Articles
Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance: Keeping Older Adults Safe
The disappearance of Nancy Guthrie highlights the tension between an older adult’s desire to “age in place” and an adult child’s concern for their safety.
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New Research on Dementia Risk Factors, Screenings
Dementia, which affects one in 10 older adults, is not a normal part of aging. Early detection and risk reduction are crucial.
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Don’t Rely on Medicare or Medicaid for Your Long-Term Care
Many Americans mistakenly rely on Medicare or Medicaid for long-term care. Learn why early planning, private insurance, and home safety strategies are key to future care.
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The Medicaid Home Care Clock Is Ticking
Big changes are coming to NY Medicaid home care. Learn how the new 30-month lookback rule could affect you – and why planning now is critical.
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How Medicaid Cuts May Impact Older Adults
This article explores the far-reaching impacts on Medicare recipients and what concerned citizens can do to protect vital health care funding.
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What is a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust?
Learn how a Medicaid Asset Protection Trust (MAPT) can help you qualify for long-term care without losing your assets. Discover tax and estate benefits.
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Trust vs. Will: What’s Better for You?
Is thinking a will enough? Learn why choosing a trust over a will can provide greater privacy, control, and protection for your loved ones.
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Why You Need an Advocate for Medicaid Home Care
Having an advocate or care manager during Medicaid home care assessments ensures that clients receive accurate evaluations and the care they deserve. They protect clients’ rights, especially during the transition to Managed Long Term Care (MLTC), preventing reductions in care.
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Medicaid 24-Hour Home Care Eligibility
This blog discusses the complexities of qualifying for 24-hour care under the Medicaid home care program, explaining the criteria used for approval and the importance of Activities of Daily Living (ADLs). It clarifies misconceptions around “safety monitoring” and highlights legal distinctions, empowering families to advocate for the comprehensive care their loved ones need.
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Why Doing a Will Is Not the Best Estate Plan in NY
Learn why relying solely on a will may not be the best estate planning strategy in New York. Explore alternatives like revocable living trusts and beneficiary designations to protect your assets and ensure a smoother process for your loved ones.
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Why Downloading a Power of Attorney Form Online Can Be Risky
Discover why downloading a generic Power of Attorney form online can lead to significant legal issues. Learn the importance of customizing your POA to fit your specific needs, comply with state laws, and protect your assets effectively, especially in elder law and Medicaid planning.
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Why Medicaid Home Care Hours Are Hard to Get in NY
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the challenges families face when navigating the Medicaid system for home care in New York. It explores the complexities of privatization, managed care plans, and bureaucratic hurdles, while offering insights and resources to help secure the necessary care for loved ones.
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Bill Aims to Expand Medicaid Home Care for Seniors
Because Medicaid can be such a complex system to navigate, be sure to consider consulting with a qualified elder law attorney in your area.
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The Hunger Strike to End 24-Hour Shifts
Nu Jun Zhu, a home-care attendant, worked grueling 24-hour shifts for over a year, often caring for patients without adequate rest or pay.
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Study: Social Risks Linked to Early Death in Seniors
Using survey data from more than 8,000 adults aged 65 and older, researchers have identified eight social factors that may lead to early death in older adults.
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NY Legislature Rejects $1.2B Home Care Cuts
New York State lawmakers have proposed one-house budgets that firmly reject Governor Kathy Hochul’s proposed $1.2 billion Medicaid cuts.
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Alzheimer’s Breakthroughs: Brain Health & Legal Insights
This article delves into the intricate mechanisms underlying neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s, shedding light on potential treatment and prevention strategies.
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When Does Someone Need Financial Guardianship?
When individuals cannot manage their finances, courts can appoint guardians. Financial guardianship is for those who need help handling money.
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Two Cases Involving Centers Health Care, NY Nursing Home Chain
Nursing home owners and operators and their trade associations argue that they need more money to provide care to residents.
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States Testing Medicaid Coverage for Healthy Food
Under a federal pilot program, a number of states are using Medicaid funds to cover healthy food costs for Medicaid recipients. Ultimately, the trial program seeks to determine whether nutrition support can help prevent and manage certain chronic illnesses related to diet.
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Will Robotics and AI Be the Future of Elder Care?
Going forward, AI may also become the norm for performing administrative tasks in clinical settings, giving health care workers more time to spend directly helping patients.
