The Stano Law Firm's online newsletter for October 2018
monthly “You are not alone.”
October 2018
FROM THE DESK OF
Paul Stano
DON’T BE LIKE ARETHA FRANKLIN
Aretha Franklin has passed away and left behind an $80 million estate. Now her four sons will have to deal with a rather complicated situation and, in particular, the fact that her oldest son has special needs. So you’re wondering “How did this happen?” The answer is simple. Her attorney who represented her for 28 years said, “She never got around to it.” As it turns out, we all have something in common with the Queen of Soul — we just don’t think it will happen to us. But the truth is that once you turn 65, it’s time to take a fresh look at all your documents. Like most things in life, it’s much easier to deal with life’s difficulties when you’re not in the thick of it. And if you have an adult child who has special needs, it’s even more important to make sure they are taken care of. The first step is to educate yourself on your options. We offer FREE workshops for that. See our schedule at stanoseminars.com and register today.
SPOOKY TALES FOR THEWHOLE FAMILY A ppropriate G host S tories for A ny A ge
Ghost stories are a rite of passage this time of the year, but sometimes it can be hard to determine what stories will be appropriate for kids. If you have a youngster who is a budding scare-o-phile, here are some stories you can feel safe telling them.
Feel free to shape these stories into your own. Knowing the age of your audience and what kind of spooks they enjoy will help you craft your tale.
THE FLYING DUTCHMAN
This story is perfect for little historians and those who love maritime tales.
Legend has it that ship captain Hendrick van der Decken and his crew have haunted the Cape of Good Hope ever since a storm ravaged their ship more than 450 years ago. Van der Decken was an avid seaman and captain of The Flying Dutchman. In the midst of a horrifying storm, he insisted that the ship keep pressing ahead. His crew begged him to change course, but, according to folklore, his famous response was “We’ll sail for eternity!” Van der Decken and his crew vanished in the storm, but sailors over the past five centuries have often claimed to see a mist-shrouded boat sailing toward them, only for it to disappear from their sight as they drew near. Sailors warn that if a ship crosses paths with The Flying Dutchman, it spells doom for the ship’s occupants.
TIP: Characters and locations in this story can vary depending on your location and audience.
-Paul Stano
Continued on page 2 ...
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... continued from cover
THE PINK JELLY BEAN
WHERE’S MY HAIRY TOE?
The woman was never seen again. Her neighbors, having heard the commotion the night before, found only a single large footprint outside her house in the morning.
If you’re looking for some suspense with a happy ending, your own version of The Pink Jelly Bean is your safest bet. Here’s an example: There was a dark forest into which no one ventured alone. In the forest was a shack, the spooky setting of numerous gory tales. On stormy nights, it was said that the shack came alive. One night, brave travelers came across the shack and decided to stay for the night just as a storm was brewing. Suddenly, a gust of wind blasted the door open and flashes of lightning lit up the shack to reveal something in the middle of the shuttered living room:
This story is perfect for youngsters under the age of 10, especially if you’re still gauging their fright level. Long, long ago, an old woman was tending to her garden when she discovered a hairy toe. She had not had a fruitful harvest that year, so when she returned to her cottage, she reluctantly ate the toe and settled into a quiet evening at home. But she kept hearing a low voice moaning, “Where’s my h-a-i-r-r-r-y t-o-e-e-e?”With every repetition, the voice increased in intensity. Mysterious thumps, groans, and demands for the toe echoed throughout the house all night. Just as she was falling asleep, her front door flew open, and there stood a giant demanding his hairy toe be given back. The old woman, fed up with the begging nonsense, screamed, “I ate your hairy toe!” Calmly, the giant responded, “I know.”
It was a peculiar print — it only had four toes!
TIP: Draw out this story by describing what the woman sees and hears all night, and play around with different voices for the giant.
… a pink jelly bean!
TIP: The goal is to stretch this story out for as long as you can before the final reveal. Add more doors, characters, and creepy objects — whatever it takes to build the suspense.
