In this real and relatable episode, Jill explores the often-avoided topic of senior living and long-term care. She’s joined by senior care consultant Mikelle Rappaport, who breaks down the various types of senior living and care options and how to plan for them—both practically and financially. Jill also speaks with Bob Stanton, who shares the journey of moving his wife of 54 years into a skilled nursing facility. Together, they unpack the real challenges families face when navigating aging, caregiving, and the difficult decisions that arise at their intersection.

What We Discuss

• What long-term care really means and what types of care are available
• Understanding ADLs (Activities of Daily Living) and IADLs (Instrumental ADLs)
• Common misconceptions about family caregiving and what's realistically sustainable
• How Medicare, Medicaid, VA benefits, and long-term care insurance factor into paying for care
• What different types of senior living facilities offer, from independent living to skilled nursing
• When it’s time to consider a higher level of care—and how to make peace with that choice

Resources and Links

• Golden Lifestyle Partners – Learn more about Mikelle’s services: goldenlifestylepartners.com
• Contact Mikelle directly at: [email protected]
• VA Aid & Attendance Info: U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs – Aid and Attendance
• HASCA: Home Aide Service of the Central Adirondacks, Inc
• Masonic Care Community: Skilled Nursing Care

Questions and Suggestions? Email Jill at [email protected].

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This podcast provides estate planning guidance for women and discusses real, practical issues, from caregiving, pre-planning a funeral, how to avoid probate using beneficiary designations, planning for individuals with special needs (and special needs trusts), whether you need a professional fiduciary (trustee or executor), how the estate tax works and how to preserve your legacy.

Tuesday Triage episodes answer questions from listeners like you, from powers of attorney, healthcare advance directives (and whether they work when you’re pregnant), what a Last Will and Testament really is, whether you need a trust, how Medicaid works and how to have senior and elder care conversations and how to care for aging parents.

Disclaimer: This podcast and all related content are for educational purposes only and do not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is established here. Use of this information without careful analysis and review by your attorney, CPA, and/or financial advisor may cause serious adverse consequences. For legal guidance tailored to your unique situation, consult with a licensed attorney in your state.