Partner Melissa Kallio, JD, CELA, was recognized by Chicago Volunteer Legal Services (CVLS) for her pro bono services as a Guardian Ad Litem in their Adult Guardianship program. Experience like this is what sets Dutton Casey & Mesoloras apart, particularly in our guardianship services. 

It is already that time where we begin to plan for the upcoming year. At Dutton Casey & Mesoloras, we have revised our educational presentation list and are excited to share some new topics, including:

• Ethics of Decision-Making 
• Guardianship – How Did We Get Here? 
• Annual Legal Checkup for Aging Well 
• Asset Protection and Medicaid 

We are well-suited for a variety of audiences, from long-term care staff to adult children caring for an aging parent to parents planning for the care of their special needs child(ren). Our attorneys prioritize connecting with and educating the community and professionals that serve our clients. Contact our Client Care Coordinator Monica DiOrio to learn more at 312-899-0950 or mdiorio@duttonelderlaw.com.

A new rule going into effect January 1, 2023, is setting seniors up with improved access to health care coverage.

Your Medicare Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) begins as you approach your 65th birthday. For the three months leading up to that milestone birthday, during the actual month of your 65th birthday, as well as for the three months after you turn 65, you can sign up for Medicare.

In the past, if you waited until the last three months of your IEP to enroll in Medicare, you would have to wait another two or three months before your coverage began. Due to new rules, this will, fortunately, be changing for the better. 

Read the full article here.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) has recently started to focus on finding ways to support family caregivers by assisting them with resources to maintain their health, well-being, and financial security while they act as caregivers. As part of this, it has announced the implementation of a 2022 National Strategy to Support Family Caregivers.

HHS estimates that approximately 53 million people provide a broad range of assistance to their aging, health-compromised, or disabled loved ones each year. Millions more open their homes to grandparents as well as children who cannot live with their parents.

Burdens of Caregiving

Many caregivers put their needs last, often giving up income to step into a caregiving role. As a result, they may suffer quality of life and financial and health issues. When these scenarios become untenable, their loved ones are forced to enter nursing homes or other facilities, and taxpayers bear this cost.

Read the full article here.

November 11 is Veterans Day, so in honor of that we have provided some resources below.

US Department of Veterans Affairs

The following Veterans Service Organizations are located at the Chicago Regional Office:

• American Legion 
• AMVETS
• Disabled American Veterans
• Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs 
• Paralyzed Veterans of America
• Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW)
• Vietnam Veterans of America

VETERAN FOOD PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

• Find a food pantry



• Find out how to apply for SNAP/Link (food stamps) and Medicaid, and get answers to common questions on state and federal benefit programs

• Find free diapers near you and learn about nutrition and benefit programs to support families with children.

Give us a call at 312-899-0950 or email us at contact@duttonelderlaw.com to learn more about how we can assist you.