The Real Cost of Assisted Living Hidden Fees and Added Services additional fee. The same goes for medication reminders, escorts tomeals, incontinence care, andmany more services. On-site activities are usually folded into the base rate, but be sure of that before signing. Access to a gym, pool, or pharmacy, for example, may incur extra charges. One advantage of the pricingmodel of assisted living facilities is that you can add services at any time. Many care facilities house seniors of varying health and ability levels. In the event that your loved one needs more services, they are easy to add to your payment package. However, it’s important that you read the terms and conditions detailing any services you decide to include. Otherwise, youmay end up paying for a service your loved one doesn’t need. The most important piece of advice when it comes to the hidden costs of assisted living is to read your contract thoroughly. You can also consult an estate planning or elder law attorney to ensure that you’re fully aware of all charges and possible future costs.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of seniors is growing. Projections indicate that 56 million seniors will inhabit the country by 2020 and 74 million by 2030. As the number of seniors increases, so does the need for senior living facilities. While you can still find plenty of traditional nursing homes, assisted living facilities have soared in popularity over the years. While this type of community has many benefits for seniors and their families, it can be difficult to parse exactly what you’ll be paying for. The pricing structure and contract details require careful consideration before you decide on an appropriate facility for your loved one. Prices for assisted living facilities vary significantly. Because they offer a slew of services, you need to be fully aware of what you’re paying for. The base price you are quoted will usually include rent, meals, and activities offered on the premises. Some companies may offer a few additional basic services included in this cost, but as a rule, you can expect that any extra services will increase the price.
Add-ons for assisted living services can range frombasic hygiene needs tomedical costs. If your loved one needs help dressing, you can expect an
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P LANNING FOR L ONG -T ERM C ARE
P LANNING FOR L ONG -T ERM C ARE
how to get medicaid coverage for your assisted living or nursing home care... WITHOUT Selling Your Home or Leaving Your Family Without a Dime
PARMA HEIGHTS, OH — One of the biggest fears many people have today is the fear of having their life savings wiped out if they end up in a nursing home. What a shame to see
can do to protect your hard-earned assets! Most public does not yet realize that the laws on asset protection and long-term care planning changed on September 1, 2017 . It is extremly important that you know about these changes and how they may affect your long-term care planning! A brand new, free informational workshop hosted by local Elder Law Attorney Paul J. Stano with The Stano Law Firm will be held:
Paul stano
someone’s life savings of 30, 40, or 50 years wiped out in a matter of months. Whether you or a family member are in crisis or not, it is important that you understand what you
four dates to choose from
The Stano Senior Resource center 6650 pEARL rOAD, pARMA hEIGHTS, oh 44130
Thursday, Oct. 18 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Thursday., Oct. 4 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Thursday, Nov. 1 6:00 - 7:30 pm
Thursday, Nov. 15 6:00 - 7:30 pm
440-888-6448
call Estate & Elder Planning Center at
Join us for this free informative educational forum where you will discover:
• How to avoid having your life savings wiped out by a nursing home spend down. • How the new law restricts protection of assets adn the steps you should take now to protect your loved ones. • The asset protection language that most people don’t have in their power of attorney documents, which can help protect their life savings. • Veterans benefits that most people know nothing about. • How Medicaid works and the steps you need to take now to protect your family under the new rules.
Attendance is free, but seating is limited. You can reserve your spot by calling 440-888-6448. This meeting will fill up quickly, so call right away. **Special Bonus! We will also be distributing a FREE Book, “Don’t Go Broke in a Nursing Home.” This booklet has been updated to reflect the new law changes that have just been passed. (Limit 1 guide per household.)
Act today. SEATS fill up quickly. For more information visit our website: www.stanolaw.com or call: 440-888-6448.
“The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.”
