For many families living with autism, connection and communication can be among the greatest daily challenges. But what if the answer to building a bridge came not through words, but through a wagging tail and a pair of gentle eyes? The documentary Unleashing Hope:...

The SECURE Act 2.0, signed into law on December 29, 2022, builds upon the original SECURE Act of 2019 and introduces several important changes that affect special needs planning. With many provisions taking effect in 2023 and 2024, and others, like expanded ABLE...

In recent years, a heartwarming trend has emerged across the United States: senior adults adopting senior pets. These special connections are often life-changing — for both the pets and the people. Though puppies and kittens tend to get the spotlight at shelters,...

Caring for aging adults—especially those with chronic illnesses, disabilities, or dementia—is a growing, often undervalued responsibility. As the global population ages, understanding caregiver challenges and providing robust support systems has become a public health...

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 some point. Long-term care (LTC) encompasses a...

Preparing a comprehensive estate plan to protect a child with special needs can be an emotional roller coaster. On the one hand, parents should be relieved that they are taking steps to guarantee that their child will be well cared for after they are gone. On the...

Aging in place (i.e. at home and outside of a senior living community such as a nursing home) continues to increase in popularity. However, what to do when you notice an older loved one having trouble living safely at home is an issue many families eventually face....

It looks like 2025 will be a crucial year for the disability community, offering a valuable chance to boost your savings through three key provisions of the Achieving a Better Life Experience (ABLE) Act. However, these provisions are set to expire at the end of this...

MO HealthNet can help individuals in Missouri nursing homes or long-term care facilities cover expenses for room and board, as well as essential medical and non-medical goods and services. Participants are required to use most of their income for these costs, with...

In general, when one is in need of skilled care, it is best to apply for Medicaid as soon as possible, even if the person needing care is moving to a neighboring state. However, Medicaid eligibility and application processes can vary by state, and there might be...

Since the 1960s, Medicaid has offered health coverage for low-income individuals across the U.S. For millions of seniors, it provides financial assistance to help cover long-term care costs. Today, this federal-state program extends to other eligible groups with...

Every parent wants to make sure their children are protected and cared for in the future. Children with disabilities face additional challenges in ensuring they have everything they need to have a safe and happy life. Consider protecting your child’s government...

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, it is nearly impossible to know exactly how much to save and...

There are state-imposed limits on what an individual can have/own to become eligible to receive Medicaid benefits to pay for long-term care in a skilled nursing facility. Here are the details: Resource (or Asset) Limit: $2000 The maximum amount of assets/resources an...

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 expected to keep increasing. With the exorbitant cost of nursing home care, many families worry...