Advice From Your Advocates

Why is talking to aging parents about money, estate plans, and long-term care so uncomfortable? For many adult children, asking about finances feels like reaching into a parent's private purse—or like being overly concerned with an inheritance. But avoiding these conversations doesn’t make the future go away; it just leaves families facing sudden crises when options are limited and emotions are high.In this episode of Advice From Your Advocates, host Board Certified Attorney Bob Mannor and co-host Savannah Meksto, CDP, break down how to approach these multi-generational talks without guilt, shame, or fear. They share practical icebreakers, expose common myths about outdated legal documents, and explain why failing to plan ahead can lead to costly court battles or unintended consequences for blended families.In this episode, you’ll learn:Overcoming Guilt: Why caring about your parents' finances isn't about greed—it’s about protecting their future.Simple Conversation Starters: How to bring up powers of attorney, wills, and care preferences without starting a fight.The "Doctor Visit" Rule: Why a legal plan from 20 years ago is like claiming you're healthy based on a doctor's checkup from 2001.Common Estate Planning Pitfalls: The dangers of online fillable forms and why adding an adult child to a property deed often backfires.Planning for Life, Not Just Death: Protecting assets and navigating long-term care during your lifetime.Need help starting the conversation or creating a plan for your family? Visit us at mannorlawgroup.com or call 1-800-990-6030 to schedule a consultation.We'd love to hear from you! Support the showListening Options YouTube Playlist Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerListen NotesPlayer FMABOUT US:Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life.We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...

In this special solo episode of Advice From Your Advocates, host Bob Mannor, a nationally board-certified elder law attorney in Michigan, takes a deep dive into a revolutionary concept in long-term care: Caregiver Trusts.Most people have an estate plan that dictates what happens after they pass away. But what happens during the years prior, when you need regular assistance with daily living? Simply saying "I want to stay in my home" isn't a strategy; it often leaves adult children overwhelmed, underpaid, or facing family conflict.In this episode, Bob covers:The difference between traditional estate planning and true "life planning".How a Caregiver Trust works for both high-net-worth individuals and families utilizing government benefits.How to fairly compensate family caregivers without causing sibling rivalry.Smart financial strategies to leverage your assets, IRAs, and home equity for long-term care.How to relieve the emotional and financial burden on your loved ones before a crisis hits.Whether you have saved a substantial nest egg or are navigating limited resources, learn how a Caregiver Trust helps you maintain your quality of life on your own terms.Subscribe to Advice From Your Advocates wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss an episode!Host: Attorney Bob Mannor, CELA, CDPExecutive Producer: Savannah Meksto, CDPProducer: Shalene GaulWe'd love to hear from you! Support the showListening Options YouTube Playlist Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerListen NotesPlayer FMABOUT US:Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life.We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...

Are you running your life or just reacting to it? In this episode of Advice From Your Advocates, host and board-certified elder law attorney Bob Mannor sits down with wealth management expert Joe Mackey of MKD Wealth. Together, they pull back the curtain on the critical, often ignored intersections of family caregiving, estate planning, and business succession. Whether you are a family caregiver trying to keep the peace among siblings, a business owner neglecting your personal legacy, or a professional advisor striving to give your clients the best guidance, this conversation is a must-listen. Bob and Joe break down how "ambiguity breeds conflict" and share actionable ways to transition from daily firefighting to proactive, strategic planning. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:The Caregiver Trust & Family Harmony: Why relying on "volunteer" family caregivers without clear, legally documented compensation plans is a recipe for sibling conflict (and how to fix it.)The Danger of "Dusty" Estate Plans: Why that 10-year-old estate planning binder in your closet won’t protect your family from massive modern tax shifts like the Secure Act. The Founder’s Blind Spot: How successful entrepreneurs flawlessly run their businesses but completely neglect their personal wealth and parent-care strategies. Avoiding the "TikTok" Trap: How to filter out the overwhelming noise of generic online financial advice and focus on curated, personalized strategies for your family's specific needs. Don't wait for a medical or financial emergency to force your hand. Tune in to learn how to step out of the daily whirlwind, protect your family legacy, and gain true peace of mind. Learn more about guest Joe Mackey & MKD Wealth: https://mkdwealth.comHost: Attorney Bob Mannor, CELA, CDPExecutive Producer: Savannah Meksto, CDPAssistant Producers: Samantha Noah, Shalene GaulWe'd love to hear from you! Support the showListening Options YouTube Playlist Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerListen NotesPlayer FMABOUT US:Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life.We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...

