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SUMMARY:April 2025: Passing it on - Smart Legacy Planning
DESCRIPTION:Passing It On: Smart Strategies For Your Legacy\nYour legacy planning matters. That’s why protecting your assets\, avoiding probate\, and staying in control ensures you leave a legacy that lasts for generations. Let’s make a plan to ensure your loved ones aren’t left guessing. Senior Truth Series brought together a panel of expert estate planning attorneys and financial advisors to help guide you through smart strategies to pass on wealth\, businesses\, and digital assets.  \nPreparing Your Legacy for the Next Generations\nEvery person eventually deals with the topic of how to plan ahead so your legacy is clear\, protected\, and aligned with your values. We brought together estate planning attorneys\, financial advisors\, and an elder law specialist to highlight key decisions that come with aging\, caregiving\, and end-of-life planning. \nJulie kicked things off by sharing why this topic has felt especially close to home. Between caring for aging parents and watching her grandmother reach nearly 101 years old\, she reminded the group that planning ahead isn’t just a nice idea\, it’s something that can save your family from confusion and stress later on. \nMeet the Panel\n\nMike Fischer\, estate planning attorney with Payne & Jones\nMoren Lester\, elder law attorney with Complete Estate & Probate\nNathan Haskins and Melinda Parks\, financial advisors with Free State Advisors\n\nJulie compared each expert role to a triangle; legal\, financial\, and long-term care support are all needed to work together across four main life stages: your working years\, retirement\, long-term care\, and the transfer of assets after death. \nKey Legacy Planning Details \n\n Wills vs. Trusts and Why It Matters\n\nA will goes through probate court\, which can take time and may complicate things for your family\, while a trust can help avoid that process. He also talked about the importance of naming someone you trust as your financial and healthcare power of attorney\, not just thinking about who gets what. \nDon’t wait until something goes wrong to get these documents in place. Once they’re finished\, you can rest a little easier. \n\n Financial Planning Isn’t Just for the Wealthy\n\nWhether you’re working\, nearing retirement\, or already retired\, having a plan helps you make smart decisions and prepare for the unexpected. A typical plan includes elements like income\, investments\, taxes\, estate planning\, and insurance. \nDifferent types of accounts transfer differently after death. For example\, IRAs are taxed when passed to children\, while brokerage accounts can get a step-up in value. These are the kinds of things that can either save your family money or cost them more than expected\, depending on how you set things up. \n\n Elder Law Helps When Life Takes a Turn\n\nAround 70%of people will need some form of long-term care\, which usually means hands-on help for more than 100 days. That care is expensive and often arrives sooner than expected. \nSometimes the unexpected occurs\, like a fall\, a diagnosis\, or a spouse can no longer be a caregiver\, which leads to new problems like figuring out how to cover costs\, what benefits are available\, and what legal updates might be needed. Asset protection trusts help you plan at least five years ahead so your family has more options. \nAdditional Legacy Financial Planning Tips\n\n The Importance of the “Team Approach”\n\nNo one professional covers everything. Estate attorneys\, financial planners\, and elder law specialists all bring different expertise\, and working together is critical\, especially as someone moves from working years to retirement\, into long-term care\, and eventually passing on assets. \n\n How Different Assets Transfer at Death\n\nNot all assets pass the same way. For example: \n\nIRAs and 401(k)s are taxable to heirs and must be withdrawn within 10 years.\nBrokerage accounts receive a step-up in basis\, eliminating capital gains at death.\nReal estate can be passed via Transfer on Death (TOD) deeds\, but this comes with risks if not handled carefully.\n\n\n Transfer-on-Death (TOD) and Pay-on-Death (POD) Pitfalls\n\nWhile these tools are popular\, we caution that they can unintentionally cause disputes. Naming one child to receive the house through a TOD deed\, with the “understanding” they’ll share proceeds\, is not legally binding. \n\n The Role of Powers of Attorney\n\nHaving up-to-date durable powers of attorney\, such as for finances and healthcare\, is non-negotiable. These documents allow someone you trust to step in when you can’t act on your own behalf. \n\n When to Talk to a Financial Planner or Elder Law Attorney\n\nYou don’t need to be wealthy or in crisis to benefit from help: \n\nFinancial planning is for anyone with income and goals\nElder law is useful before a crisis hits\, especially if you’re 5+ years out from needing care\nEstate planning is important even in your 20s\, especially if you have children or specific wishes\n\n\n Medicaid Planning & the Five-Year Look-Back Rule\n\nLong-term care planning can preserve assets\, but only if done early enough. The five-year look-back rule means families must plan ahead to qualify for Medicaid without penalties. \n\n Emotional Readiness & Family Dynamics\n\nMost of the work you put in comes down to relationships and clarity. Misunderstandings about “who gets what” or unspoken assumptions about caregiving responsibilities often cause tension that benefit no one. \nFinal Thoughts on Passing the Torch\nStart your legacy talks early. The rules are complicated and intention matters\, so iron out the details well in advance to minimize confusion. When seeking help\, build a team you trust and feel comfortable talking to. If you haven’t looked at your estate documents in a while\, it may be time to dust them off and review them again. Finally\, it’s ok to plan for the ideal situation\, but you should also prepare for the unexpected. Life has a funny way of surprising us when we least expect it.
