Can I Give My Kids $19,000 a Year and Apply for Medicaid?

August 14, 2025
Brian Hicks
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Medicaid Planning, Our Blog, Wills & Trusts

If you have money to give your children, you certainly can, but you should be aware that you may face consequences should you apply for Medicaid long-term care coverage within five years after each gift. In 2025, you can give up...

Why Aren’t More Older Adults Thinking About Long-Term Care?

July 23, 2025
Brian Hicks
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Medicaid Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration, Senior Living, Wills & Trusts

After decades of handling our daily personal care needs without giving them a second thought, it is hard to imagine needing help with these tasks. However, research shows that about one in seven adults aged 65 or older will need...

Why the Social Security Retirement Age Is Now 67, Not 65

July 3, 2025
Brian Hicks
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Our Blog, Senior Living, Wills & Trusts

In 2025, Americans born in 1960 are reaching age 65, a milestone that for decades has been associated with retirement. Many people still think of 65 as the age to claim full Social Security retirement benefits. But for those born...

Before You Move Your Parents to an Assisted Living Facility

June 12, 2025
Brian Hicks
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Medicaid Planning, Our Blog, Senior Living

Assisted living communities can provide essential care and peace of mind for you and your aging parents. Identifying the most suitable facility for your loved one is a journey requiring matching your parents’ needs, budget, and lifestyle with desirable locations.

2024 Survey Shows Long-Term Care Costs Continue to Rise

May 22, 2025
Brian Hicks
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Medicaid Planning, Our Blog, Senior Living

As most of us go through our daily routines, it is hard to imagine needing help with essential daily tasks. However, research shows that most Americans over age 65 will need daily help, in the form of long-term care, at...

Wendy Williams Case Shines Spotlight on Guardianships

May 1, 2025
Brian Hicks
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Our Blog, Senior Living, Wills & Trusts

Dementia is on the rise and is affecting millions of families across the United States. As dementia erodes a person’s mental faculties, they lose the ability to manage their life. This can lead to losing money through bad financial decisions...

Seniors and Caregivers: Establish an Emergency Action Plan

April 10, 2025
Brian Hicks
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Our Blog, Senior Living, Wills & Trusts

For seniors and their caregivers, having a plan in place should an emergency strike can provide some peace of mind in a turbulent world. A crisis, such as illness, trauma, natural disaster, or any other unexpected adverse event, may one...

When, Why, and How to Talk About End-of-Life Care

April 3, 2025
Brian Hicks
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Our Blog, Probate & Trust Administration, Senior Living

Talking about death, especially one’s own death, remains a topic that most people avoid thinking about or openly discussing. However, avoiding conversations about death and end-of-life care can lead to discomfort, confusion, and unfulfilled wishes in the long run. According...

Protecting Your Parents’ Assets From Nursing Home Costs

March 20, 2025
Brian Hicks
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Medicaid Planning, Our Blog, Senior Living, Wills & Trusts

The aging U.S. population means that more people will likely need nursing home care in the coming decades. Meanwhile, the cost of nursing home care is increasing — and is expected to keep increasing. With the exorbitant cost of nursing home...

Proper Retirement Planning Avoids Underestimating Care Costs

February 27, 2025
Brian Hicks
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Medicaid Planning, Our Blog, Senior Living, Wills & Trusts

It can be easy to underestimate the amount of money we will need for health care and long-term care after we retire. Not knowing exactly what care we will need and with the costs of all types of care rising,...