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A Guide to Medicaid Home Care in New York
Checkout Lori Somekh’s book, A Guide to Medicaid Home Care in New York: How to Beat the System at Its Own Game to Get the Care You or Your Loved One Needs.
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Medicare Costs After PHE Ends
The Biden administration officially ended the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency on May 11, 2023. Certain policies that were implemented in early 2020 during the public health emergency will now expire.
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Senior Citizens Face Loss of Buying Power, Study Shows
In the face of soaring inflation and its disproportionate impact on older Americans, it’s imperative for seniors to safeguard their financial well-being.
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Medicare to Cover New Alzheimer’s Treatments Soon
The recent announcement by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) regarding the coverage of new Alzheimer’s treatments offers a glimmer of hope for Medicare recipients living with a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s.
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Nursing Home Inspections Face Staffing Shortages
The Senate Special Committee on Aging has released a report exposing an understaffing problem among the survey agencies across the nation that are responsible for overseeing nursing home inspections.
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Supreme Court: Public Nursing Homes Can Be Sued
In a major win for nursing home residents and their families, the U.S. Supreme Court has upheld the right to sue government-run nursing homes under the Federal Nursing Home Reform Act (FNHRA).
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2023 Medicaid Spouse Protection Guidelines
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has released the 2023 federal guidelines for how much money the spouses of institutionalized Medicaid recipients may keep, as well as related Medicaid figures.
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What to Do If You Lose Your Medicaid Coverage
If you are concerned about the effect of the redetermination process on your Medicaid benefits, consider speaking with a qualified attorney in your area.
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Irrevocable Trusts and Medicaid Planning
If you or a loved one are considering Medicaid planning in New York, it is crucial to consult with an experienced attorney who can guide you through the complexities of irrevocable trusts and other planning strategies.
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Medicaid Appeals – Elder Law and Special Needs Law Journal: Vol. 33 No. 1
Learn more about medicaid appeals from the Elder Law and Special Needs Law Journal Vol. 33 No. 1 from Lori Somekh of NY Elder Law Group.
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Understanding Medicaid and Its Coverage
To learn more about how New York’s Medicaid coverage might be able to help you or a loved one pay for care, check out our new ebook.
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Top Long-Term Care Facilities in NYC
If you’re looking for a long-term care facility for a loved one, contact NY Elder Law Group to learn more about how we can support you through this process.
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Planning for Long-Term Care During a Recession
If you’re wondering whether or not you need to start preparing for a potential recession, NY Elder Law Group can help.
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Retiring During a Recession
Learn how to protect your assets and prepare for retirement during uncertain economic times. NY Elder Law Group offers expert estate planning services to safeguard your financial future
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The NHTD Program: A Possible Alternative to Managed Long Term Care
The NHTD Medicaid Waiver Program supports individuals with disabilities and seniors with care at home. Learn more about services and eligibility in this blog.
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Protecting Your Assets During a Recession
Secure your future with NY Elder Law Group in Queens. Our NY elder law attorneys help you prepare for a potential recession with expert estate planning
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How to Prepare a Will
At NY Elder Law Group, our experienced elder law attorneys in Long Island, NY, specialize in estate planning to help you create a will that safeguards your assets and protects your loved ones. We provide personalized advice to ensure your goals are met and your interests are fully protected.
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New Medicaid Procedures in New York
To hear Lori Somekh’s take on the changes in Medicaid, view her latest video. To contact NY Elder Law Group to see how they can assist you or a loved one with elder law.
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Medicaid Home Care vs. Nursing Home Lookback Period
Medicaid home care in New York, on the other hand, has never had a look-back period. Although the legislature has enacted a 2 1/2 -year look-back period, it has not yet been implemented, so at the time of this writing, there is still no look-back period for home care.
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Estate Planning Tips for Avoiding Probate
Probate can be a complicated, expensive, and time-consuming process. It is the last thing you would want to think about after the death of a loved one. Therefore, it is essential to understand it and how you can prevent beneficiaries from going through the process.
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Why Offloading Assets for Medicaid is a Smart Move for Your Family
If you are applying for Medicaid to pay for nursing home care, you may be subject to a five-year look-back ineligibility period.
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Medicaid is changing – Special Alert from Lori!
Medicaid is changing. Learn more from Lori.
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NY Debate on Wage Hike to Avoid Home Care Crisis
New York faces a rising demand for home care due to an aging population, but staffing shortages persist. Advocates push for higher wages through the Fair Pay for Home Care Act to address this crisis. Learn more about the ongoing challenges and legislative efforts.