URL:https://seniortruthseries.com/sts-event/april-2025-passing-it-on-smart-legacy-planning/
CATEGORIES:Past Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250501T080000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250501T170000
DTSTAMP:20260610T060054
CREATED:20260417T161319Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T161319Z
UID:155-1746086400-1746118800@seniortruthseries.com
SUMMARY:May 2025: Support at Home: Navigating Your Options
DESCRIPTION:Support at Home: Navigating Your Options\nLooking to age in place safely and confidently? In this Senior Truth Series seminar\, we explore practical ways to get support at home—from home modifications and in-home care to fall prevention and post-surgery recovery tips. \nHosted by Julie Spaulding\, this engaging discussion features experts from Senior Helpers\, Connect Home Management\, and Bath Innovations. Whether you’re planning for yourself or helping a loved one\, you’ll gain valuable insights into how to stay independent\, secure\, and comfortable in your own home. \n🔑 In this video\, you’ll learn:\n\nThe difference between home health vs. in-home care\nEasy home modifications to prevent falls\nWhen and how to ask for help\nHow to prepare for post-surgery recovery at home\nThe emotional impact of aging alone—and how to stay socially connected\n\nMeet the Panel\n\nKathi Spray\, Senior Helpers in Overland Park\nDave Jolicoeur\, Connect Home Management\nGary Mehalic\, Bath Innovations Walk-in Bathtubs\n\nHost & Moderator: Julie Spaulding\, Downsizing Coach\, Real Estate Specialist \nFall prevention starts with smart home modifications.\nFalls are one of the most common and dangerous risks older adults face\, especially in the bathroom. Gary Mehalic from Bath Innovations highlighted that approximately 80% of serious falls occur in bathrooms\, often while stepping in or out of a traditional tub or shower. Panelists emphasized the importance of simple\, effective home modifications—like installing grab bars\, using handheld showerheads\, and removing slippery rugs or suction-cup accessories that can fail under pressure. Lighting also matters\, especially at night\, when visibility is low. These preventative steps can make the difference between a safe recovery and a serious injury. As Julie shared\, her own mother-in-law fell and broke her hip just days after returning home from the hospital—not due to clutter or poor lighting\, but due to a combination of multiple medications causing dizziness. It’s a reminder that fall prevention must include both the physical environment and health-related risks. \nIn-home services range from non-medical caregiving to skilled home health.\nUnderstanding the spectrum of in-home services can be confusing\, especially when the terms sound so similar. Kathi Spray from Senior Helpers broke down the difference between home health (medical support like wound care\, physical therapy\, or medication management\, typically covered by insurance and prescribed by a doctor) and in-home care (non-medical help such as bathing\, dressing\, meal prep\, and transportation\, often private pay). Dave Jolicoeur of Connect Home Management shared how his company fills the gap by helping with upkeep\, repairs\, and organizing projects\, using skilled workers who are often recent retirees. These services are crucial when the everyday responsibilities of home maintenance become overwhelming. The takeaway? There’s help for every kind of need—you just have to know what to ask for. \nIt’s okay to ask for help—and critical to find the right support.\nMany older adults resist asking for help\, either out of pride or a desire to remain independent. But as the panelists emphasized\, bringing in support doesn’t mean giving up control—it’s about preserving it. Kathi shared how some clients don’t want their adult children helping with personal care\, saying “it feels weird.” That’s where trusted professionals come in\, offering dignity\, privacy\, and expertise. She even suggested ways to set boundaries\, like having a caregiver stay in another room and only come in when called. Dave reminded attendees that neighbors and friends often want to help\, but older adults feel like a burden and stop asking. The truth is\, asking for help is a strength—and it often brings everyone peace of mind. \nSafety and comfort can go hand-in-hand\, even with temporary needs.