BoomerTime with Nancy Cogar

Who is the caregiver, and why? More often than not, it's an unpaid role. What can we do to encourage more family members to participate in caregiving or at least support the sibling or family member in that role?

Approximately 43.5 million caregivers have provided unpaid care to an adult or child in the last 12 months. [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.] The majority of caregivers (82%) care for one adult, while 15% care for two adults, and 3% for three or more adults. [National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP. (2015). Caregiving in the U.S.]

About 15.7 million adult family caregivers care for someone who has Alzheimer’s disease or other dementia. [Alzheimer’s Association. (2015). 2015 Alzheimer’s Disease Facts and Figures.] Those numbers are only expected to increase, as you’ve heard me discuss many times on the show.

Let’s take a closer look at caregivers in this episode. Who is typically a caregiver of an older adult family member? Did you know it’s often unpaid? Why aren’t more people in families sharing this burden?

I’m going to put some pressure on the men out there today and challenge you a bit. Are you ready?

I’ve got a man in the hot seat today – he is willing to face some questions for the team. It's my husband, Gary.

He is not a typical man because he is a caregiver and has been several times. He’s the perfect person to get a perspective from and maybe support me in issuing a challenge to more men. These services are not paid, but they are valuable.

For help, visit https://www.NancyCogar.com🎙Listen to Boomer Time with Nancy Cogar on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0fxgUg1FwgfazDEDWnqnoS🎙Listen to Boomer Time with Nancy Cogar on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boomer-time-with-nancy-cogar/id1725555845🎙Listen to Boomer Time with Nancy Cogar on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-boomer-time-with-nancy-cog-272050488/✨Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancy.cogar

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website and on the podcast is not intended to be considered as legal advice or constitute an attorney/client relationship as provided under the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct.

What questions do you have? I'd love to hear from you. If you like the podcast, share it with a friend, and follow us on Facebook and YouTube. If you need help with estate planning or administration, reach out for a strategy session.

So that you don’t miss this and future episodes, subscribe and follow the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube! Or you can always visit NancyCogar.com to hear the latest. Disclaimer: The information provided on this website and on the podcast is not intended to be considered as legal advice or constitute an attorney/client relationship as provided under the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct.

#Podcast #Aging #EstatePlanning #BoomerTime #NancyCogar #LegalPodcasts #AskAnAttorney #Procrastination #Boomers #Caregiving #Family #Medical #Health

Seventy percent of folks have no estate planning in place—meaning no will, no trust, no powers of attorney, nothing appointing anyone they trust with the legal authority to act on their behalf if something were to happen. I don’t think it’s a lack of money; we spend lots of money on lots of things. Maybe it’s avoidance—somehow emotionally linking us to our final demise? It amounts to procrastination. We all do it from time to time.

What about procrastination that is absolutely paralyzing? Have you experienced that? Where are you with that? Do you know someone who is a procrastinator, and you’ve tried everything you can think of to get them moving, but they’re still sitting there like a lump on a log?

Procrastination is real—I see it all the time. Do nothing damaging.

I was watching an old school be torn down, located down the street. A big tractor was tearing away at the building, leaving piles of rubble. I saw all kinds of people boo-hooing about the building—"so many memories," "how sad," blah, blah, blah.

Do you know the reality is that building had sat crumbling and deteriorating for 20+ years, probably even longer? I know because I drive by it at least two times a day!

Why didn’t anyone do anything to protect the building? To save it? Right? If they cared so much—You know what I think? They don’t care—didn’t care enough to do anything about it. Now, when they are seeing the result, it’s a hue and cry and "so sad." Reality is, it's too late to do anything.

That’s the same thing I’m talking about here. Procrastination – you care but you don’t care enough to do something about it.

I’ve spent two years of my own time, money, and effort on this podcast—trying to encourage you all to move forward with a plan for your estate planning and older years. Why? Because I do care—I’ve seen what happens when it's too late.

But Nancy, what do you mean? What does any of this have to do with estate planning?

You need to invest time in planning—the right documents, enforceable, and that work for you. Asset planning, long-term care planning, understanding eligibility requirements—all of that. Seventy percent of us have done nothing.

Procrastination, just like the demolition of that school—except it's your life, your independence, your quality of life, your ability to make your own decisions. All that effort—comes crashing down on you—you lose your freedom of choice. All because you didn’t take action.

So that you don’t miss this and future episodes, subscribe and follow the podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and YouTube! Or you can always visit me at NancyCogar.com to hear the latest.

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website and on the podcast is not intended to be considered as legal advice or constitute an attorney/client relationship as provided under the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct.

If you’re married – you took an oath “for better or worse in sickness and in health, until death do us part.” But what does that oath really look like?