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Three Things to Take Care of Right Now
If you make a point to review your financial/estate plans every few years – maybe put in on your calendar every other December – you will be sure that your plans are keeping pace with your family circumstances, and there won’t be any surprises when your family needs them the least.
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Changes to NY Medicaid Look-Back Period
There are some exceptions to the look-back period. These exceptions can include fund transfers to a spouse, a disabled child, and children who are caregivers.
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What’s Driving the Shortage of Home Healthcare Workers in NY?
New York is grappling with a significant shortage of home care workers, driven by low wages, which affects seniors and individuals with disabilities. Advocates are urging the passage of the Fair Pay for Home Care Act to increase wages and enhance the quality of care.
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A Home Care Crisis is Gripping New York
New York’s home care crisis leaves 74% of seniors and people with disabilities unable to retain aides due to low wages. Proposed legislation aims to raise salaries, but political will and funding remain key challenges. Learn more about this urgent issue.
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What I Learned from COVID Part 3
Discover powerful lessons learned from navigating a COVID-19 crisis, including the importance of proactive estate planning and decluttering your home. This post offers valuable insights on how to prepare for the unexpected and ease the burden on loved ones during challenging times.
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What I Learned from COVID Part 2
Learn valuable lessons from navigating a COVID-19 crisis, emphasizing the importance of prompt action and thorough estate planning. This post shares personal experiences and actionable tips to help you prepare for the unexpected and ensure your affairs are in order before a crisis strikes.
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What I Learned from COVID Part 1
In the wake of personal tragedy during the COVID-19 pandemic, I share crucial insights on the importance of proper estate planning. Learn how knowing the location of your important documents and assets can prevent chaos during emergencies and protect your loved ones.
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What I learned from COVID and how it can help my clients
Learn key lessons from my COVID experience: the importance of having estate planning in order, knowing where vital documents are, and the need for prompt action in crises. These insights can help you prepare for unexpected challenges and protect your loved ones.
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Legal Docs for Kids
Learn more about Legal Docs for Kids.
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Avoiding financial nightmares with long-term care
Learn how to avoid financial challenges in long-term care with insights from Lori Somekh.
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The Secrets of a Pooled Income Trust
Discover how a pooled income trust can help seniors and disabled individuals qualify for Medicaid by sheltering surplus income. Learn how it works and why it’s essential for affording home care without losing financial stability. Call us today at 718-740-3300 for assistance!
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The New Rules Restricting Medicaid Home Care
New York is enforcing major Medicaid home care changes, including a 30-month look-back period starting January 1, 2022. Act now to secure necessary care and protect your assets before the new rules take effect. Contact us for a free consultation!
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Why You Should Start Estate and Medical Planning Now
We offer a complete range of estate planning, long-term care, elder law, Medicaid planning and asset protection services. Our goal is to prevent problems before they occur, and we work with hundreds of families to develop care options that work for their goals and budgets.
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Why You Need an Estate Plan Today
Here are four reasons why we should be proactive with our estate planning.
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Update on New Medicaid Home Care Law
As we’ve reported in previous posts and videos, the rules for Medicaid home care in New York have changed as of October 1, 2020. Whereas there has never before been a look back period for home care in New York, now as of October 1st, there is a 30-month look back period.
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Why Estate Documents Matter During COVID-19
Prepare for the unexpected with essential estate planning documents, especially during COVID-19. Due to hospital restrictions, it’s crucial to have a will, healthcare proxies, and powers of attorney in place. Contact Somekh & Associates for guidance and secure your peace of mind today.
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NYS Sets Rules for Nursing Home Visits
NYS Department of Health allows limited visitation in nursing homes and adult care facilities in Phase 3 regions under strict COVID-19 guidelines. Learn the conditions for resuming safe visits and the required protocols.
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MLTC Members- Know your rights during COVID-19
If you want a temporary change, your MLTC should prepare a temporary service plan for you to sign. Read it carefully to make sure it is what you want.
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Initial Summary of New York State Medicaid Cuts
Learn about the recent changes in New York’s Medicaid program, including the implementation of a 30-month look-back period for home care applications and new service eligibility requirements. Understand how these adjustments affect seniors’ access to care and the importance of proactive estate planning. Our team is here to help navigate these changes.
