors. Using a community-based is the one challenge we all have in common.
and cases that impact basic needs such as approach, PACE enables eligible participants By educating ourselves on the issues facing our
health, shelter and safety, economics and to remain among familiar surroundings while clients today, we can ensure that we are able
education, and access to justice. Legal Aid’s receiving the help they need. PACE senior to assist with their life and care planning into
attorneys practice in the areas of consumer care centers are where PACE participants can the future.

DECEMBER 2019 CLEVELAND METROPOLITAN BAR JOURNAL | 39