Donald D. Vanarelli, Esq. is the Keynote Speaker at the Upcoming Caring for Caregivers Conference

East Rutherford's Access for All Committee Hosts the Second Annual Caring for Caregivers Conference on Tuesday, November 15, 2016, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. at the East Rutherford Community Center.

The Access for All Committee is a county-wide, diversity and inclusion initiative with the goal of ensuring special needs residents in Bergen County communities have access to the information, services, resources, and buildings operated by each municipality. Access for All brings together municipal and business leaders, public safety officials, and volunteers to share information about services and resources, legislative updates, and support options available on a county, state or federal basis.

At the upcoming Caring for Caregivers Confereence, caregivers will be provided with critical information and resources that support the needs of their special needs or “differently-abled” family members. Keynote Speaker Donald Vanarelli, attorney specializing in planning for elder care and unique issues related to parents of children with disabilities, will open the evening by sharing key information about legal documents required for parents of children with special needs.

The second half of the conference features guest panelists: Anthony Guzzo (architect with Guzzo + Guzzo Architects), Frank Recanati (Construction Official), and Dan Kotkin (Information Specialist with Bergen County, Division on Disabilities). The panel, moderated by East Rutherford Access for All Committee Chair Sherrill Curtis, will address audience questions regarding trends in home design for special needs family members, easing the renovation process, and available county/state resources.

Seating is limited. Pre-registration recommended. Registration information may be viewed on the East Rutherford website Calendar of Events or Access for All pages at: www.eastrutherfordnj.net.

Access for All meets hosts monthly meetings on the last Monday of each month, 7-8 p.m. at the East Rutherford Community Center.

About Donald D. Vanarelli 

Recipient of the Marilyn Askin Lifetime Achievement Award from the New Jersey State Bar Association's Elder and Disability Law Section, Donald D. Vanarelli is a Certified Elder Law Attorney, and a member of the Council of Advanced Practitioners of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Mr. Vanarelli is also an Accredited Veterans Attorney and an Accredited Professional Mediator. He has successfully litigated cases in New Jersey's Supreme Court and in federal court. Mr. Vanarelli represents seniors, the disabled and their families in estate planning, financing long-term medical care, nursing home issues, qualifying for Supplemental Security Income, Medicaid and other public benefits, special needs planning, and litigation, including probate, elder abuse and guardianship lawsuits.

About The Law Office of Donald D. Vanarelli 

Located in Westfield, New Jersey, the firm provides a broad range of legal services for seniors, the disabled and their families. The law firm guides clients through complex legal areas including public benefits planning, trial advocacy and court procedures, the administrative process, as well as estate and gift tax laws.

Contact: Ginny Morrissey, The Law Office of Donald D. Vanarelli, Tel: 908-232-7400, Email: gmorrissey@VanarellilLaw.com

For additional information concerning special needs trusts and disability planning, visit: http://vanarellilaw.com/special-needs-disability-planning/

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November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month

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President Obama has proclaimed November 2016 as National Alzheimer's Disease Awareness Month. The President has called upon the people of the United States “to learn more about Alzheimer's disease and support the individuals living with this disease and their caregivers.”

Alzheimer's disease is an irreversible, progressive brain disorder that slowly destroys memory and thinking skills and, eventually, the ability to carry out the simplest tasks. In most people with Alzheimer's, symptoms first appear in their mid-60s. Estimates vary, but experts suggest that more than 5 million Americans may have Alzheimer's.

The symptoms of Alzheimer's vary from person to person. In general, Alzheimer's disease progresses in four  stages:

1. Early Stage Alzheimer's Disease – Memory problems are typically one of the first signs of cognitive impairment related to Alzheimer's disease. Some people with memory problems have a condition called mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In MCI, people have more memory problems than normal for their age, but their symptoms do not interfere with their everyday lives. In addition, decline in non-memory aspects of cognition, such as word-finding, vision/spatial issues, and impaired reasoning or judgment, may signal the very early stages of Alzheimer's disease. Movement difficulties and problems with the sense of smell have also been linked to MCI.


2. Mild Alzheimer's Disease-at this stage, people experience more than just forgetfulness. Problems can include wandering and getting lost, trouble handling money and paying bills, repeating questions, taking longer to complete normal daily tasks, and personality and behavior changes. People are often diagnosed in this stage.


3. Moderate Alzheimer's Disease-In this stage, damage occurs in areas of the brain that control language, reasoning, sensory processing, and conscious thought. Memory loss and confusion grow worse, and people begin to have problems recognizing family and friends. They may be unable to learn new things, carry out multi-step tasks such as getting dressed, or cope with new situations. In addition, people at this stage may have hallucinations, delusions, and paranoia and may behave impulsively.


4. Severe Alzheimer's Disease-People with severe Alzheimer's cannot communicate and are completely dependent on others for their care. Near the end, the person may be in bed most or all of the time as the body shuts down.

Scientists don't yet fully understand what causes Alzheimer's disease in most people, and researches are just beginning to develop treatment regimens.

Visit the National Institute on Aging website to learn more about Alzheimer's disease basics.

The National Institute of Health has issued a fact sheet about the causes, diagnosis and treatment of Alzheimer's disease:

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For additional information concerning guardianships and fiduciary services, visit: http://vanarellilaw.com/guardianship-fiduciary-services/

The post November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month appeared first on Elder Law Attorney NJ | 07090 | 908-232-7400 | NJ Estate Planning Lawyer | The Law Office of Donald D. Vanarelli.