Supporting Neurodivergent Families with Jennifer KaufmanIn this episode of Advice From Your Advocates, Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor sits down with Jennifer Kaufman, autism advocate, educator, school principal, founder of First Response Autism, and author of Grandparenting on the Spectrum: A Journey from Both Sides of the Desk.Drawing from both her professional experience in special education and her personal journey as the grandmother of a child with autism, Jennifer shares valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities families face when navigating an autism diagnosis. She discusses how grandparents can provide meaningful support, strengthen family relationships, and better understand the communication needs of autistic children and adults.Bob and Jennifer also explore critical topics affecting individuals with autism and other neurodivergent conditions, including:Autism awareness and advocacyGrandparent support after an autism diagnosisCommunication strategies for autistic individualsSpecial needs planning and guardianship alternativesTransitioning from school services to adulthoodIndependent living, employment, and community inclusionAutism and higher education support servicesNeurodiversity in the workplaceTraining first responders, police officers, and campus security personnel to better support autistic individuals during emergenciesJennifer also discusses her work through First Response Autism, an organization dedicated to helping law enforcement, first responders, and security professionals recognize, communicate with, and safely assist individuals with autism and other neurodivergent conditions. Learn why autism-informed crisis response and de-escalation training can make a life-changing difference for families and communities.Whether you're a parent, grandparent, caregiver, educator, first responder, attorney, or advocate, this conversation offers practical guidance and compassionate insight into creating more supportive environments for individuals on the autism spectrum.About Our Guest:Jennifer Kaufman is a special education leader, autism advocate, founder of First Response Autism, and author of Grandparenting on the Spectrum: A Journey from Both Sides of the Desk. She works with families, schools, first responders, colleges, and organizations to promote autism awareness, inclusion, and effective support strategies.About Advice From Your Advocates:Hosted by Michigan Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor, Advice From Your Advocates provides trusted guidance on elder law, special needs planning, estate planning, caregiving, dementia, disability advocacy, and the legal and practical challenges families face throughout life's transitions.Executive Producer: Savannah MekstoAssistant Producers: Samantha Noah, Shaene GaulWe'd love to hear from you! Support the showListening Options YouTube Playlist Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerListen NotesPlayer FMABOUT US:Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life.We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...

What if dementia care focused less on restriction and more on dignity, independence, and quality of life?In this episode of Advice From Your Advocates, Elder Law Attorney Bob Mannor and Certified Dementia Practitioner Amy Persails explore the groundbreaking Hogeweyk Dementia Village in Amsterdam, an innovative dementia care community that is changing how the world thinks about elder care, caregiving, and memory support.Amy shares her firsthand experience visiting the world-famous dementia village, where residents with dementia live in a safe, supportive environment designed to feel like real life instead of a traditional nursing facility. Together, they discuss how care navigation, advocacy, and person-centered dementia care can dramatically improve the lives of seniors and their caregivers.Whether you are a family caregiver, healthcare professional, or someone navigating dementia care planning, this episode offers valuable insight into innovative elder care models and the future of long-term dementia care in the United States.In this episode:What makes the Hogeweyk dementia village uniqueHow dementia care can prioritize independence and dignityThe importance of care navigation and elder advocacyDaily life inside a dementia villageWhat caregivers can learn from innovative dementia care modelsCould this type of dementia care work in the United States?If you or someone you love is facing dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, or long-term care challenges, this conversation offers hope, perspective, and practical insight into what compassionate dementia care can look like.We'd love to hear from you! Support the showListening Options YouTube Playlist Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerListen NotesPlayer FMABOUT US:Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life.We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...

In this episode of Advice From Your Advocates, Attorney Bob Mannor sits down with Amy Shaw, PA-C, author, and founder of Better Dementia, for an important conversation about navigating Alzheimer’s disease, dementia caregiving, and family advocacy.As a Physician Assistant and dementia educator, Amy brings both clinical expertise and real-world caregiving insight to the discussion. Together, they explore why dementia is so often missed or misdiagnosed, how families can better advocate for loved ones, and what caregivers need to know to improve quality of life while maintaining dignity throughout the dementia journey.Together, they discuss:Early signs and diagnosis of dementia and Alzheimer’s diseaseWhy dementia is frequently missed in the medical systemCommunication strategies for dementia caregiversManaging difficult family dynamics during caregivingEducation and support resources for caregivers and familiesEnd-of-life conversations and patient advocacyHow caregivers can move from overwhelmed to empoweredWith more families impacted by Alzheimer’s and dementia every year, this episode offers practical guidance, emotional support, and expert insight for caregivers, spouses, adult children, elder care professionals, and anyone supporting someone with memory loss.If you are caring for a loved one with dementia, this conversation will help you feel more informed, prepared, and supported.Resources Mentioned:• Better Dementia• Pattern Before Pathology: Diagnosis Begins at Home• The Ark of Conversation: How to Guide Goals of CareFor more elder care, dementia caregiving, estate planning, and caregiver advocacy resources, visit Mannor Law Group.Host: Attorney Bob Mannor, CELA, CDPExecutive Producer: Savannah Meksto, CDPAsst. Producer: Samantha Noah, Shalene GaulWe'd love to hear from you! Support the showListening Options YouTube Playlist Apple PodcastsSpotifyAmazon MusiciHeart RadioPodcast AddictPodchaserDeezerListen NotesPlayer FMABOUT US:Mannor Law Group helps clients in all matters of estate planning and elder law including special needs planning, veterans’ benefits, Medicaid planning, estate administration, and more. We offer guidance through all stages of life.We also help families dealing with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, and other illnesses that cause memory loss. We take a comprehensive, holistic approach, called Life Care Planning. LEARN MORE...