When an older adult with dementia or another cognitive disability can no longer make important decisions for themselves, such as how to manage their money or what kind of care they need, a trusted person may have to step in and make these decisions for them. If...

Starting January 1, 2026, more individuals with disabilities will be eligible to open tax-advantaged ABLE accounts, thanks to an update to federal law. The ABLE Age Adjustment Act will extend the maximum age at which one can develop a disability and be eligible for an...

Social Security is best known as a retirement program, but it does far more than provide monthly income for retired workers. It also protects families by extending benefits to spouses, widows, widowers, and children when a worker retires, becomes disabled, or dies....

Beginning January 1, 2026, Kansas will implement major updates to its guardianship and conservatorship laws. These reforms modernize how the courts appoint and oversee guardians and conservators (i.e. the people who help manage personal or financial decisions when...

When most people hear the term Special Needs Trust (SNT), they think of individuals with lifelong disabilities such as autism, Down syndrome, or intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). While these trusts are indeed vital for those communities, their...

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...