Planning for Cognitive Impairment and Preventing Elder Abuse

As we age, it is not uncommon to experience some level of cognitive decline. Cognitive decline can range from mild impairment to more severe conditions such as dementia, including Alzheimer’s disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention...

Report: Planning for America’s Aging Population

August 29, 2024
Brian Hicks
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Medicaid Planning, Our Blog, Senior Living

If you are age 65 or older and living in the United States, you are part of a large and growing population segment. According to the 2020 Census, one in six Americans are over 65. In fact, the number of...

Claiming the Guardianship of an Elderly Parent

August 8, 2024
Brian Hicks
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Our Blog, Senior Living

Often an aging parent will lose their ability to think clearly or make informed decisions about their life. This may occur because of dementia, mental illness, stroke, brain injury, or other severe health or disability conditions. Your parent may or...

Understanding Medicaid: What Does Medicaid Cover?

July 25, 2024
Brian Hicks
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Medicaid Planning, Our Blog, Senior Living

In the complex and frequently changing landscape of health care in the United States, Medicaid stands out as a vital program. Since 1965, it has provided essential coverage to millions of low-income individuals and families. Alongside Medicare, Medicaid serves as...

The Loneliness Epidemic: Helping Seniors Stay Connected

In recent years, researchers have been finding potential links between feelings of loneliness and negative health outcomes. Feeling lonely may put you at greater risk of premature death, serious health problems, and higher suicide rates. For many, the COVID-19 pandemic...

What You Should Know About Long-Term Care

June 20, 2024
Tim Larson
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Medicaid Planning, Our Blog, Senior Living, Wills & Trusts

Research shows that roughly one in seven adults aged 65 or older will need long-term care at some point in their later years. Meanwhile, tens of millions of Baby Boomers in the United States are growing older and living longer.

A black phone shows the webpage for Medicaid.gov where the tagline says Keeping America Healthy with an American flag heart outlined by a blue stethoscope.

Undue Hardship and the Medicaid Penalty Period

May 30, 2024
Tim Larson
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Medicaid Planning, Our Blog, Senior Living

If you are planning to apply for Medicaid, you might not realize that you should think twice before transferring any of your assets. If you transfer assets within five years of applying for Medicaid, you could face a penalty period. During...

Healthcare worker in blue and white scrubs places a food tray with cereal and a white coffee mug in front of an older gentleman with silver hair wearing and ivory colored shirt.

Getting Help When Providing Care at Home for Aging Parents

May 9, 2024
Tim Larson
Elder Law, Estate Planning, Medicaid Planning, Our Blog, Senior Living, Wills & Trusts

As they grow older, your parents may prefer to continue living in their home rather than moving to a long-term care facility. They are not alone in this; more than three-quarters of adults over the age of 50 say they...

A Seniors Guide to Estate Planning

April 11, 2024
Tim Larson
Estate Planning, Our Blog, Senior Living, Wills & Trusts

Most older adults acknowledge that estate planning is essential. Yet, nearly half of Americans age 55 or older do not have a will, and even fewer have designated powers of attorney, a living will, or health care directives. These legal...

States With the Highest and Lowest Assisted Living Costs

March 7, 2024
Tim Larson
Elder Law, Medicaid Planning, Our Blog, Senior Living

Today, 58 million adults in the United States are 65 and older. Seniors make up more than 17 percent of the American population. The U.S. Census Bureau expects this number to reach 83.7 million by 2050. Meanwhile, one in every...