Many of my clients come face-to-face with that challenge later in life – more specifically when one spouse’s health declines to the point that they can no longer live at home…maybe the other spouse just doesn’t have the capacity or skills to continue to care for the other. Nursing home care is often part of that equation… even if its just one spouse. What do you do when one spouse may need nursing home care and the other spouse can still go on living at home?

This is one of the biggest challenges that a married couple may face later in life – it’s happening more and more and there are a couple of reasons why.

In Episode 79, we’re diving deep into a topic that touches so many families—it’s often an unknown until you come into a situation where you’re facing the challenge of paying for but often gets ignored until a crisis hits: long-term care, and what happens when one spouse enters a nursing home and the other remains at home. It’s my hope you will walk away from this episode with some good and reliable information, maybe it will inspire a few conversations as to options related to long term care and if you haven’t done it already – take some steps to put a plan in place for your sunset years. Trust me, you will be glad you did.

PLUS, I've included a downloadable checklist as a companion to this podcast episode. Download the Medicaid & Marriage Checklist Here: https://nancycogar.com/episode-79-medicaid-marriage-and-the-nursing-home-what-you-need-to-know-before-its-too-late/

🔑 For help, visit https://www.NancyCogar.com

🎙Listen to Boomer Time with Nancy Cogar on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio and YouTube

✨ Follow me on Instagram @Nancy.Cogar

#Podcast #Medicaid #Marriage #SpousalSupport #LongTermCare #Health #Aging #EstatePlanning #BoomerTime #NancyCogar #Tennessee #LegalPodcasts

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website and on the podcast is not intended to be considered as legal advice or constitute an attorney/client relationship as provided under the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct.

In this episode, we’re addressing an often painful topic: toxic parents – difficult-to-deal-with parents.

“Hey, wait a second Nancy – my Mom is a gem – everyone loves her; she volunteers at the church and reads to children after school. The homestead is a showcase at Christmastime.”

Well, that’s great that you have such a wonderful mama – it is a genuine blessing, and I’m not going to take that away from you. Not everyone has such a circumstance – I’m not talking to you today.

If you felt a tightness in your chest when you heard that phrase, you’re not alone. Many of my clients, even those in their 50s, 60s, and 70s, struggle with parents who continue to be everything from uncooperative to downright mean, manipulative, critical, accusatory, controlling, demanding until they get their way – downright challenging to be around. It doesn’t matter how old you are – these patterns can follow us throughout our lives.

But here’s the good news: You have choices. You can reclaim your peace and autonomy while protecting yourself and your future. I hope by the end of today’s podcast, you will have a few nuggets of wisdom to pull from this episode that will help you do that.

What questions do you have? I'd love to hear from you. If you like the podcast, share it with a friend, and follow us on Facebook and YouTube. If you need help with estate planning or administration, reach out for a strategy session.

🔑 For help, visit https://www.NancyCogar.com

🎙Listen to Boomer Time with Nancy Cogar on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0fxgUg1FwgfazDEDWnqnoS

🎙Listen to Boomer Time with Nancy Cogar on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boomer-time-with-nancy-cogar/id1725555845

🎙Listen to Boomer Time with Nancy Cogar on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-boomer-time-with-nancy-cog-272050488/

✨Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancy.cogar

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website and on the podcast is not intended to be considered as legal advice or constitute an attorney/client relationship as provided under the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct.

In this episode, we tackle the most frequently asked questions older adults and their families have about long-term planning and estate planning. As a seasoned elder law and estate planning attorney, I share practical, approachable tips that can help you and your loved ones navigate these questions with confidence, protect your assets, and reduce family stress down the road.

What will happen if I need long-term care, and how will I pay for it?

• Look into long-term care insurance while you are still insurable.
• Understand Medicaid eligibility and the five-year lookback period.
• Consider setting up an irrevocable trust to protect assets in advance.

How can I make sure I don’t lose my house if I need nursing home care?

• Explore Medicaid Asset Protection Trust options while retaining your right to live in the home.
• Learn about homestead exemptions and Medicaid primary residence rules.
• Consider selling, downsizing, or using a life estate deed if appropriate.

How can I ensure someone I trust can make decisions if I become incapacitated?

• Execute a durable power of attorney for financial/legal matters.
• Set up a health care proxy or advance directive for health decisions.
• Discuss your wishes with your agents to prepare them for emergencies.

What is the best way to avoid probate for my family?

• Review and update all beneficiary designations.
• Consider using a revocable living trust for easier asset transfer.
• Use transfer-on-death deeds or payable-on-death accounts where possible.

How can I minimize taxes for my heirs?

• Use annual gifting strategies within IRS gift tax exclusions.
• Consider Roth IRA conversions to reduce taxable income to heirs.
• Explore trust planning for larger estates and state-specific tax strategies.

