“Should I Stay or Should I Go?” – Housing Options as We Age

By MaryAnne Beatty

Alexandria, VA – In its ninth year, the 2020 Senior Law Day, co-sponsored by Senior Services of Alexandria and the Alexandria Bar Association, is going “virtual” with a new format.

This year’s theme is “Should I Stay or Should I Go?” – Housing Options as we Age. The event will focus on making decisions during the COVID-19 pandemic and will take place over three consecutive Fridays: September 11, 18, and 25 from 2:00 to 3:00 p.m. via Zoom.

Participants will hear from legal, financial, and healthcare experts on various housing options available as we age, including financial planning and long-term care, real estate tax exemptions, Medicare and Medicaid, and estate planning issues.

September 11, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m: Housing Considerations will be a discussion on the big picture, including various types of senior communities, aging in place, home modifications if we decide to age in place, and various legal documents to consider when cohabiting or leasing to others, including family members and caregivers.

September 18, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m: Financial Concerns will address planning to pay for care, including long-term care insurance, the difference between Medicare and Medicaid, real estate tax exemptions, and Alexandria programs for older adult homeowners.

September 25, 2:00 to 3:00 p.m: – General Estate Planning and Documents – It is more important now than ever to have legal documents in place to ensure appropriate care and effective management of an estate.

There will be time for questions and answers during each session. Panelists include:

· Housing Panel: Rachel Baer, Esq., Family First Law Group, PLLC; Rich Rosenthal Brincefield Manitta Dzubin & Kroeger, PLLC; Heidi Garvis, Caring Considerations; and Peter Crouch, McEnerney Associates Realtors.

· Financial Concerns: Natalie Page, Esq., Life and Estate Planning Law Center; Tom West, Signature Estate and Investment Advisers; and Helen McIllvaine, Director of Housing for the City of Alexandria.

· Estate Planning: Gretchyn Meinken Esq., Wade Grimes Friedman Meinken & Leischner PLLC; and Mary Horner, Esq., Legal Services of Northern Virginia.

You may register for Senior Law Day at www.seniorservicesalex.org or call 703-836-4414, ext. 110. After you register, you will receive a Zoom invitation with a link that is good for all three sessions. We look forward to seeing you virtually on September 11.

ICYMI: Five More Questions with Mary Lee Anderson, Alexandria’s Senior Services Executive Director