If you’ve ever had a friend or loved one suffer a debilitating injury, you know how powerless you can feel to help. You want to make a difference, but in the face of severe medical challenges, it can be hard to know how. It’s important to remember that, while you may not be able to have a direct impact on your loved one’s physical recovery, there are concrete actions you can take to support them in ways doctors can’t. SUPPORT THEIR EVERYDAY LIFE. Traumatic injuries can make many aspects of day-to-day life difficult or impossible. Simply making dinner or taking their kids to school may now be herculean tasks for your loved one. Offering to be a volunteer driver or preparing a home-cooked meal can give that person a much-needed breather. Taking the time to help your friend with everyday tasks is more than just a practical gesture — it lets them know they don’t have to bear the burden of their injury alone. SUPPORT THEIR EMOTIONAL RECOVERY. People faced with injuries, disabilities, and illnesses can feel emotionally isolated from their friends and loved ones. They may feel that others won’t understand their pain or that they should put on a brave face and not complain. You can’t force your friend to talk about their issues, but simply being there to listen to what your friend is going through makes a world of difference. Having someone who is willing to listen without judgment can provide a salve for emotional hardship. 3 Meaningful Ways to Support Recovery Going Beyond ‘Get Well Soon’
SUPPORT THEIR RIGHTS. Sometimes an injury can leave your loved one tangled up in disputes with opportunistic insurance companies or individuals they feel are responsible for their injuries. While you may not be able to represent your friend’s legal interests in these situations, you can introduce them to someone who can. Referring your friend to a personal injury firm you trust can help them chart a path toward just compensation for their injuries.
Take a Break!
Spiced
PUMPKIN SEED CRUNCH
Ingredients
•
1/4 cup shelled sunflower seeds
•
1 large egg white
•
1 teaspoon light agave syrup
•
1/4 cup raw cashews, coarsely chopped
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1/2 teaspoon garam masala or curry powder
•
1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
•
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
•
Nonstick vegetable oil spray
•
1/4 cup shelled pumpkin seeds
Directions
4. Using a slotted spoon, strain spoonfuls of mixture over bowl and transfer to baking sheet. Discard excess egg white mixture. 5. Bake 20–25 minutes, tossing once. 6. Let cool and serve.
1. Heat oven to 300 F. 2. Coat a baking sheet with cooking spray. 3. In a mixing bowl, whisk
together egg white, agave, salt, and spices. Add nuts and seeds and toss until evenly coated.
CAULDRON COSTUME DRACULA GHOST
HALLOWEEN HALLOWS EVE
SCARY STORIES SPOOKY TRICKORTREAT ZOMBIE
HAUNTED PUMPKIN
Recipe courtesy of Bon Appétit Magazine
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INSIDE THIS ISSUE From the Desk of Paul Stano PAGE 1 Scary Stories to Tell Youngsters PAGE 1 Hidden Costs of Assisted Living PAGE 2 Ways to Support a Recovering Loved One PAGE 3 Take a Break PAGE 3 Spiced Pumpkin Seed Crunch PAGE 3 The Birthplace of Halloween PAGE 4 THE REAL HALLOWEEN TOWN County Meath, Ireland, Where Halloween Began
festival was born in Meath and marked the end of the harvest. Samhain was celebrated with bonfires, offerings to fairies, and other rituals meant to keep evil spirits away. Many of these customs carried through the centuries and inspired Halloween traditions that are still practiced today. practices. The Spirits of Meath Halloween Festival starts with the lighting of the first torch fire of Samhain in Athboy, which kicks off a month of fun activities. If you like your Halloween extra spooky, the scream park, Farmaphobia, is waiting for you. And if you’re not a fan of screaming your head off, you can check out the Halloween-themed Spookling Afternoon Tea for fresh baked treats and spirited conversation. The motto of this all- ages festival is“Fun by Day; Frights by Night,” Today, Meath celebrates October 31 with a blend of spooky thrills and traditional Samhain
Fans of Halloween don’t need to look far to find somewhere to celebrate their favorite holiday. There are festive parties all over the world, from New Orleans to London, but if you really want to embrace the spirit of Halloween, there’s no better destination than the birthplace of the holiday: County Meath, Ireland. Every year in Boyne Valley, the residents of County Meath throw a month-long Halloween celebration. The Spirits of Meath Halloween Festival attracts thousands of guests from all over the world, and while this festival has only been celebrated since 2009, many of the traditions observed here date back to ancient times. The ancient Irish weren’t trick-or-treating or visiting haunted houses on October 31, but they were celebrating the pagan holiday Samhain. Over 3,000 years ago, this Celtic
meaning all the really scary ghosts wait until after sunset to come out.
There are plenty of ways to celebrate Halloween, from carving jack-o’-lanterns and eating chocolate to running for your life through a haunted corn maze. And in County Meath, you can celebrate Halloween in every possible way. For more info, visit www.Discoverboynevalley.ie/whats-on/ spirits-meath-halloween-festival-2018.
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