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Essential Documents to Prepare During a Pandemic
During these uncertain times, empower yourself by ensuring your important documents are in place. Learn about the significance of having a health care proxy, power of attorney, and will. Discover how to complete these essential documents via video conference to stay proactive while sheltering at home. Call us for assistance.
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Wishing Everyone Well During this Crisis
As of today, we can still protect your assets and get home care in place through Medicaid. If you need this service, act right away.
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Have mom’s home health aide hours been cut?
Explore the challenges faced by seniors in New York City regarding home care under the Managed Long Term Care (MLTC) system. This article discusses how MLTCs operate on a capitation model, leading to inadequate care for those in need, and outlines the appeal process for denied home care services. Learn about the rights of consumers and the importance of advocacy in navigating the complex Medicaid system.
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MANAGED LONG-TERM CARE (MLTC) PROBLEMS
Explore the tragic stories of two seniors with dementia who lost their lives after wandering away from home in NYC. This article highlights the challenges families face navigating Medicaid’s complex system, revealing the implications of profit-driven health insurance in long-term care. Learn more about the impact on vulnerable seniors and their families.
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Keeping the “Care” in Elder Care
Regardless of which route we use to get the Medicaid in place, however, the process that follows – that of actually getting the care in place – is equally as complex and fraught with opportunities for delay.
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NY Medicaid Home Care: Income Thresholds (Part 1)
This article will address the income requirements for a single person in the year 2020.
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Special Alert
Important updates on the closing of the ICS MLTC plan, including transition rights and continuity of care options for former members. Contact Lori R. Somekh, Elder Law Attorney in Bellerose, NY, for guidance on Medicaid planning and long-term care services.
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New Hyde Park, Queens NY
Lori Somekh of Queens, NY is proud to reside and practice law in Queens, NY with an office neighboring Bellerose Queens. Just a short drive from New Hyde Park and even closer with a phone call 718-878-6732.Zip codes New Hyde Park Queens, NY 11040
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Elder Law Attorney for Floral Park, Queens, NY
Lori R. Somekh, one of the most experienced elder law attorneys in Queens, NY, provides Medicaid planning, Medicaid applications, asset protection, guardianship, and estate planning services in Floral Park, Queens, NY. Call 718-740-3300 for a consultation.
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Are You Making the Important Decisions?
Many clients assume that estate planning is simple if they are single and childless, but the process often uncovers complex decisions. Read this recent New York Times article for more insight.
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Elder Law: Planning for Long-Term Care & Estate Needs
The experienced attorneys at NY Elder Law Group can help you understand your long- term care planning options, the benefits that may be available to help pay for care, and the estate planning required to access those benefits.
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What is Probate and is it Necessary?
The important thing to take away from this summary is that it is wise to do a Will. See further articles for discussions on how to hold assets and how to possibly avoid the need to go to court at all.
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Importance of a Durable Power of Attorney
A standard do-it-yourself power of attorney might lack key powers, such as the ability to transfer assets, execute trusts, or engage in Medicaid planning, which can lead to costly issues during emergencies. Properly drafting one with an attorney can prevent significant financial and legal complications.
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Home Care and Medicaid Changes
Medicaid Home Care in New York allows immediate asset transfers without a lookback period, making it possible for seniors to receive home health aides without depleting assets. Planning ahead is key to extending care at home and potentially avoiding nursing homes.
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Do You Need A Will?
Plan for your future during National Health Care Decision-Making Month. Learn why having a will ensures your wishes are honored, and take advantage of our special offer to create a will for $399 by April 24.
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Major Changes Looming in Medicaid Home Care
Major Changes Looming in Medicaid Home Care and Effective July 1, 2012, New York State has begun implementing the privatization of the Medicaid Home Care Program.
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Is Your Legal House In Order?
My rule of thumb for deciding when to do a Will: when you have your first child or when you acquire your first substantial asset.
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Medicaid Home Care
This is part 1 in a series of articles regarding eligibility requirements for Medicaid Home Care in NewYork State for New Yorkers age 65 and older or less than age 65 who have Medicare.
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VA Helps Veterans and Spouses with Long-Term Care Costs
This Veterans Day, make sure you are taking advantage of all the services available to you.
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Do you need the help of an elder law or estate planning attorney?
If you are planning your estate, facing probate, worried about Medicaid, or anything in between related to elder law, NY Elder Law Group can help. Our legal professionals and head attorney Lori Somekh can help get your affairs in order quickly and stress-free.