Creating an estate plan is one of the most important steps a person can take to provide for their loved ones and ensure their wishes are carried out. But drafting a will, trust, or related documents is not a “one-and-done” event. Life changes, and so should your...

Planning for long-term care can feel overwhelming, whether you are preparing for a senior family member or exploring Medicaid for yourself. With the right guidance, the process can be smooth, strategic, and empowering. Shepherd Elder Law Group brings extensive...

If you are looking for a nursing home for yourself or a loved one, you want to choose a good facility. But what makes a nursing home good? Though good can be hard to define, some qualities are key to take into account. A nursing home could be considered good if it is...

Bruce Willis’s family recently shared their decision to move him into a one-level home designed to better meet his care needs, and it struck a chord with countless families facing similar realities. Choosing a safe and supportive living arrangement is a deeply...

For many older adults and individuals with disabilities, remaining at home or in a community setting is the preferred choice. Kansas Medicaid’s Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) waivers allow eligible individuals to receive long-term care support outside of...

Most people tend to marry someone who is within a few years of their own age. As a result, many married couples share the same cultural touchstones, social memories, and general values. Certain phases of life often coincide as they grow older together, as they may...

Applying for long-term care Medicaid is often a necessity for families facing the high costs of nursing home or in-home care. But the process can be complex, and applications may be pending for weeks or months as the state reviews eligibility—or, in some cases, denied...

Overview of MO HealthNet Long-Term Care Options Missouri’s Medicaid program, known as MO HealthNet, offers several care pathways for older adults needing long-term services: Institutional / Nursing Home Medicaid – An entitlement program covering nursing home care for...

Scams targeting older adults can result in significant financial losses. According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), people in the United States lost $12.5 billion in scams in 2024, and older adults tended to lose more money than younger folks. Those in their 70s...

The modern family is no longer defined by the nuclear model. Today, blended families - where one or both partners bring children from previous relationships - are increasingly common. So-called “nontraditional” families, including blended families, now outnumber...

Most people know they should have an estate plan, but many put it off, assuming it’s only necessary later in life or for those with significant assets. The truth is, estate planning is about much more than money. It’s about making sure your wishes are followed, your...

Raising a child with special needs involves careful planning, not just for today, but for their entire lifetime. One of the most important tools families can use to protect their child’s future is a Special Needs Trust (SNT). But many parents ask: When is the right...

The short answer:Peace of Mind for Parents. Empowerment for Young Adults. As your child heads off to college, you’re likely checking off lists: dorm essentials, class schedules, student ID, maybe even a financial aid package. But there’s one more important checklist...

After many years of handling daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and cooking, we tend to take for granted that we can do these tasks without help. However, as we age, many of us will need help with some of these tasks, as well as other daily activities. In fact,...

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 to $19,000 to any one individual and...