Absolute Law Group - January 2022

Absolute Law Group - January 2022

Absolute Law Group THE ABSOLUTE INQUIRER BUSINESS - TAX - ESTATE PLANNING

(352) 205-4455 • ABSOLUTELAWGROUP.COM • JANUARY 2022

At 18 Years Old, I Found My Calling OUR EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR ALANA HANSHAW’S STORY I was taught at a young age that you should always respect your elders and know how important they are. My love for elders grew even more after I graduated from high school. I worked as a nursing assistant in a nursing home (ironically, it’s a nursing home we work with quite a bit now), and I really connected with one of my residents at the time. His health was failing, and he was actively passing away. I would check on him every day. One day, I knew he wasn’t going to make it through the night. He asked me to stay and sit with him because he didn’t have anyone. I knew at that point that I wanted to care and advocate for elders for the rest of my life. All I want to do is bring a little bit of joy and peace to them at this time in their life. When I joined the law firm, we worked with a lot of World War II, Vietnam War, and Korean War veterans, and it was such a blessing to hear their stories and life experiences. These are the men and women who fought for

loved one or how to put their relative into a nursing home. During my past four and a half years with Absolute Law Group (and our sister firm), I’ve focused on informing and preparing family members about Alzheimer’s and dementia, which affects a rising majority of our clients. My goal is not only to help this chapter of their life go as smoothly as possible for themselves and their families, but also make it the best and most peaceful part of their life. A huge component of my career is in education. I educate our team as well as others within our community. I’m a certified dementia practitioner and Alzheimer’s and dementia disease care trainer. I go into people’s homes as well as nursing homes to train the staff to help them become a certified dementia practitioner. I began doing this because one of my long-term goals

our freedom and allowed us to do the things that we want to do. I felt so honored to be a part of that and be a part of their journey. I was able to give back to them, but not in the same way they gave to us. I continue to be an advocate who makes sure they receive the benefits they deserve. I continue to be an advocate who makes sure they receive the benefits they deserve.

is to make this small part of the world a better place. By having this education, I am able to help others understand the correct information when it comes to handling assets and how to navigate the process of entering this part of their life. Hearing some of my clients heartbreaking stories never gets easier for me. My heart breaks for every family I’ve sat with who told me their negative experiences with this part of their life. Some say

“If my heart quits breaking for these families, then I don’t need to be doing this anymore.”

As it turns out, many veteran and regular civilians alike don’t even receive the correct financial information they deserve as they age. When I entered this field, that surprised me the most. There are a lot of unknowns and things aren’t being taken care of correctly. A lot of elders are taken advantage of, but we get to give them peace of mind and make the second half of their lives less stressful. It’s one of the best feelings ever.

that over time, it will get easier but I don’t think that’s true. If my heart quits breaking for these families, then I don’t need to be doing this anymore. Here at Absolute Law Group, we see all of our staff and clients as a part of our family. Our clients are such a blessing to us because of their kindness and the stories they share with us.

Now that I have nine and a half years of industry experience, it’s easier than ever for me to help clients answer questions about what to do after losing a

–Alana Hanshaw

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AbsoluteLawGroup.com

HELPFUL STEPS AFTER DEMENTIA DIAGNOSIS 5 TIPS TO GET YOU STARTED

People with dementia experience changes in thinking, recollection, reasoning, and behavior. That being said, there will be challenges you and your family will face during this period of your life if you or a loved one has been diagnosed with dementia. Here are some steps you can take to help you now and in the future (since dementia can worsen with time). Having a schedule will reduce stress and assist you in completing important tasks. You can also write down to-do lists of appointments and events so you can remember what needs to be done on your schedule. Creating a routine like this helps you still accomplish tasks on time so you can remain successful. 1. Create a daily routine.

decide what you want to participate in. Inform your loved ones about what makes you anxious as well, so they can be aware and plan ahead too.

someone you have confidence in rather than someone you mistrust.)

