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As the holiday season rolls in, we’re often reminded of the importance of family. It’s a time for joy, gratitude, and celebration, and every member of the family, young and old, deserves to be part of these lifelong memories.

All too often, our aging loved ones feel pushed aside, almost invisible in all of the joy of the holiday season. There’s a place for them at the figurative and literal table this time of year, and it’s our duty as their loved ones to make sure they don’t feel forgotten in all the craziness of the next few months.

Elderly Family Members Are Still Family

The golden years might have changed the physical capabilities of our elders, but it hasn’t eliminated their emotional and social needs. As we plan holiday celebrations, it’s vital to remember that grandma, grandpa, dad, mom, and any of our other older family members are as much a part of our family as any other.

Over the years, they’ve built the foundation upon which our family traditions stand. Excluding them, intentionally or not, can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and even depression. They don’t deserve that.

Our elderly loved ones have contributed immensely to our lives, creating countless memories and opportunities. Isn’t it only fair to give back to them during what’s supposed to be the most joyful time of year? Include them in the planning, ask for their opinions, and, more than anything, make them feel valued.

Be Considerate of Cognitive Challenges

As the years go by, cognitive diseases like Dementia and its forms pose a significant and unique challenge in the lives of our elderly loved ones. These challenges may sometimes make it difficult for them to participate in festivities the way they used to, but pushing them aside isn’t the answer.

By understanding their specific challenges, we can tailor our celebrations to be more inclusive. It might mean adjusting the volume of music, creating a quiet space for them, or simplifying games and other activities to involve them.

Being observant and considerate can make a world of difference for them. By acknowledging and preparing for these challenges, we ensure that our family remains unified and our elderly loved ones still find joy in the festivities.

Rely on the Guidance of a Dementia Focused Practice® 

For Elder Law Firms and Financial Advisors seeking guidance in this area, Million Dollar Solution® is a valuable resource. Our dedication lies in modernizing elder care at the legal level to provide more tailored solutions for individuals with Dementia and their caretakers. As a Dementia Focused Practice®, firms possess the necessary training and skills to assist families and individuals grappling with the complexities of Dementia.

We regularly collaborate with elder law and financial advisor firms, preparing the entire team and enabling them to provide specialized services for those affected by Dementia. This holistic approach ensures that both emotional and legal aspects are addressed, bridging the gap between care and legislation.

For elder law and financial advisor firms eager to contribute and make a difference, the opportunity to become a part of the Dementia Focused Practice® membership through Million Dollar Solution® is invaluable. DFP members are able to tackle topics just like this one and a number of others on behalf of clients and their family members. Our elderly loved ones deserve all the love and respect this season and always. Let’s ensure they feel right at home in the heart of the celebrations.

I am sitting on my flight reflecting on the last three days in Tempe, Arizona for the 2023 Dementia Focused Practice® and all the knowledge that was shared and time spent with all of you. I know I personally bring back so much from these conferences and I am thrilled that so many members of our team could come on this trip. Here are a few highlights that I am bringing back with me.

On day one, part of the MDS team found ourselves with a little free time! We tackled a morning hike to watch the sunrise from the peak of a mountain and enjoyed a delicious breakfast. After recovering from our hike, we prepared for the day and kicked off the conference with a Mastermind session with Julie Steinbacher and Don Quante.

After giving our brains a workout during the Mastermind session, we drove out into the middle of the desert for a hot air balloon ride – what a thrill! I wasn’t sure I would have the courage to get into the hot air balloon – but I did. Once in the air, it was so peaceful. I couldn’t believe how quiet and breathtakingly beautiful it was. The landing was a bit rough, and we all had some good laughs after getting very close and personal. The champagne waiting for us upon landing was welcomed warmly by all!

On day two, we jumped into the conference – and what a full day it was. We covered financial products to help pay for long-term care, Elder Care Navigation, and Dementia Care Planning, and attendees had the ability to experience the Virtual Dementia Tour. Conversations throughout the day with attorneys, financial advisors and their staff were absolutely fantastic – it is rare to have so many like-minded and passionate individuals in the same room.

Our keynote speaker was Kerri Kasem – and I don’t think there were many dry eyes while she was speaking. Her passion and advocacy is top notch, and it was an honor to have her join us.

I could go on and on about everything we crammed into the conference, but I think one takeaway that I personally have is thinking of my goals in 2024. My goal is to continue to grow – professionally, in my personal life, and continue to grow my Elder Care Navigation team.

What about you – what is your goal for 2024? Is it to provide a better service? Is it to make more money? Or is it to find a better work/life balance? Maybe it is a combination of these – or all three. Our team here at MDS has put a TON of time mapping out our 2024 calendar to help each of you meet your goals in 2024.