\nNeeding help doesn’t always mean you need it forever. After a surgery or hospital stay\, having short-term support can dramatically reduce the risk of complications or readmission. Julie recounted her mother-in-law’s experience after returning home with nine new medications and no supervision\, resulting in a fall and broken hip. Kathi and the panel discussed how temporary services—like part-time caregivers\, rented mobility aids\, or short-term home health visits—can bridge those vulnerable times. You can customize the level of support to meet your specific needs without giving up your privacy or routine. Temporary help isn’t a sign of failure—it’s part of a thoughtful plan to maintain independence longer. \nSocial connection matters just as much as physical care.\nOne of the most important but often overlooked aspects of staying at home is staying connected. Isolation can take a toll on emotional health just as significantly as a fall or illness impacts the body. Julie noted that while remaining in your own home can be empowering\, it can also be lonely—especially for those who are no longer driving or have limited mobility. Johnson County and KC Shepherd’s Center were highlighted as great local resources that offer social programs and support groups. The group also discussed the value of simple check-ins and telephone reassurance programs. Staying in your home shouldn’t mean staying alone\, and building a network of support is just as essential as installing a grab bar. \nStaying in your home as you age isn’t just about where you live—it’s about how you live. With the right support\, thoughtful planning\, and a willingness to adapt\, it’s entirely possible to remain safe\, comfortable\, and connected. Whether it’s installing a grab bar\, bringing in short-term help after surgery\, or simply having someone check in regularly\, there are more resources than ever to support your goals. The message from our panelists was clear: you don’t have to do this alone\, and you don’t have to wait for a crisis to take action. Start the conversation\, build your plan\, and know that help is available when you need it. \n🧠 Visit our website for more events and resources: www.seniortruthseries.com \n💬 Have questions or want to connect with a speaker? Drop a comment below or email juliespauldingkc@gmail.com
URL:https://seniortruthseries.com/sts-event/may-2025-support-at-home-navigating-your-options/
CATEGORIES:Past Events
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DTSTART;TZID=America/Chicago:20250521T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/Chicago:20250521T113000
DTSTAMP:20260610T060054
CREATED:20260417T171818Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T171818Z
UID:185-1747821600-1747827000@seniortruthseries.com
SUMMARY:Support at Home: Navigating Your Options
DESCRIPTION:Time & Location\nMay 21\, 2025\, 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM \nOverland Park\, 11902 Lowell Ave\, Overland Park\, KS 66213\, USA \nAbout the event\nSupport at Home: Navigating Your Options \nWe all hope for the best when it comes to our health and independence\, but the truth is\, if we live long enough\, most of us will need help in some form.  \nWhether it’s recovering from an illness\, managing chronic conditions\, or just needing a hand with day-to-day tasks\, understanding your options for in-home support before you need them is key to making confident decisions later. \nAre you prepared? Have you taken steps to equip yourself and your residence for the long haul? \nOur expert panelists will share with you some of the most effective strategies and resources available for living safely and independently in your home as you get older. \nLearn about precautions you can take to ensure that YOU remain in control of your lifestyle choices and decisions. \nThis month’s seminar includes how to make your home more accessible with easy home modifications\, how to find reliable in-home care providers\, both medical and non-medical\, and more.
URL:https://seniortruthseries.com/sts-event/support-at-home-navigating-your-options/
CATEGORIES:Past Events
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