5. Estate planning is vital.

Estate planning is one of the most important things you can do during this time. You want to name a beneficiary and create direction for your providers about your wishes for end-of-life care. These documents — whether it be a living will, will, or a trust — can bring relief to your loved ones when deciding about how to properly care for you. In 2021, millions of people received the devastating news that they were diagnosed with dementia. Sarah K. Elyaman, an expert and elder care attorney, wrote a book titled “You’re Not Alone: Living with Dementia,” which shares more information and guidance for people who are facing this diagnosis. To receive your FREE copy of this book , go to AbsoluteLawGroup.com and scroll down to the bottom of the page where it says “Request Your Free Books Today.”

3. Be willing to accept help. You could feel as though your

independence is limited while having dementia. But don’t be afraid to ask and accept help from others. Your friends and family want the best for you and will help you in any way they can. It’s not a sign of weakness to ask for help when you need it. In fact, asking for assistance actually helps you remain in control and maintain your independence because it was your choice to ask in the first place. 4. Utilize automated bill payments. Remembering to pay your bills can be exhausting during this time, but to relieve anxiety, you can set up automated bill payments. Also consider asking someone

2. Identify what causes you stress.

Understanding and acknowledging what triggers you to be stressed will allow you to make plans in advance — and help you

to assist with the management of your finances. (It’s much better to involve

Lunch & Learn in Person Master Class! LEARN TIPS ABOUT NURSING HOME BILLS

Is your family emotionally and financially prepared for a health care hurricane? An unexpected stroke or dementia diagnosis could occur, and your loved ones may need immediate care. Sarah and Alana will discuss safety measures that you and your family can take while not breaking your bank. On Jan. 11, 2022 , join our founder, Sarah K. Elyaman, and executive director, Alana Hanshaw, as they provide tips and advice that your family can use while navigating the world of nursing home bills. This event will occur at our Ocala location: 6035 SW 54th St, Ste 200, Ocala, FL 34474.

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How to keep your home safe from creditors.

• How to protect your legacy for your grandchildren’s futures.

• How your spouse can maintain access to a lifetime of savings.

• How to make intelligent end-of-life decisions that won’t hurt your family.

This in-person master class is a FREE event! Call us at ( 352) 205-4455 to register. You can also register on our website at AbsoluteLawGroup.com/Upcoming-Events. Click on the event you would like to attend, and there will be a place for you to enter your name, email, and phone number. There is LIMITED SPACE available for this event, so be sure to register in advance. You won’t even need to bring your own lunch!

Including a free lunch, this webinar will include tips on:

• How to pay for nursing homes without emptying your bank account or losing your house.

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(352) 205-4455

Goals for Better Overall Health 5 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR SENIORS

4. VOLUNTEER MORE Volunteering is a great way to give back to your community, but it can also benefit your mental health by increasing your self-confidence and sense of purpose. You will probably meet new people while volunteering and possibly make new friends. Find something you are really passionate about and see if there are opportunities to give back. 5. REVIEW LEGAL DOCUMENTS Looking over your legal documents will benefit both you and your loved ones. You may have a trust, a will, or a living will. Making sure these documents are updated and in order will ensure your plans are up to date. If one of your New Year’s resolutions is to update your legal documents or create a new one, please call your friends at Absolute Law Group. We will be happy to assist you!