How can I protect a child or grandchild with a disability or special needs?

• Establish a third-party supplemental needs trust.
• Avoid direct gifts or inheritances that could affect benefits.
• Coordinate with other family members to align planning strategies.

What will happen to my pets if I become unable to care for them or after I pass away?

• Appoint a trusted person for temporary or permanent pet care.
• Include pet care instructions and funding in your documents.
• Set up a pet trust if you wish to ensure structured, funded care.

How do I choose the right person to act as my power of attorney or executor?

• Choose a trustworthy, organized individual who respects your wishes.
• Consider appointing a professional or co-agents for family conflict situations.
• Always name backups in case your first choice is unable to serve.

How can I prevent family conflict after I’m gone?

• Clearly communicate your wishes in writing (and in conversations).
• Use a neutral third-party executor or trustee if needed.
• Hold a family meeting while you are well to discuss intentions and heirlooms.

How often should I review and update my estate plan?

• After major life changes (marriage, divorce, births, deaths, moving).
• Every 3-5 years to ensure laws and wishes align.
• Keep a current checklist of assets to update beneficiaries regularly.

 Takeaway Action:

• Pick two questions from today’s episode that resonate most with your situation.
• Schedule a time to discuss them with your spouse, family, or your planning attorney this month.
• Remember, planning ahead is an act of love.

⁠Download my Practical Estate Planning Checklist⁠🔑 For help, visit https://www.NancyCogar.com

🎙️ Listen to the Boomer Time with Nancy Cogar podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio and on YouTube

✨Follow on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/nancy.cogar⁠

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website and on the podcast is not intended to be considered as legal advice or constitute an attorney/client relationship as provided under the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct.

There have been some big changes recently out of Washington – especially when it relates to Medicare and Medicaid.   They may sound similar and actually they are often used interchangeably – but they are very different – different purposes and it’s important for both seniors and their caregivers to know the difference.  

That’s what we’re focused on today – Medicare v Medicaid and untangling the confusion BEFORE you may need one or the other. 

Have you ever heard someone say, “Oh, Medicare will take care of that,” or, “Don’t worry, Medicaid will pay for Mom’s care”? Let me tell you a quick story:

A client, came to see me last year, so relieved she and her husband had Medicare as they turned 65. But when her husband developed dementia and needed long-term care, she was shocked to learn Medicare doesn’t cover the care associated with the illness. Related to that – there is NO financial assistance with it comes to assisted living, or senior independent living.  It’s a common misunderstanding that can lead to financial stress if you don’t plan ahead.

Today, we’re untangling the confusion between Medicare and Medicaid so you understand:

• What each covers
• How they differ
• How they work together
• How to prepare, whether you’re turning 65 or you’re a caregiver helping aging parents.

So grab your coffee, and let’s dive in

🔑 For help, visit https://www.NancyCogar.com🎙️ Listen to the Boomer Time with Nancy Cogar podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio and on YouTube✨Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancy.cogarDisclaimer: The information provided on this website and on the podcast is not intended to be considered as legal advice or constitute an attorney/client relationship as provided under the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct.

Download my FREE Pet Planning Checklist

We love our pets. They’re family. They’re there when we come home, they comfort us, they make us laugh, and they fill our hearts with companionship.

But here’s the truth: many people don’t plan for what happens to their pets if they can no longer care for them. I have seen it too many times in my practice.

When people don’t plan:

• Pets may end up in shelters, often elderly and unadoptable.

• Family members may fight or resent having to take in a pet.

• Pets may be rehomed to someone who doesn’t know your pet’s medical or emotional needs.

• You lose control over your pet’s future.

A Pet Trust is the best way to ensure your pet’s long-term care:

• You designate a caregiver for your pet.

• You allocate funds specifically for your pet’s care.

• You appoint a trustee to manage and distribute the funds, ensuring the caregiver uses them appropriately.

• You outline care instructions, including dietary preferences, medical needs, or even daily routines your pet enjoys.

Pet Trusts are legally enforceable and continue for the life of your pet.

Planning isn’t just about “big assets.” It’s about the loved ones who depend on you—including your pets.

So, follow along with me on Episode 75 of Boomer Time. I promise you’ll leave with some important takeaways as you plan for the future with Fluffy and Fido in mind. They deserve that. I know I’ll have a plan for my furry, four-legged friends, too.

Nancy A. Cogar, Esq., has a Tennessee-based practice in estate planning, elder law, long-term care planning & advocacy for older adults. As a partner with Samples, Jennings, Clem & Fields, PLLC, she is committed to comprehensive, competent & compassionate advocacy for seniors, caregivers and families navigating aging and the incoming Silver Tsunami.🔑 For help, visit NancyCogar.com🎙️ Listen to the Boomer Time with Nancy Cogar podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and on YouTube✨Follow on Instagram @nancy.cogarDisclaimer: The information provided on this website and on the podcast is not intended to be considered as legal advice or constitute an attorney/client relationship as provided under the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct.

