Check out our January newsletter!
Peace of Mind Post January 2025 The Unexpected Truths of Estate Planning
Lessons From Opposite Day
We are all different — and sometimes, our differences create harmony. They say opposites attract, and it’s true! Our differences can complement each other in surprising ways. After all, it’s through our differences that we learn, evolve, and appreciate the beauty of diversity. Two of my horses, although they are siblings, are total opposites! They share the same coat pattern, both being half Appaloosa, with white hair covering their backsides. Beyond that, though, the differences are striking. One is at least six inches taller, with a completely different build. She’s short, stocky, and solid — like a little brick — and the other is tall, long and lean. Their personalities couldn’t be more opposite, either. The shorter one is bold, confident, and is rarely scared, aside from the occasional startle. Her nickname is Sassy, and trust me, she lives up to it! The taller one, on the other hand, is very sweet but needs reassurance from his human. His nickname is Tiny, but I often call him The Marshmallow because he’s sensitive and easily frightened. It always amazes me how different they are, especially because they are brother and sister.
But, in the spirit of differences, we celebrate Opposite Day on Jan. 25. In estate planning and elder law, we often find ourselves recommending the opposite of what people initially think they should do. While your intentions may be good, and your decisions seem logical, there are legal, financial, or practical considerations you may not have accounted for. For example, adding a child as a joint account holder or transferring property outright to avoid probate might seem like smart moves but can create unexpected tax, liability, or inheritance issues. Our goal is to provide guidance that ensures your plans are effective and protect your loved ones in ways you may not have considered. Should You Give the House to Your Kids? My Thoughts May Surprise You One misconception that we often encounter is the idea of giving your house to your kids outright. While it may seem like a thoughtful gesture, it can create unintended tax and legal consequences. Instead, we often recommend keeping the home or placing it in a trust to ensure better protection for you and your children, and smoother estate transitions. Should You Add Your Child to Your Bank Account? Many people believe that adding their children’s names to a bank account is a smart move for emergencies. However, we typically advise against this. Instead, consider naming them as your power of attorney, for this allows them to assist without granting ownership. Adding them as co-owners gives them full access to the account, meaning they could technically close it or withdraw funds without your approval (which hopefully would never happen). Even more concerning, if your child predeceases you, you could be forced to pay inheritance taxes on your own money. We’ve seen this happen, and it’s avoidable with proper planning! Estate planning is a bit like working with horses — you need a clear plan, proper guidance, and an understanding of the unique “personalities” of your assets. Just like my two horses, no two situations are the same. With our expert guidance, we’ll help you navigate complexities and clear up any misconceptions to ensure your legacy is protected and carried forward exactly as you envision for your loved ones.
Sassy and Tiny (aka The Marshmallow)
We Would Love to Hear From You!
If you have any great experiences or stories from your time working with Trinity Elder Law, we would love to hear from you! Please leave a Google Review to let others know about your experience. Thank you for your continued support — we wouldn’t be where we are today without all of you.
1 724.256.8850
On the Road W
Tips to Create a Posit
Traveling with a loved one who has Alzheimer’s can be challenging, but it can also create meaningful memories and help maintain a sense of normalcy. The key is thoughtful planning tailored to the individual’s needs. Whether it’s a short car ride or a long road trip, these tips can help ensure a smooth and safe experience for everyone involved. Assess Travel Readiness Before making travel plans, consider the patient’s stage of Alzheimer’s and their ability to handle unfamiliar environments. Travel may be manageable and enjoyable if they’re in the early stages. For those in later stages, the stress and confusion of travel might outweigh the benefits. Choose Familiarity When possible, opt for familiar destinations and accommodations. Staying in a family member’s home or a trusted hotel chain can minimize the stress of new surroundings. If a new location is necessary, bring familiar items such as blankets, photographs, or favorite snacks to help them feel comfortable. Plan for Comfort and Safety: • Keep Travel Short: Long journeys can be overwhelming. Direct flights or short car rides are ideal. • Stick to a Routine: Maintaining regular meal times, medication schedules, and rest periods will help reduce confusion.
At first glance, Sullivan is already a special dog. An adorable white boxer with a dark patch of fur around his right eye, he’s the kind of canine humans of all ages instantly fall in love with. If his cuteness wasn’t enough, he’s best known in his community for bringing people together in extraordinary ways. Originally found in a shelter in Coachella, California, Sullivan — who is deaf — lives in Oregon with his guardian, Allyson Ridling. A social worker and family therapist, Ridling has made Sullivan’s sweet temperament and calming presence a significant part of her practice. After bringing Sullivan to reading sessions with children (much to the delight of the little ones in attendance), she began including him in walking sessions with her clients. Fluent in sign language, Ridling has also introduced Sullivan to hard-of-hearing people worldwide via online video chats. Early last year, Sullivan and Ridling received a 2024 Oregon Humane Society (OHS) Diamond Collar Award for their compassionate work. Thrilled by the honor, Ridling credits her animal companion with helping her clients find greater joy and comfort. “Some of these people just needed to reconnect with love and feeling this undoubtable connection between the human and animal bond,” she says in a special OHS-produced YouTube video on the award. “That’s what they needed to help open up and take their next step moving forward in their life.” The OHS was proud to honor Sullivan for his fantastic work with humans. “As a therapy dog, Sullivan is a friendly presence for kids to practice their reading,” the organization says on its website. “His comfort helps those who are struggling to open up. [He] may not be able to hear, but his impact on the mental health of those around him speaks volumes.” Proud of her furry friend’s loving nature and many achievements, Ridling believes that animals like Sullivan can work wonders for people’s therapeutic treatment. “I think the human/animal bond works really well because animals don’t judge. They have unconditional love to give people. As [a] society, we could all work better to strive to be as loving and caring [and] as open-minded as a dog can be.” Meet the Boxer Who Changes Lives The Silent Healer
Puzzle Time!
