Beyond the Will: Straight Talk on Elder Law

This podcast is made available by the lawyer or law firm for educations purposes only, as well as to offer general information and general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this podcast you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the podcast creator. The podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

Summary

In this episode, we explore critical topics like Medicare plan denials, digital asset management, living trusts, and how to protect yourself from tech support scams. Perfect for families navigating elder care and estate planning.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:54 Federal Pause on New Hospice and Home Health Providers

06:51 Dealing with Medicare Advantage Plan Denials for Rehab

11:10 Managing Digital Assets and Passwords

13:03 Living Trusts Explained

15:46 Recognizing and Avoiding Tech Support Scams

20:04 Listener Q&A

Contact

Website: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com

Webinars: www. StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 630-377-3241

Facebook: www.facebook.com/StrohscheinLawGroup

Mentioned in this episode

-AARP Fraud Watch Network: https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/helpline/?cmp=PDSR0LJSNGM1S&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=12138172264&gbraid=0AAAAABqr32PWzHPMUc1UoIeVoRWHWhVlO&gclid=CjwKCAjww-3VBhAcEiwAwUUIuwPANeq8N2-fTOC-p74YqL2qODamo09fscK84K6TVjCQT_yhpCYn9RoCWBkQAvD_BwE

-SHIP:

https://www.shiphelp.org/

This podcast is made available by the lawyer or law firm for educational purposes only, as well as to offer general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this podcast you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the podcast creator. The podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

Summary

In this episode, Linda and Dana explore essential legal and safety topics for families, including the importance of powers of attorney for young adults, AI's impact on health privacy, and how to protect against elder scams. They also discuss innovative approaches to long-term care funding and practical steps to prevent falls and scams.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and episode overview

00:36 Key legal documents for young adults at 18

12:27 AI's role in health privacy and data security

17:31 AI-driven scams and protecting seniors

22:38 Long-term care costs and new public options

28:11 Product recall scams and red flags

32:26 Legal considerations for out-of-state college students

33:19 Planning for long-term care in a changing landscape

34:16 Closing thoughts and practical steps for families

Contact

Website: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com

Webinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/Events

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 630-377-3241

Facebook: www.facebook.com/StrohscheinLawGroup

This podcast is made available by the lawyer or law firm for educational purposes only, as well as to offer general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this podcast you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the podcast creator. The podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

SummaryIn this episode, we explore the critical issue of scams and fraud, focusing on scams related to funerals and bereavement. Our guest, Kathy Stokes from AARP, shares insights on how scammers operate, warning signs to watch for, and how families can protect themselves during vulnerable times.

Links mentioned in this episode:

AARP Fraud Watch Network https://www.aarp.org/money/scams-fraud/about-fraud-watch-network

AARP The Perfect Scam Podcast https://www.aarp.org/podcasts/the-perfect-scam.html

Contact

Website: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com

Webinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 630-377-3241

Facebook: www.facebook.com/StrohscheinLawGroup

This podcast is made available by the lawyer or law firm for educational purposes only, as well as to offer general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this podcast you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the podcast creator. The podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

Summary

In this episode, we explore practical topics for families dealing with elder care, including recent legal changes in Illinois, the gut-brain connection in dementia, and how to prevent scams targeting seniors.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Elder Law and Family Concerns

00:57 Illinois Road Safety and Fairness Act

06:37 Gut Health and Dementia Insights from Chelsea Flower Show

10:21 Living Your Best Life After a Dementia Diagnosis

14:39 The Role of Care Managers in Elder Care

20:17 Navigating Senior Living Options

26:05 Senior Scam Alert: Protecting Against Fraud

30:40 Listener Questions and Answers

Contact

Website: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com

Webinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 630-377-3241

Facebook: www.facebook.com/StrohscheinLawGroup

Links mentioned in this episode:

Chelsea Flower Show

https://www.rhs.org.uk/shows-events/rhs-chelsea-flower-show/gardens/2026/alzheimers-society

Senior Spaces TV Show https://www.youtube.com/@SeniorSpacesTV

This podcast is made available by the lawyer or law firm for educational purposes only, as well as to offer general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this podcast you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the podcast creator. The podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

Summary

This episode covers elder law essentials, including planning for cognitive decline, elder abuse prevention, decluttering tips, and recognizing scams targeting seniors.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Announcements

02:26 Family Caregivers Legal Checklist

10:20 Planning for Cognitive Impairment and Preventing Elder Abuse

17:04 Gifts and Loans in Estate Planning

19:22 Decluttering for Seniors

22:57 Senior Scam Alert

28:22 Listener Questions and Wrap-Up

Contact

Website: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com

Webinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 630-377-3241

Facebook: www.facebook.com/StrohscheinLawGroup

This podcast is made available by the lawyer or law firm for educational purposes only, as well as to offer general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this podcast you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the podcast creator. The podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

Summary

This episode covers vital topics in elder law, including guardianship, Medicare Advantage plan changes, long-term care planning, grandparenting benefits, dementia-related food insecurity, and cryptocurrency scams. Hosted by Linda Strohschein and Dana Bzdelik, it offers expert insights and practical advice for families navigating elder care and legal decisions.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview

00:43 Guardianship: When and How It Can Be Ended

05:17 Can Guardianship Be Removed or Changed?