Every day, more of us Baby Boomers are hitting 65 and beyond. If you haven’t started planning for your senior years yet, it’s time. I know it can feel overwhelming but remember this: failing to plan is planning to fail. My goal is to help you avoid that. I also want you to avoid some of the biggest estate planning boo-boos which come from taking short cuts – short cuts that backfire on you, your family and your estate – absolutely not what you intend.

And if you’re the adult child of a Boomer who’s stepped into the caregiver role — this space is for you, too. As an estate planning and elder law attorney here in Tennessee, I see far too many families unprepared for the legal and financial twists that come with aging. That’s why I created this show: to give you a head start and a little peace of mind.

Today, we’re going to talk about some common shortcuts people take when they think they’re planning wisely, saving steps, time and money — but in the long run these shortcuts often backfire in big, painful ways. I see them all the time, and I want you to avoid them. I also want you to avoid some of the biggest estate planning boo-boos which come from taking short cuts – short cuts that backfire on you, your family and your estate – absolutely not what you intend.

So, follow along with me on Episode 74 of Boomer Time. I promise you’ll leave with some important takeaways — and maybe a few “aha” moments about choices you or a loved one may have made.

• 🔑 For help, visit https://www.NancyCogar.com
• 🎙Listen to Boomer Time with Nancy Cogar on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0fxgUg1FwgfazDEDWnqnoS
• 🎙Listen to Boomer Time with Nancy Cogar on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boomer-time-with-nancy-cogar/id1725555845
• 🎙Listen to Boomer Time with Nancy Cogar on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-boomer-time-with-nancy-cog-272050488/
• ✨Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancy.cogar

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website and on the podcast is not intended to be considered as legal advice or constitute an attorney/client relationship as provided under the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct.

If your family is impacted by a dementia diagnosis you are not alone. Dementia is the designated term for a variety of cognitive disorders which can range from Alzheimer's, to sundowners, to Parkinson's and Lewy Body Syndrome. The disease affects millions of Americans and is projected to significantly increase in the coming decades. Currently 7 million Americans living with dementia. That is one in ten people age 65 over and its expected to grow to 13 million in the next 25 years. Best to be aware and prepared.

Let’s start with what I always tell families first: when it comes to dementia, timing is everything. Dementia gradually robs a person of their mental capacity — their ability to understand decisions and consequences. Once capacity is lost, your options shrink dramatically. That’s why early planning is essential.

Here are the top legal protections you should put in place as soon as possible:

First, a Durable Power of Attorney. This document lets your loved one appoint someone they trust to handle finances — paying bills, managing bank accounts, even selling a home if needed. Without it, you might find yourself stuck in court seeking guardianship just to do simple tasks.

Second, a Health Care Power of Attorney or Medical Proxy. This gives someone authority to make medical decisions when your loved one can’t. It’s different from a financial power of attorney — you really need both.

Third, a Living Will. This lets your loved one state their wishes for end-of-life care, like whether they want life support or feeding tubes. It can spare families so much heartache and conflict.

Fourth, a HIPAA Release. This is simple but crucial: it allows doctors to share medical information with you. Without it, privacy laws can block you from getting updates.

And if you’re listening right now and thinking, “Oh no, we didn’t get these done…” — please don’t wait. Talk to your loved one now while they can still sign documents and understand what they’re signing.

If capacity is already gone, you may have to petition the court for guardianship or conservatorship. This is much more time-consuming, expensive, and public than having power of attorney done ahead of time — but sometimes it’s the only option left.

I have more resources for you and your family as you navigate a dementia diagnosis and estate planning in Episode 73 of Boomer Time.

What do you think? What other questions do you have? I'd love to hear from you. If you like the podcast, share it with a friend, and follow us on Facebook and YouTube. If you need help with estate planning or administration, reach out for a strategy session.

🔑 For help, visit https://www.NancyCogar.com

🎙️ Listen to the Boomer Time with Nancy Cogar podcast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio and on YouTube

🎙Listen to Boomer Time with Nancy Cogar on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0fxgUg1FwgfazDEDWnqnoS

🎙Listen to Boomer Time with Nancy Cogar on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boomer-time-with-nancy-cogar/id1725555845

🎙Listen to Boomer Time with Nancy Cogar on iHeartRadio: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-boomer-time-with-nancy-cog-272050488/

✨Follow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nancy.cogar

Disclaimer: The information provided on this website and on the podcast is not intended to be considered as legal advice or constitute an attorney/client relationship as provided under the Tennessee Rules of Professional Conduct.