2 www.TrinityElderLaw.com
With Alzheimer’s
No Resolutions? No Problem!
tive Travel Experience
• Pack Strategically: Include all necessary medications, medical documents, emergency contacts, and comfort items. • Communicate Needs: Inform airlines, hotels, or other service providers about special requirements in advance. Prepare for Challenges Be ready for the unexpected. Individuals with Alzheimer’s may become anxious or agitated during travel. Having a calm demeanor, engaging distractions like puzzles or music, and knowing when to take breaks can help de-escalate situations. Consider Support Options If the trip feels daunting, consider bringing a travel companion or researching care options at your destination. They can provide additional support and allow caregivers to focus on the experience. Know When to Seek Help In case of emergencies, have a list of local health care facilities at your destination. Travel insurance with medical coverage can also help provide peace of mind. While traveling with someone with Alzheimer’s requires extra preparation, the opportunity to create shared moments and maintain a sense of independence makes it worthwhile. Carefully planning and realistic expectations allows caregivers and their loved ones to enjoy safe and meaningful adventures together.
Start the Year With a Fresh Slate Did you know?... January, named after the Roman god Janus, is full of symbolism. Janus is often depicted with two faces — one looking to the past and the other to the future. Fittingly, “Janus” means “door,” marking January as a doorway to a new beginning. After all, the new year is the perfect time to embrace a fresh start. While I’m not a big fan of resolutions — they often feel like fleeting promises — I love the idea of a clean slate. January offers a chance to pause, reflect on where you are, and consider where you want to go. It’s a great time to evaluate and plan rather than setting lofty resolutions that might fizzle out by February. So, how can you use this new year to move closer to the life you want? Here are five tips for planning your path forward. Reflect on the past year. Before you plan ahead, look back. What worked well for you last year? What didn’t? Celebrate your successes, acknowledge your challenges, and think about the lessons you’ve learned. This reflection is key to moving forward with clarity and purpose. Set clear and measurable goals. Rather than vague resolutions, focus on specific, actionable goals. Instead of saying, “I want to get healthier,” try, “I’ll go for a 30-minute walk three times a week.” Tangible goals are easier to track and achieve. Prioritize progress over perfection. The journey matters as much as the destination. Allow yourself to celebrate small victories along the way — they’ll keep you motivated and moving forward. Create a plan. Break your goals into smaller, manageable steps. Map out your progress month by month to stay organized and on track. Revisit and adjust regularly. Life happens, and plans change. Revisit your goals often to ensure they still align with your values and aspirations. As we step through the “door” of January, let’s embrace the new year’s possibilities. Whether it’s personal growth, professional development, or a renewed sense of purpose, this is your chance to make it happen! Happy New Year!
One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
Inspired by TasteOfHome.com
Ingredients
• 2 1/2 lbs skinless, bone-in chicken thighs • 1 tsp salt • 1 tsp pepper • 2 tbsp olive oil • 1 large onion, chopped • 3 garlic cloves, minced • 10 cups chicken broth • 4 celery ribs, chopped
• 4 medium
carrots, chopped
• 2 bay leaves • 1 tsp dried thyme • 3 cups uncooked egg noodles (about 8 oz) • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley • 1 tbsp lemon juice
Directions
1. Season chicken with salt and pepper. In an 8-quart stockpot over medium-high heat, add oil and chicken and cook until golden brown, 3–4 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside. 2. Add onion to drippings; cook over medium-high heat for 4–5 minutes. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add broth and bring to a boil. Return chicken to pot. Add celery, carrots, bay leaves, and thyme. Reduce heat and cover; simmer until chicken is tender, 25–30 minutes. 3. Turn off heat. Remove chicken to a plate. Add noodles and let stand, covered, until noodles are tender, 20–22 minutes. 4. Shred chicken meat into bite-size pieces, and return to pot. Stir in parsley and lemon juice, and discard bay leaves.
3 724.256.8850
PRSRT STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK!
P.O. Box 154 ● Renfrew, PA 16053 724.256.8850 www.TrinityElderLaw.com
Inside 1
Opposite Day Takeaways
2
A Deaf Dog’s Remarkable Journey Caregiver Tips for Traveling With Alzheimer’s Patients A Fresh Start Awaits This January! One-Pot Chicken Noodle Soup
3
4
The Power of Planning Something to Look Forward To The Happiness Hack
Why Small Plans Can Make a Big Difference
When life feels overwhelming, or you just aren’t feeling your best, it can be difficult to find hope or joy. Sometimes, the best medicine is a little self-care in the form of simple activities and treats that you enjoy most. One of the best ways to boost your mood is by planning something to look forward to. Whether it’s a favorite movie, a new painting class, or a tasty latte, prioritizing things that bring us happiness can empower us with hope. It’s like adding a bright spot in the future, making the tough days more manageable. What do you love? Your plan doesn’t have to be grand or complicated. Start by identifying activities that make you happy or that interest you. Do you love comedy movies or enjoy going
to concerts? You might sign up for an improv class or buy tickets to see a play. It can be anything that brings a smile to your face. Plan it. Once you know the activity, start planning. Our busy lives sometimes lack time for the little things that make us feel good. Treat your happiness like a necessary appointment and get it on your calendar. Spending time with your loved ones and friends also has a wealth of benefits for your mental health, so decide whether you want someone to join you. By planning to do things that bring you joy, you’ll feel more hopeful, balanced, and better equipped to handle whatever life throws your way.
4 www.TrinityElderLaw.com
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator