Elder, Estate Planning, & Special Needs Law News 

Happy Thanksgiving & Happy Family Caregivers Month!

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Giving thanks during the month of November is a long-standing tradition, as it is the month in which we celebrate the beloved holiday known as Thanksgiving.  As such, we would be remiss if our office did not, “carve out” the first spot in this month’s newsletter to give thanks for the support that our office has received throughout the year from our clients, our staff, and the community. It is with gratitude that we extend our deepest and genuine appreciation to each of you – THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Happy Thanksgiving to all our readers -- may you and yours enjoy a joyful and gratitude-filled Thanksgiving!  🦃 ❤️ 🦃 ❤️ 🦃 ❤️ 🦃 ❤️

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National Family Caregivers Month is, also, celebrated during the month of November.  It has become an annual, nationwide observance led by the Caregiver Action Network (CAN).

In 1997, President Clinton issued the first proclamation declaring November as National Family Caregivers Month and dedicating the month to recognizing, supporting, and empowering family caregivers. Each year, thereafter, National Family Caregivers Month has been celebrated during the month of November.  

November, 2023 is no exception, as President Biden has, likewise, issued another proclamation this year proclaiming November as National Family Caregivers Month.  In his proclamation he encourages all Americans to: reach out to; to honor; and to thank those who provide care for our nation’s family members, friends, and neighbors in need.

The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) is, also, dedicated to raising awareness of resources available to unpaid family caregivers during National Family Caregivers Month.  To learn more visit both IDoA’s recent press release and their dedicated caregivers resource page.

It is not lost on us that many of you reading this newsletter are one of those unsung, everyday heroes, also known as family caregivers; or, you know someone who is a family caregiver.  It is our hope that all family caregivers know how much they are appreciated and admired for their tireless efforts and daily caregiving contributions. 

Thus, it is with profound thanks and gratitude that we join our fellow Americans in recognizing, supporting, and thanking family caregivers. We are grateful to family caregivers, however, not just this month -- rather, we are grateful each, and every, day of the year. If you are a caregiver, please accept our thanks, appreciation, and gratitude.  If you are not a caregiver, then please join us and our fellow Americans in our effort to thank family caregivers, and take a minute or two to thank the family caregivers that you know with a hug, a special note, a smile, or in another special way.  

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IMPORTANT -- Annual Medicare Open Enrollment Reminder: If you wish to make changes to your Medicare coverage, Medicare’s Open Enrollment Period is currently open and will remain open through December 7th. 

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Scheduling a presentation for your group:

Is your group in need of a speaker?  If so, please do not hesitate to contact our office to discuss topic options and to determine whether one of our presentation topics aligns with the needs of your group.

Legal Services:

Should you or someone you know wish to meet with one of our attorneys for assistance with (or to discuss options for): estate, life care, and/or long-term care planning; special needs planning; and/or, other planning matters, please do not hesitate to contact our office to schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys.  It would be our pleasure to meet with you to review your current planning and/or to discuss planning options for your consideration.

Additional Legal Services:

Selling and/or buying a new home; commercial property; and/or other real estate?

Starting a new business; or, need your corporate records updated?   

Recently injured, and uncertain of your rights? 

If any of the above apply to you, or someone you know, then please visit the website of our parent law firm, Mickey, Wilson, Weiler, Renzi, Lenert, & Julien, P.C., to learn more about the additional legal services we offer.

Reminder:  Out of an abundance of caution and to do our continued part in helping to keep our clients, staff, and their respective families as safe as possible, all non-signing appointments for our elder law clients and for our estate and life care planning clients with the following attorneys: Connie Renzi or Katie Lenert, remain "virtual" (via video or telephone conferencing). 

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Help for those who may be struggling with mental health issues:  If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues and needs assistance, help is available by calling or texting the recently launched three-digit dialing code – “988”. The new 988 dialing code to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, for mental health crises, is available throughout the United States.  Additionally, veterans can now dial 988 and press 1 to reach the Veteran Crisis Line.