To learn more about our upcoming events and opportunities, please contact us at info@themilliondollarlawyer.com

Change is inevitable. It’s a part of doing business, regardless of whether you’re a law firm or doing business in another industry. However, not all change is created equal.

Adaptation and growth are essential for any organization, but constant employee turnover can lead to a sense of uneasiness in your office and with your clients that hinders retention internally and externally.

So, what role does leadership play in retention? Let’s delve into the critical role of leadership in maintaining employee stability, ensuring client confidence, and finding the right solutions for your company.

There is Good Change and There is Bad Change

In the legal realm, where expertise and continuity matter greatly, a revolving door of employees can be detrimental. A culture that embraces change and adaptation is vital, but it must be balanced with the need for stability and retention.

“Great leaders do not create followers, they create more leaders.” That’s a quote from writer Tom Peters and perfectly captures how leadership in your organization should focus on creating an environment where everyone is valued and able to lead in their own ways.

This fosters an environment where employees feel valued and motivated to stay. When leaders prioritize professional development, job satisfaction, and work-life balance, employees are more likely to commit to you long-term. Stability not only enhances productivity but also enables you to put efficient systems in place that employees are familiar with and able to rely on.

Paying long-term employees more might seem expensive, but it pays off when you see the results from confident clients.

Employee Retention Means More Confident Clients

Client trust is the cornerstone of any successful firm. When clients know who they are dealing with on a consistent basis, they’ll keep coming back for more (unless the results are subpar which is an entirely different discussion). When clients deal with a revolving door of employees, they won’t feel confident or attached to your firm.

Effective leadership directly influences employee retention, which, in turn, impacts client relationships. A stable team provides clients with the confidence that their needs are being handled by experienced professionals who understand their unique situation.

Not only will you see clients come back for more – you’re more likely to get strong referrals, as well.

How Do You Define Good Leadership?

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to leadership. Each firm has its unique needs, challenges, and goals. The key to effective leadership lies in adaptability and the ability to listen to your employees. A successful leader understands that nothing should be considered unreasonable when it comes to employee input, growth opportunities, and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

Building your leadership style on communication, trust, and empathy goes a long way. Leaders should actively engage with their teams, seeking feedback and ideas, and promoting an open dialogue. By valuing their employees’ contributions and providing opportunities for growth and development, leaders create an environment where employees are not only willing to stay but also thrive.

We’ve mentioned work-life balance a few times. Leaders should support their team’s well-being, recognizing that a healthy work-life balance leads to increased job performance and reduced burnout in today’s society.

What’s Your Solution?

From the dawn of business, leadership has been the key that holds the organization together. It’s vital to all internal and external successes. If you’re facing leadership gaps within your firm, it’s time to take action.

The Million Dollar Solution® specializes in providing tailored solutions to law firms. Our team understands the unique challenges of the legal industry and can help you identify and address leadership and retention issues specific to your organization. Don’t let poor leadership practices hinder your firm’s growth and client relationships. Schedule your free strategy session with The Million Dollar Solution® today to access the insights and solutions that will drive future success.

I always appreciate a few days away from the office, but phew, the last few weeks were a whirlwind! I was fortunate enough to spend a week away with my husband, Kyle, and two kids – Kendall and Kyler. We visited St. John USVI – and wow, what a beautiful place. If you haven’t marked this off your bucket list yet, I encourage you to visit soon! The beaches are pristine and at times, it felt like we were on a deserted island. I was determined to see a sea turtle and it turns out we were fortunate enough to see them daily! 

But nothing can end an amazing trip like a flight cancellation on the way home. We were exhausted and it was late at night when our flight was cancelled in Miami. Thankfully we were able to book the first flight out the next morning, but I was scheduled to leave that day for a training. We got home and I had two hours to turn it around before leaving for Connecticut. I never knew how quickly I could do laundry and get re-packed until now! 

So why did I head to Connecticut? Well, Jenna and I are excited to announce that we are officially Certified Virtual Dementia Tour trainers (VDT) through Second Wind Dreams. We spent two (long) days training and are excited to now be able to offer this experience to our staff, professionals in the community, families of those we serve, and all of you! 

The Second Wind VDT experience was designed to allow professionals and family members to “walk in the shoes of a person with Dementia”. This is a one-of-a-kind immersive experience allows us to have a greater understand of what it may be like living as a person with Dementia, and provides tools and tips so we can create an environment to support a person with a cognitive impairment. 