The beginning of each new year provides a chance to set resolutions. Since these goals can be big or small, consider creating resolutions that focus on bettering your physical and mental health. Here are five goals to get you started. 1. DECLUTTER YOUR BELONGINGS Throughout your lifetime, you’ve collected items that have become nostalgic for you. These objects can remind you of happy times and great memories. But there are likely some items that you don’t need or want. Go through your belongings and create two piles of things: items you want to keep and things you no longer want. By doing this, you will be more organized, which will make day-to-day life easier for you and your family. 2. EXERCISE EVERY DAY Staying active is one of the major keys to living a healthy life — just remember, you don’t have to exercise for long periods of time. In fact, Harvard Health Publications recommends exercising at least 10 minutes each day. You don’t have to frequent a gym to be active, either! You can simply walk around your neighborhood, a park, or a trail. It’s a good thing that walking is one of the best forms of exercise! 3. EMBRACE TECHNOLOGY Technology can be tricky and intimidating at first, but it can also be beneficial. It can connect you with your loved ones and even help you record memories you’d like to share with your children or grandchildren. This year, try a new piece of technology! You might be surprised by how much you love it.

Take a Break

Chicken and Leek Filo Pie

Ingredients • 3 oz unsalted butter, divided • 2 large leeks, finely sliced • 2 large carrots, finely chopped • 1 tbsp flour • 14 oz chicken stock, warmed • 2 tsp Dijon mustard • 3 tbsp heavy cream • 12 oz cooked chicken, cut into chunks • 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley • 12 sheets frozen filo pastry, thawed

Directions 1. Preheat oven to 350 F. 2. In a pan over low heat, melt 1 oz butter. 3. Add leeks and carrots and cook for 15 minutes, until softened but not colored. 4. Stir in flour and cook for 1 minute. 5. Gradually add chicken stock, stirring until sauce is smooth, then let simmer for 10 minutes. 6. Stir in mustard and heavy cream, then add cooked chicken and parsley. Transfer to a large ovenproof dish. 7. In a pan, melt remaining butter. 8. Put a single filo sheet on a board and brush with melted butter. Scrunch up pastry sheet and place on top of chicken mixture. Continue until pie is covered. 9. Bake for 20–25 minutes, until the filo is golden and chicken mixture is bubbling.

Inspired by GoodHousekeeping.com

BLANKETS CARNATION COLD EMMYS

FOOTBALL GARNET JANUS MITTENS

PARADE RESOLUTION SNOW WORKOUT

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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411

6035 SW 54th St. Suite 200 Ocala, FL 34474 (352) 205-4455 AbsoluteLawGroup.com

1 Meet Our Executive Director, Alana Hanshaw! 2 Dementia Diagnosis? Follow These Steps! 2 Join Us at Our FREE Webinar! 3 Your Mental and Physical Health in 2022 3 Take a Break 3 Chicken and Leek Filo Pie 4 Get Stretching!

3 BENEFITS OF STRETCHING

We’ve all been advised to stretch before working out or performing physical activities. However, some recent studies have cautioned against this practice, claiming it may lead to an increased chance of getting injured. Regardless, this does not mean you should cut stretching out of your life completely.

move easier. This still does not mean you should stretch right before working out, but by creating a routine where you stretch in the morning or at night (or both!), your muscles will stay looser, helping prevent muscle strains and tears. IMPROVED BALANCE AND POSTURE Strong posture and balance are essential for both everyday activities and athletic performance. Good posture is necessary for spine health, and you need good balance to do everything from walking down the street to standing and sitting. The flexibility gained through stretching improves the muscles that are needed for correct posture, and you will also increase your range of motion. RELAXATION AND REDUCED PAIN There are also certain stretches that help lengthen and open your muscles. When your muscles are looser and relaxed, you’re less likely to feel pain or experience muscle cramps. Stretching can work wonders for people suffering from lower back pain. This pain is often caused by tight muscles, and stretching will loosen them and relieve that pain. Stretching can also help your mind loosen up and unwind, which will relieve stress and improve your mood.

Stretching is not just for athletes. Everyone can benefit from this practice, and there are many advantages that come with improving your flexibility. Getting in the habit of stretching after you wake up and before you go to bed can benefit many aspects of your overall health.

Here are our top three benefits!

REDUCED RISK OF INJURY If your muscles are tight and you start working out, your chance of injury increases. Stretching helps to loosen your muscles and allows them to

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