Beyond the Will: Straight Talk on Elder Law

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. SummaryThis 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview00:43 Guardianship: When and How It Can Be Ended05:17 Can Guardianship Be Removed or Changed?07:06 When Does Guardianship End?08:31 Medicare Advantage Plan Changes in 202609:54 What To Do If Your Medicare Plan Ends14:08 Questions to Ask Your Financial Planner About Long-Term Care19:08 Caring for Grandkids and Brain Health21:28 Dementia and Food Insecurity in Seniors23:41 Cryptocurrency Scams Targeting Seniors27:55 Listener Questions on Incapacity and Medicare Protections30:43 Episode Summary and Final AdviceContactWebsite: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.comWebinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/eventsEmail: [email protected]: 630-377-3241Facebook: www.facebook.com/StrohscheinLawGroupLinks mentioned in this episode:A Safer Naperhttps://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.SummaryThis 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.Chapters00:00 Introduction 01:15 The Power of Planning for Peace of Mind02:10 Day-to-Day Habits to Manage Stress03:29 Keeping Older Adults Safe at Home05:48 The Importance of Connection and Routine08:38 Community Support in Japan: Small Gestures, Big Impact12:43 Cutting-Edge VA Research on Dementia Treatments16:00 Tools for Choosing the Right Retirement Location19:17 Senior Scam Alert: Recovery Scams and How to Protect Yourself23:36 Listener Q&A26:22 ConclusionContactWebsite: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.comWebinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/eventsEmail: [email protected]: 630-377-3241Facebook: www.facebook.com/StrohscheinLawGroupLinks mentioned in this episode:https://wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-states-to-retire/18592https://www.aarp.org/home-living/top-places-to-live-2025/https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-retirehttps://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.SummaryThis 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/reportContactWebsite: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.comWebinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/eventsEmail: [email protected]: 630-377-3241Facebook: 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 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.Chapters00:00 Intro04:58 Understanding Skilled Nursing Facility Coverage09:17 When to Consider Home Care Services12:41 Exploring the AARP Livability Index15:42 Cognitive Health and Dementia Risk Factors19:22 Addressing Senior Scams and Protection Strategies29:13 Listener Q&A: Medicare and Home Care DecisionsContactPhone: 630-377-3241Email: [email protected]: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.comEvents: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/eventsFacebook: 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 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.Chapters00:00 Intro03:06 Navigating the Medical Maze05:53 Emotional Roller Coaster of Caregiving07:47 Information Overload: The Caregiver's Challenge08:44 Family Dynamics and Caregiving10:04 Financial Pressures in Caregiving11:23 Social Isolation: The Hidden Struggle12:51 Identity Loss: Rediscovering the SelfContactWebsite: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.comWebinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/eventsEmail: [email protected]: 630-377-3241

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 of Beyond the Will, hosts Linda Strohschein and Dana Bzdelik discuss critical topics surrounding elder law, including how to choose decision makers, the challenges of guardianship, emotional wellness in long-term care, financial aspects of aging, and the latest scams targeting seniors. They emphasize the importance of proper planning and advocacy for older adults, as well as the need for awareness regarding emotional health and financial security.Chapters00:00 Choosing Your Decision Makers05:41 Understanding Guardianship Challenges11:20 Emotional Wellness in Long Term Care17:24 Financial Aspects of Aging22:47 Senior Scam Alerts and Q&AContactWebsite:www.StrohscheinLawGroup.comWebinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events Email:[email protected]: 630-377-3241Facebook: https://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, host Linda Strohschein and marketing coordinator Dana Bzdelik discuss various topics related to elder law, including the duration of probate in Illinois, the implications of private equity ownership in nursing homes, recent changes in the Social Security Administration, the role of AI voice agents in senior healthcare, addressing memory loss in parents, navigating life after caregiving, and the importance of awareness regarding senior scams. The conversation emphasizes proactive planning and compassion in dealing with elder law issues.Chapters:00:00 Introduction 01:03 Understanding Probate Duration in Illinois03:46 Honoring Veterans and Their Contributions04:43 Private Equity in Nursing Homes: Implications for Families08:03 Changes in Social Security Administration13:09 AI Voice Agents in Senior Healthcare16:52 Addressing Memory Loss in Parents19:12 Life After Caregiving: Navigating Identity Loss22:04 Senior Scam Alerts: Protecting Loved Ones26:46 Listener Questions and AnswersContact:Website:www.StrohscheinLawGroup.comWebinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events Email:[email protected]: 630-377-3241Facebook: https://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 shouldnot be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state.SummaryIn this episode of Beyond the Will, hosts Linda Strohschein and Dana Bzdelik discuss critical topics in elder law, including the importance of special needs law, effective communication strategies for dementia patients, the challenges of working beyond retirement age, and the emotional impact of caregiving. They also highlight the recent care decisions made by Bruce Willis and provide insights on protecting seniors from scams. The episode concludes with a Q&A segment addressing common concerns in elder law.Chapters00:00 Introduction 05:32 Communicating with Dementia Patients07:52 Working Beyond Retirement Age08:44 Bruce Willis Case Study: Care Decisions15:32 The Impact of Caregiving on Older Adults17:46 Senior Scam Alert19:37 Q&A 21:06 ClosingContactWebsite:www.StrohscheinLawGroup.comWebinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events Email:[email protected]: 630-377-3241Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StrohscheinLawGroup

SummaryIn this episode of Beyond the Will, hosts Linda Strohschein and Dana Bzdelik tackle the often-avoided topic of preparing for death. They discuss ten essential questions to consider, ranging from final wishes and medical decisions to digital legacies and guardianship for children and pets. The conversation emphasizes the importance of proactive planning to ease the burden on loved ones and ensure that personal preferences are honored. Through a mix of reflective and practical questions, the hosts aim to encourage listeners to engage in these critical discussions before it's too late.Chapters00:58 Intro04:04 Meaningful Goodbyes: Crafting Your Farewell05:27 Who Needs to Know? Notifying Loved Ones06:58 Medical Decisions: Choosing Your Advocate08:54 Unsaid Words: The Importance of Closure09:52 Digital Legacy: Managing Online Accounts11:12 Password Management: Keys to Your Kingdom12:55 Guardianship: Caring for Children and Pets14:41 Financial Preparedness: Payable on Death Accounts15:53 Leaving a Legacy: What Matters Most17:23 ClosingContactWebsite:www.StrohscheinLawGroup.comWebinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events Email:[email protected]: 630-377-3241Facebook: https://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 of Beyond the Will, hosts Linda Strohschein and Dana Bzdelik discuss key takeaways from their September newsletter, focusing on important topics such as World Alzheimer's Day, the hidden costs of healthcare in retirement, a new app for managing care, and the importance of joy in the lives of those living with dementia. They also highlight the prevalence of scams targeting seniors and the role of elder law attorneys in providing support and guidance for families navigating these challenges.Chapters00:00 Introduction 01:20 World Alzheimer's Day and Family Planning03:08 Hidden Costs of Healthcare in Retirement10:09 New App IQ 121 for Care Management14:36 Bringing Joy to Those Living with Dementia19:02 Scam Awareness and Prevention25:08 Role of Elder Law Attorneys in Family SupportContactWebsite:⁠www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com⁠Webinars: ⁠www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events⁠ Email:⁠[email protected]⁠Phone: 630-377-3241Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/StrohscheinLawGroup⁠

In this episode of Beyond the Will, hosts Linda Strohschein and Dana Bzdelik explore various topics related to elder law, including the importance of comprehensive estate planning, factors contributing to senior happiness, common planning mistakes, and the role of technology in supporting seniors. They also discuss veterans' benefits, the gut-brain connection, and provide scam alerts to protect seniors. The episode concludes with a Q&A segment addressing essential estate planning documents and considerations for introducing AI companions into senior care.Chapters 00:00 Introduction 05:57 Senior Happiness Index: What Makes Seniors Happy?07:42 Common Estate Planning Mistakes After Age 6510:09 Innovations in Senior Care: AI Companions11:58 Understanding Veterans Benefits13:07 The Gut-Brain Connection and Aging14:22 Senior Scam Alert: Home Improvement Fraud16:11 Q&A: Essential Estate Planning Documents19:07 Outro ContactWebsite:www.StrohscheinLawGroup.comWebinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events Email:[email protected]: 630-377-3241Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StrohscheinLawGroup August 2025 Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/175ece8a6b0c/august-newsletter-11039500"Meet Strohschein Law Group" Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tiWBwMKhx-QThis information provided by Strohschein Law Group is general in nature and is not intended to be legal advice, nor does it constitute a legal relationship.  Please consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.(*) The Supreme Court of Illinois does not recognize certifications of specialties in the practice of law and the CELA designation is not a requirement to practice law in Illinois.