This is a fantastic opportunity as we strive to provide the best possible services to those affected by Dementia – at our office and in our community.  We found this training so valuable that all staff at our office locations will be going through the VDT experience over the next few weeks. Whether it is the team member that answers the phone, greets clients as they walk in, or the team member working directly with the family, it is important that the entire Firm is able to treat a person with Dementia and their family with dignity and respect. 

We proudly offered the Virtual Dementia Tour to all attendees at our Tempe conference for FREE back in November 2023! This was an exciting initiative to bring value to attendees and provide certification on the spot to people who truly care about this mission and want to be a part of future solutions.

As for me – I took a few days off after these trips to recover and get caught up on life. Next up – Tempe in November (and hopefully no flight cancellations)! See you there! 

Written by Kristin Daugherty, a Coach with Million Dollar Solution

Change is as scary as it is exciting for a business. You and your employees/colleagues work hard to open new possibilities. Those possibilities mean change whether it be through growing the staff, adding new products or services, moving to a larger building, etc.

For employees, change often means imbalance and stress. New challenges allow employees to be more engaged and learn new skills, but we must acknowledge the anxiety that comes with all change. During a time of change, it’s not uncommon for employees to ask things like:

• Is my role necessary under this new direction?
• Am I still on a path of growth within the company or is my path now gone?
• Will I be able to meet new expectations?
• How does this impact my work-life balance?

These and other self-reflections are important elements of change within a company that you should be cognizant of. What can you do to make this transition easier and more welcoming to your colleagues?

Understand Your Business Is Only As Strong as Its People

Businesses are the people. Any change management strategy needs to put the people first; any transition will fall short if the people aren’t able to understand or execute the plan. Your future lies in effective communication and execution of the path you’re setting the company on.

So, what does this mean for you? The effective communication element falls on leadership. You need to make clear what the changes are and leave as few unanswered questions as possible. To do this, it’s important to consider giving everyone a platform to ask any and all questions they have. You don’t want to leave it to the water cooler conversations because this creates more anxiety and confusion.

Set a Reasonable Timeline

One of the surest ways for a plan to fail is to attempt to communicate, implement, and profit from it over too short a time. The size of your business is an important element of this (more on that below). If you have a lot of employees to get on board then you should have a grace period between the announcement and implementation of change.

You don’t want to announce something brand new that changes employee expectations and expect them to miraculously pull it off successfully immediately. Instead, set a date that you want your systems and processes to be updated and roll it out over time.

Size Matters

As noted above, the size of your company matters. There is no model that says “change is easier/harder at a smaller/bigger company,” however, the size of your company should inform the steps you take to effect change.

Is your small business a tight-knit group that normally relies on each other for insight and direction? Everyone should probably be involved in formulating a plan for change instead of breaking the norm and doing it all behind closed doors. Do you operate a large company or firm that has numerous layers of employees? It’s logical to consider what each layer of the company needs to be successful in this change and implement individualized strategies for each layer.

Be Confident, Excited, and Know What Happens if You Fail

Your employees are more likely to buy in if the leaders that established the plan are confident in the direction of the company. You can’t expect people to feel driven and passionate about something that leadership isn’t comfortable with.

However, this confidence can’t neglect the possibility of this change not going as you expect. There’s no guarantee that a cultural or systematic change within a business will find success. Contingency plans and having a proper reporting structure in place are two elements that protect you should things go wrong.

At The Million Dollar Solution®, we take pride in assisting firms through important periods of transition. Our team pushes our members to take on new challenges with confidence and preparation. Learn more about our membership options and get started on the journey to finding your Million Dollar Solution today.

Where Are We in the Search for a Cure for Dementia?

Dementia is one of the most unforgiving diseases in the world. According to the World Health Organization, there are 55 million people living with dementia worldwide with nearly 10 million new cases each year. The WHO notes that dementia is actually the 7th-leading cause of death worldwide, as well.

With the disease having such a far-reaching impact, where are we in the search for a cure? There is no known cure for dementia at the time of this writing, but there are signs of hope and progress.

Promising Advances in Research

When you research progress in the search for a cure for dementia, most articles relate specifically to Alzheimer’s Disease. To be clear, Alzheimer’s is just one of many forms of dementia, though it’s the most common diagnosis and often the focus of conversations surrounding dementia and dementia-related deaths.

In 2023, we’ve seen a number of promising research developments surrounding dementia and its forms. Global clinical trials for the drug donanemab are showing promise as cognitive decline is slowing in patients. There is still a long way to go before donanemab is available regularly for patients, but all cures start somewhere.

Earlier in the year, Leqembi received accelerated approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) which is hailed for treating the actual disease instead of just treating the symptoms. Both of these drugs provide promise and a potential pathway to a much better quality of life for dementia patients.

