Today Sara and Todd talk about the way you SHOULD be paying mom and dad's bills . If you are helping mom and dad out by picking some things up at the store for them, you are probably doing what makes sense. However, you are probably doing it wrong!!

Todd and Sara walk you though this seemingly innocent process to show you how it can cause problems with the Medicaid application and it can possibly cost you, the child, lots of extra money to cover this innocent mistake.

If you are caring for a loved one, and buying stuff for them, you have to listen to this episode.

Information to help you answer all of your questions about aging.

Today Sara and Todd have a little fun. It's been a little depressing lately so they decide to talk about the things that can bring joy as you age. Anything from a lack of filter so you can say pretty much anything you want to volunteering to make a difference to a child or non-profit. There are many ways to have joy and bring joy to others.

Listen today and hopefully get and give a little bit of joy.

Information to help you answer all of your questions about aging.

Today Sara and Todd talk about a very common misconception that people have about their Revocable Living Trust; does it protect me from Medicaid. The short answer is "no" but there's more to it than that and also, is it the end of the world if it doesn't? Again, the answer is "no".

Today they talk about why the RLT doesn't work, what does work and what to do if you don't qualify. It's a quicker episode with lots of good information.

Information to help you answer all of your questions about aging.

Today Sara and Todd talk about a struggle they have with potential clients every day. Getting people to finally take the steps to get their estate plan in order is so critically important. Today Todd and Sara talk about the reasons it's necessary to do your planning now.

Not planning is always more expensive and limits the actions you can take to protect your estate. It also put the decisions into the hands of stranger who doesn't know your situation at all. And it's not just so much protecting the estate, it's peace of mind knowing your wishes are in place.

Listen today as Sara and Todd help you know that you need to plan and give you some help in getting an aging loved one to plan. It's a great show today.

Information to help you answer all of your questions about aging.

Sara and Todd jump into a really heavy subject today, Elder Abuse. This topic is hard to digest but it is there. They have seen it in Todd's Elder Law Practice a number of times in the last few weeks and it's something that needs to be addressed.

In this episode, they discuss the different types of abuse and how to recognize it and then what to do when you see abuse. There are things you need to look for and there are things you can do when you see it.

Listen to this episode and share with friends to help a senior that may be being abused.

Information to help you answer all of your questions about aging.

Today, Todd and Sara cover a topic they've covered before but with recent updates. We encourage you that if you are a Veteran or especially if you know a Veteran (or the widow of a Veteran) needing help getting the care they need, you have to listen to this benefit.

Today we discuss the assets limits and the amounts of monthly benefits that a Veteran or their spouse can get. Please listen and share with a veteran friend.

Information to help you answer all of your questions about aging.

We get this question all the time. People are told "your income is too high to qualify for Medicaid". However, their income is WAY less than what it takes to pay for the nursing home. Some States have what is called an "Income Cap" which means there is a maximum amount that you can make. However, that limit is much under the amount that facilities cost.

Therefore, you have to jump through some hoops to qualify. That "hoop" is commonly called a Miller Trust. Today, Todd and Sara talk about the Miller Trust and how you can create it and still qualify for Medicaid even if you have a higher income than allowed.

*Note: Not every State has an income cap so don't be surprised if you have never heard of this.

Information to help you answer all of your questions about aging.

Today Todd and Sara tackle a very common question and issue causing problems with aging families. It makes sense to pay for a family member (child or grandchild) to get paid to care for an aging loved one. It makes sense to you but not to the Medicaid agency when you need to apply for Medicaid.

Today we discuss how to make this work which takes PRE PLANNING. You have to do this on the front end and not the end. We talk about how to make this clear to Medicaid that the checks to the caregiver was not a gift.

Knowing this information will save you a lot of trouble when it comes time to apply and could save you in attorney's fees when the attorney goes to apply for Medicaid for you. Listen and learn

Information to help you answer all of your questions about aging.