Elder Law

Many seniors must apply for Medicaid to afford long-term care. Here are strategies families can use to protect some of their assets while still qualifying for financial assistance with nursing home costs.

Taxes are an important element to consider when engaging in estate planning. Discover the answers to 5 key estate tax questions.

Proper Medicaid planning is crucial when it comes time to pay senior care costs. Here are some common mistakes people make when trying to plan for Medicaid.

Most people mistakenly believe that creating a will is a one-time task, but estate-planning documents should be reviewed regularly to ensure they still reflect your wishes.

Seniors with limited income and assets must often use a spend-down strategy to qualify for Medicaid, but gifting can trigger a penalty period of ineligibility. Learn about Medicaid asset transfer rules to avoid problems with paying for long-term care.

With so many older adults living on limited incomes, finding affordable products and services is crucial to making ends meet. Get the inside scoop on freebies and discounts available to you and your aging loved one.

What's a caregiver to do when their elderly parent refuses assisted living or nursing home care but isn’t safe at home? In some cases, guardianship may be an option.

Home care payment options include Medicare and Medicaid plans, but VA benefits and long-term care insurance may also help pay for care.

Even if you were heavily involved in the decision to place an elderly loved one in a senior living facility, you must have certain legal documents in place to participate in conversations with staff about their medical care.

When friends or family members are unwilling or unable to take responsibility for an elder's legal, financial and medical decisions, professional fiduciary services can ensure that their affairs are taken care of.

When someone you love passes away, the last thing you want to think about is locating legal documents and handling financial matters. Use these steps to make the probate process as simple as possible.

Whether you’ve been named as someone else’s power of attorney (POA) or you’re looking to appoint one for yourself, know what rights, responsibilities and limitations come with this legal designation.

Memory loss is a hallmark symptom of Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, but neurological damage can also cause patients to make up hurtful stories and level false accusations toward their caregivers.

Many people are surprised to learn they don’t have to get rid of all their assets to qualify for Medicaid. A clear understanding of Medicaid resource limits and rules will help you devise the best legal and financial planning strategy for your situation.

If an aging loved one has not named a durable power of attorney and is losing their ability to think clearly and handle aspects of their daily life due to a medical condition like dementia, it might be time to seek legal guardianship.

An advance medical directive is a legal document that identifies a person’s health care preferences in the event they become unable to make decisions for themselves. Advance care planning provides invaluable guidance and peace of mind for family members.

Probate is the court-supervised process of inventorying all a decedent’s assets and distributing them to creditors and inheritors. However, not all property is subject to disposition by a will or the probate process.

Eliminate the issue of potential disagreements about your future care by naming a single individual in the health care directive.

Find out how annuities play into Medicaid planning for your elderly parents. It may seem hard to believe that annuities can help the elderly qualify for Medicaid - yes, Medicaid. This is sometimes called the "Half-A-Loaf" approach, and in certain cases, it can be a lifesaver for those who need the help the most.

Interested in taking care of elderly parents at home and getting paid? There are many resources that pay family caregivers for their services.