Additionally, scientists have made significant progress in recent years related to the specific genes that relate to and accelerate the onset of forms of dementia. This information is used by medical researchers to better understand diseases, how they evolve, and how to detect them early on if the genes are present.

What’s Next

As clinical trials for promising drugs and implementation of approved drugs continues, we are at an important stage in dementia research. Just last year, Congress approved nearly $300 million in additional funding for dementia research which sets us on a path toward a cure.

It’s going to take time and, frankly, money to get there. The search for a cure has been a long road, but advancements every day chart a promising course toward a new future for dementia patients.

At the Million Dollar Solution, we work with practices that are part of the care and future of dementia planning. If you want to learn more about becoming a Dementia Focused Practice, schedule a free consultation with our team today.

GET INVOLVED: You can be a part of the dementia solution. The Dementia Focused Practice® Fourth Annual Conference is taking place on November 3rd and 4th (2023) in Tempe, Arizona. Register today to get involved and do your part.

Is Your Practice Informed and Prepared for Dementia Planning?

Being a Dementia Focused Practice® is more than just going through a certification process and throwing the label on your website. Dementia care planning requires buy-in from your team and ongoing education and reeducation that instills consistent understanding and compassion for the communities you serve.

Dementia impacts individuals, families, and communities across the globe. Regardless of where you are, it’s imperative to plan not only for the unique needs of not only those dealing with the disease and its forms but also those who are indirectly impacted. This includes loved ones, dementia caretakers, and more.

Your Whole Staff Should Be Trained

Some firms believe dementia care planning is only for the attorneys themselves. This misses a key portion of your law firm. Clients regularly communicate with secretaries and assistants as much if not more than the attorneys in some cases.

Educating your entire staff guarantees that all the interactions your clients and their families have with your law firm is up to the high standard you set by committing to providing dementia planning. Your clients need to feel welcome and supported in the environment you’re bringing them into.

Understand the Needs of Dementia Caretakers

Dementia planning involves more than just providing care for people with dementia and their families. Dementia caretakers are also a part of the Dementia Focused Practice® ecosystem. Their legal needs differ from their patients, but you need to be prepared for this.

Part of this includes providing a roadmap to caretakers who will rely on your services and guidance throughout the life of their care. Are they personally equipped to handle a certain legal situation pertaining to the individual they are providing care to? Do they know when they need to defer to you for guidance?

These are important questions that dementia caretakers are having to answer every day. Prepare your practice to provide these answers and give peace of mind to the people who are helping to support loved ones in need.

Dementia Planning is a Long-term Commitment

Dementia planning is not just a one-off legal service where clients come in and sign some papers before a handshake and an exit. Dementia planning often means handling clients for well over a decade as they or a loved one transition through the various stages of the disease.

It’s vital that you understand and prepare for this. What does planning look like at various stages of the forms of dementia? Are you evolving the legal guidance and expertise you are providing or attempting to apply a uniform set of standards regardless of where a client is in their dementia journey?

Become a Million Dollar Solution Member

We dedicate extensive time, money, and energy toward providing practices with the solutions they need to provide care to a vulnerable population. People with dementia deserve the respect and representation that anyone else receives.

By becoming a Million Dollar Solution member, you join a network of law firms that’s answered the call to serve these people. Schedule your free strategy session and start your dementia planning journey today.

As a Dementia Focused Lawyer

As a dementia-focused lawyer, you have a unique set of skills and expertise that can help clients navigate complex legal issues related to dementia. However, attracting clients to your practice can be challenging, particularly when it comes to sensitive topics like dementia diagnosis. Here are some tips on how to attract clients as a dementia-focused lawyer:

Establish yourself as an expert

One of the most effective ways to attract clients is to establish yourself as an expert in Dementia Care Planning and Elder Care Navigation. Write articles, blog posts, or social media posts on topics related to dementia care and planning, speak at conferences or events, and offer educational resources on your website. Establishing yourself as an expert can help you build credibility and trust with potential clients.

Build a strong online presence

In today’s digital age, having a strong online presence is critical for attracting clients. Make sure you have a professional website that clearly explains your services and areas of expertise. Consider creating social media profiles on platforms like LinkedIn or Twitter to connect with potential clients and share valuable content.

Offer free consultations or workshops

Offering free consultations or workshops is an excellent way to attract potential clients. Consider hosting a workshop or webinars on a topic related to dementia care or planning or offer free initial consultations to new clients. This can help you build relationships with potential clients and demonstrate your value as a dementia-focused lawyer.