In this episode of Beyond the Will, hosts Linda Strohschein and Dana Bzdelik discuss essential topics in elder law, including long-term care planning, Medicare and Social Security changes, job market trends for older adults, and the importance of protecting seniors from scams. They also address listener questions, providing insights into navigating complex legal and financial landscapes for aging individuals and their families.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Newsletter Highlights03:39 Supporting Children with Special Needs04:28 Long-Term Care Planning Insights07:37 Understanding Durable Medical Equipment10:58 Changes in Social Security Retirement Age12:59 AARP and Indeed's Job Support for Older Workers15:16 Senior Scam Alerts and Protection Tips17:49 Listener Q&A and Upcoming Webinars20:13 OutroJuly 2025 Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/610da3ac53d7/july-newsletter-11039203ContactWebsite:www.StrohscheinLawGroup.comWebinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events Email:[email protected]: 630-377-3241Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StrohscheinLawGroupThis information provided by Strohschein Law Group is general in nature and is not intended to be legal advice, nor does it constitute a legal relationship.  Please consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.(*) The Supreme Court of Illinois does not recognize certifications of specialties in the practice of law and the CELA designation is not a requirement to practice law in Illinois.

In this episode of Beyond the Will, hosts Linda Strohschein and Dana Bzdelik discuss critical topics in elder law, including Alzheimer's awareness, long-term care planning, the rise of multi-generational living, food quality in nursing homes, the benefits of adopting senior pets, social security overpayment issues, and the prevalence of phishing scams targeting seniors. They emphasize the importance of planning and legal documentation to protect loved ones and ensure a secure future. Chapters00:00 Introduction 01:17 Key Updates on Alzheimer's and Long-Term Care Planning03:29 The Rise of Multi-Generational Living07:13 Food Quality Concerns in Nursing Homes10:40 The Benefits of Senior Pet Adoption12:42 Understanding Social Security Clawbacks15:09 Phishing Scams Targeting Seniors20:40 Q&A Session on Elder Law23:01 OutroContactWebsite: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com   Webinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events Email:[email protected]: 630-377-3241Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StrohscheinLawGroupJune 2025 Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/1f032cd3c9a4/june-newsletter-11038580 This information provided by Strohschein Law Group is general in nature and is not intended to be legal advice, nor does it constitute a legal relationship.  Please consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.(*) The Supreme Court of Illinois does not recognize certifications of specialties in the practice of law and the CELA designation is not a requirement to practice law in Illinois.

In this episode of Beyond the Will, Linda Strohschein and Dana Bzdelik discuss critical topics in elder law, including Medicare fraud alerts, the significance of powers of attorney, the benefits of ABLE accounts for individuals with disabilities, and the importance of planning for aging. They also address listener questions regarding special needs trusts and strategies to avoid nursing home placement, emphasizing the need for proactive planning to ensure peace of mind.Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:56 The Importance of Powers of Attorney04:03 Elder Law Month and Its Significance04:45 Medicare Fraud Alert06:22 Home Safety for Aging in Place07:30 ABLE Accounts09:15 10 Best and Worst States for Nursing Home Affordability11:13 Senior Scam14:51 Listener Q&A: Special Needs Trusts and Nursing Home Planning16:31 Outro Contact Website:www.StrohscheinLawGroup.comWebinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events Email:[email protected]: 630-377-3241Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StrohscheinLawGroup May 2025 Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/fd495ba84e1a/april-newsletter-11037884Phone # for Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE(1-800-633-4227)FBI Crime Complaint Center: https://www.fbi.gov/investigate/cyberThis information provided by Strohschein Law Group is general in nature and is not intended to be legal advice, nor does it constitute a legal relationship.  Please consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.(*) The Supreme Court ofIllinois does not recognize certifications of specialties in the practice of law and the CELA designation is not a requirement to practice law in Illinois. 

This episode discusses critical topics in elder law, focusing on dementia, caregiver support, healthcare decisions, long-term care planning, and the importance of essential legal documents. Hosts Linda Strohschein and Dana Bzdelik emphasize the need for proactive planning to ensure that individuals and families are prepared for future challenges, including navigating Medicare and Social Security issues, as well as protecting against scams targeting seniors.Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:58 National Healthcare Decisions Day03:09 Response to AARP Article on Estate Planning10:08 Understanding Medicare Observation Status12:47 The Hidden Dangers of Dementia16:50 Essential Documents for Young Adults18:57 The 5 by 55 Planning Strategy21:02 Social Security Overpayments24:09 Scams Targeting Seniors27:44 Q&A on Elder Law Topics31:49 Family Protection Plan and Resources34:40 Outro Contact Website:www.StrohscheinLawGroup.comWebinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events Email:[email protected]: 630-377-3241Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StrohscheinLawGroup April 2025 Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/32543726d263/april-newsletter-11037340This information provided by Strohschein Law Group is general in nature and is not intended to be legal advice, nor does it constitute a legal relationship.  Please consult an attorney for advice regarding your individual situation.(*) The Supreme Court of Illinois does not recognize certifications of specialties in the practice of law and the CELA designation is not a requirement to practice law in Illinois.