Article from https://keohane.com/ newsletter:
AS A NURSE ATTORNEY, RON KEARNS R.N., ESQ., OF FALCO & ASSOCIATES, brings a unique focus to Elder Law, advising on care needs and helping families develop Estate and Medicaid Plans. Falco & Associates, P.C. is affiliated with Senior Resource Center, Inc., which helps Massachusetts seniors and their families with comprehensive solutions for Medicaid (MassHealth) planning and care coordination, as well as the coordination of financial and estate planning services.
“Being a nurse has helped me tremendously in my day-to-day Elder Law practice, both professionally and personally,” said Ron, who has been with the firm since 2004. “By being a nurse, I understand the complex levels of care—hospital, rehab, nursing home, assisted living, independent living, and home care as well as what might be best for our clients.”
On a personal level, being a nurse is very rewarding for Ron. “I think that Elder Law and Estate Planning brings me the closest satisfaction level to being a nurse. In Elder Law, you are helping someone, often in very trying times when health fails, things need to be put in order, and crucial decisions need to be made,” said Ron. “We’re bringing families together and supporting them.”
After practicing nursing for three years, Ron decided that he wanted to continue his education. One of his favorite high school teachers, Mr. Richard Brown, was also an attorney. “His law classes in high school were my most interesting subject. So, I went to law school full time, which takes 3 years post college, worked as a nurse on the weekends, and worked for a criminal defense lawyer during the week.”
Ron’s favorite area of study was estate planning, including Wills and Trusts. “I’m a practical guy. Not everyone will need a criminal defense attorney or a corporate attorney, but everyone, no matter how simple or how complex, will need an Estate Planning attorney at some time during their life.”
Ron offers Continuing Education Units (CEU) presentations for Elder Care professionals, including nurses and social workers. “We talk the same language and have shared experiences. I like educating health care professionals on the important legal issues and concerns of seniors. I like to simplify the complex maze of MassHealth regulations so it will help nurses and social workers in their daily practice with patients and their families,” said Ron.
Ron graduated from Fitchburg State College Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing in 1985. He graduated with Honors from Suffolk University Law School in 1991 and has practiced Estate Planning, Real Estate, Medical/Legal and Elder Law since then. Ron is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, Inc., (NAELA).
Ron has been married to his college sweetheart, Karen, for 30 years. They have two adult children. Their son, Rob, is a Climate Specialist at the Charles River Watershed Association and very passionate about the environment. Their daughter, Lauren, is a new RN working on a medical- surgical unit at a Boston hospital. His hobbies include going to the Y, boating, and reading about history. He and Karen hope to travel more in the future.
Teaming Up with Keohane
For many years, Ron and Joe Reardon, V.P. for Community Development and Advance Planning at Keohane, have teamed up to present Estate and Advance Planning seminars for the public. “Estate Planning and Medicaid Planning go hand and hand with Funeral Pre-Planning. Any planning is really peace of mind for your loved ones. Just like our Elder Law firm, Keohane Funeral Home is passionate about educating the public about being prepared,” said Ron. The live seminars feature both experts. Joe discusses the options available and the benefits of planning for funeral and cremation services, and Ron discusses financial and legal strategies and requirements for effective estate planning and asset protection, including Medicaid and Veterans’ benefits.
“We have worked together for 20 years. Ron is extremely knowledgeable and skilled at what he does. He has helped many families,” said Joe. “Working on the seminars with Ron is an opportunity for us to add value to the service we provide. Families appreciate the fact that we care enough to help them navigate estate and Medicaid planning through the seminars and our relationship with Senior Resource Center, Inc.”