Build relationships with referral sources

Building relationships with referral sources, such as social workers, caregivers, or dementia care facilities, can be an effective way to attract clients. Offer to speak at local support groups or caregiver meetings or offer to provide educational resources to these groups. By building relationships with referral sources, you can establish a steady stream of referrals to your practice.

Attending Networking Events

Attending networking events, such as local bar association meetings or dementia care conferences, can be an effective way to connect with potential clients. Be prepared to introduce yourself and explain your areas of expertise, and consider bringing marketing materials, such as business cards or brochures, to hand out to potential clients.

Leverage online reviews and testimonials

Online reviews and testimonials can be powerful tools for attracting clients. Encourage satisfied clients to leave reviews on your website or social media profiles and feature these testimonials prominently on your website. Positive reviews can help build trust and credibility with potential clients.

1. Set clear goals

One of the most critical factors in being productive is setting clear goals. Identify what you want to achieve, and break down your goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. Having clear objectives can help you stay focused and motivated, making it easier to stay productive.

2. Prioritize tasks

Not all tasks are equally important, and prioritizing tasks can help you focus on what matters most. Identify which tasks are urgent and important and focus on those first. This can help you make the most of your time and ensure that you accomplish what needs to be done.

3. Eliminating distractions

Eliminating distractions can be a significant impediment to productivity. Identify the things that distract you, such as social media or email notifications and eliminate them. Turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and create a distraction-free workspace.

4. Managing your time effectively

Time management is critical for productivity. Use tools such as calendars or to-do lists to keep track of tasks and deadlines. Set aside specific times for tasks and prioritize your time to ensure that you accomplish what needs to be done.

5. Take breaks

Taking breaks can boost productivity. Breaks can help prevent burnout, refresh your mind, and increase your creativity. Take short breaks throughout the day, and make sure to take longer breaks to recharge.

6. Exercise

Exercise is an essential component of productivity. Exercise helps to improve focus, increase energy levels, and boost mood. Even short bouts of exercise can make a significant difference in productivity.

7. Get enough sleep

Sleep is crucial for productivity. Lack of sleep can affect focus, energy levels, and mood. Make sure to get enough sleep each night to ensure that you can be productive the next day.

8. Stay organized

Being organized can help boost productivity. Keep your workspace clean and clutter-free, use filing systems to keep track of documents, and create a system for organizing your tasks.

9. Stay motivated

Staying motivated is essential for productivity. Find ways to stay inspired, such as setting rewards for completing tasks or finding accountability partners to help you stay on track.

10. Learn to say no

Saying no can be challenging, but it is essential for productivity. Learn to say no to tasks or commitments that are not essential or that do not align with your goals. This can help you focuson what matters most and boost your productivity.

by Dom Loffredo, Director of Operations at MDS

Recently my wife and I spent a week exploring the beautiful state of Vermont, but expectedly so, we made our eight hour trip home asking “do we really have to leave?” If you have ever gone on vacation, then I am confident you can relate to that last sentence. Although my beautiful state of Pennsylvania has a lot of similarities –trees, mountains, farms, and lots of places to eat; something about the Vermont hospitality we experienced made me realize that our office culture should resemble our end of vacation experience mentioned above. Below are my 5 key takeaways on how this approach can prove valuable to increasing your office dynamic.

1. Make it hard to leave

The overall kindness and generosity we experienced in Vermont was overwhelming. On multiple occasions I was given bags of ice, coffee, and or food for free because we were from out of town!Takeaway: you always have the ability to make staff & clients want to stay because of your compassion and generosity –sometimes it only takes a 99cent cup of coffee!

2. Communication = Caring

We hiked and or walked about 40 miles while in Vermont –almost every trail we hiked a local would talk to us! I have hiked my entire life throughout PA and this rarely happens.Takeaway: A small conversation pays dividends to your staff –it shows that you generally care about them.

3. Recycling is not an option

Recycling is integrated throughout their entire culture without reminding people or labeling it –they just do it out of commitment to this unwritten value.Takeaway: If something is a core value of your firm, your staff should see it occur daily without it being pointed out!

4. Word of Mouth is still King

Through conversations with locals, we learned of the best “dives, overlooks and tours” throughout the state –the only place we were disappointed with came from Google.Takeaway: people still talk –make sure your brand is easily recognizable/searchable & viewable!

5. Take a Deep Breath!

Given the large mountains, we often did not have cell service and had to “wing it” since we did not have a physical map. Regardless of a few detours, I was determined to not let a lack of cell service ruin our vacation!

Takeaway: A deep breath in times of challenge or confusion can reset your perspective on how to handle the challenge –when something is out of our control we need to let it go and focus on the next best option!