Aging is a Legal Puzzle

When a former colleague called me from her nursing home bed, it was out of the blue. We hadn't spoken in years. The conversation covered a maze of legal issues.

Here was a smart person being pressured by a non-attorney "Medicaid company" to sign an agreement for Medicaid planning. The Medicaid planning seemed to overlook important issues like my colleague's real estate and her goals for her estate. There are nursing facilities that partner with these "Medicaid companies" or directly tell residents that the residents do not need to hire an attorney. My colleague, and many like her, needed an attorney.

Other aging adults need an advocate. What if a relative is using the power of attorney to steal money from your loved one? Should the relative with the power of attorney inherit any money when your loved one dies? If our long-term care system leaves you with no income and no money in savings, what should be the amount you get to keep for personal needs? These are legal issues that our state legislature has considered, but not resolved.

Getting older is a walk through a legal maze while wearing a blindfold. Only a guide who knows that maze from beginning to end will be able to get you through it.

Join our podcast for expert insights on dementia care, offering caregiver support and practical advice on senior care, memory loss, and elder care for aging parents—from Alzheimer’s tips and understanding dementia stages to essential caregiving resources, managing daily routines, and preventing caregiver burnout. Whether you're an overwhelmed caregiver dealing with dementia behaviors, handling aggression, or facing financial stress, Medicare confusion, legal planning, long-term care challenges, or navigating Medicaid, we provide the guidance you need for confident healthcare advocacy.