07:06 When Does Guardianship End?

08:31 Medicare Advantage Plan Changes in 2026

09:54 What To Do If Your Medicare Plan Ends

14:08 Questions to Ask Your Financial Planner About Long-Term Care

19:08 Caring for Grandkids and Brain Health

21:28 Dementia and Food Insecurity in Seniors

23:41 Cryptocurrency Scams Targeting Seniors

27:55 Listener Questions on Incapacity and Medicare Protections

30:43 Episode Summary and Final Advice

Contact

Website: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com

Webinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 630-377-3241

Facebook: www.facebook.com/StrohscheinLawGroup

Links mentioned in this episode:

A Safer Naper

https://www.naperville.il.us/services/naperville-police-department/community-education-and-crime-prevention/a-safer-naper/

This podcast is made available by the lawyer or law firm for educational purposes only, as well as to offer general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this podcast you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the podcast creator. The podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

Summary

This episode covers stress reduction through planning, elder safety, dementia research, community support in Japan, and scams targeting seniors. It offers practical tips for families to enhance safety, reduce loneliness, and stay informed about the latest in elder care.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:15 The Power of Planning for Peace of Mind

02:10 Day-to-Day Habits to Manage Stress

03:29 Keeping Older Adults Safe at Home

05:48 The Importance of Connection and Routine

08:38 Community Support in Japan: Small Gestures, Big Impact

12:43 Cutting-Edge VA Research on Dementia Treatments

16:00 Tools for Choosing the Right Retirement Location

19:17 Senior Scam Alert: Recovery Scams and How to Protect Yourself

23:36 Listener Q&A

26:22 Conclusion

Contact

Website: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com

Webinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 630-377-3241

Facebook: www.facebook.com/StrohscheinLawGroup

Links mentioned in this episode:

https://wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-states-to-retire/18592

https://www.aarp.org/home-living/top-places-to-live-2025/

https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-retire

https://www.epi.org/resources/budget/

https://www.healthcare.gov/see-plans/#/

This podcast is made available by the lawyer or law firm for educational purposes only, as well as to offer general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this podcast you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the podcast creator. The podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensedprofessional attorney in your state.

Summary

This episode explores innovative approaches to estate planning and dementia care, highlighting how small details and community-focused models can significantly impact outcomes. From March Madness analogies to Dutch-inspired dementia villages, learn how proactive planning and compassionate design can transform lives.

Slam the Scam: ssa.gov/scam or oig.ssa.gov/report

Contact

Website: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com

Webinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 630-377-3241

Facebook: www.facebook.com/StrohscheinLawGroup

This podcast is made available by the lawyer or law firm for educational purposes only, as well as to offer general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this podcast you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the podcast creator. The podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

Summary

In this episode of Beyond the Will, hosts Linda Strohschein and Dana Bzdelik discuss critical updates in elder law, focusing on Medicare changes for 2026, skilled nursing facility coverage, and the importance of home care services. They explore the AARP livability index, cognitive health risks, and the alarming rise of senior scams, providing practical advice for families navigating these challenges. The episode concludes with listener questions addressing Medicare coverage and home care decisions, emphasizing the need for proactive planning and informed decision-making.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

04:58 Understanding Skilled Nursing Facility Coverage

09:17 When to Consider Home Care Services

12:41 Exploring the AARP Livability Index

15:42 Cognitive Health and Dementia Risk Factors

19:22 Addressing Senior Scams and Protection Strategies

29:13 Listener Q&A: Medicare and Home Care Decisions

Contact

Phone: 630-377-3241

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com

Events: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events

Facebook: www.facebook.com/strohscheinlawgroup

This podcast is made available by the lawyer or law firm for educational purposes only, as well as to offer general information and a general understanding of the law, not to provide specific legal advice. By using this podcast you understand that there is no attorney client relationship between you and the podcast creator. The podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.

Summary

In this episode of Beyond the Will, hosts Linda Strohschein and Dana Bzdelik delve into the multifaceted nature of caregiving, exploring its complexities and the emotional, financial, and social challenges caregivers face. They discuss the importance of recognizing the various roles caregivers play, the emotional toll of caregiving, and the necessity of support systems. The conversation emphasizes that feeling overwhelmed is a common experience and does not equate to failure, encouraging caregivers to seek help and maintain their identities outside of their caregiving roles.

Chapters

00:00 Intro

03:06 Navigating the Medical Maze

05:53 Emotional Roller Coaster of Caregiving

07:47 Information Overload: The Caregiver's Challenge

08:44 Family Dynamics and Caregiving

10:04 Financial Pressures in Caregiving

11:23 Social Isolation: The Hidden Struggle

12:51 Identity Loss: Rediscovering the Self

Contact

Website: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com

Webinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 630-377-3241