Exploring the Estate Planning Issues of Ernie Banks [Episode 122]

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Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell is joined by Jill Enders of KTRS and online editor and “roving reporter” Dan Pearce break down all of the intrigue surrounding the estate of former Chicago Cubs player Ernie Banks. They break down the case, as the story reenters the news.

Caretaker Regina Rice was named the beneficiary in Banks’ will. Banks died in 2015, three months after filing for divorce, and his wife, Elizabeth, and children were did not receive anything, sparking legal action over the course of several years.

Joe talks about the complications surrounding naming a caretaker as a beneficiary in your will, as well as what spouses are entitled to, regardless of a pending divorce, at the time of death. He also emphasizes the importance of sound financial planning and making sure that the estate planning documents being forged are defendable against scrutiny. He offers alternative ideas, such as a video will, that can show the intention and cognitive faculties of the deceased, to prove validity.

Joe and Jill also talk about ways of preventing caretakers from taking advantage of seniors.

The Foundational Elements of Estate Planning [Episode 121]

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Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell highlights the importance of having all of the necessary estate planning documents in place as you age, on this episode of ElderTalk with Joe Cordell. Joe details the ins and outs of long-term care insurance, as well as self-insurance.

He talks about the rehabilitative care and short amount of time required for Medicare to cover long-term care and compares it to the Medicaid planning involved in qualifying for Medicaid. Joe also highlights the history of elder law, as it relates to long-term care and Medicaid planning.

Joe describes the utility of a durable Power of Attorney and explains the roles of a conservator and a guardian ad litem. He also talks about the Power of Attorney for health care and the various decisions regarding care that can be involved.

Joe also navigates the ease of a trust and how useful they can be, in preserving assets for beneficiaries.

Exploring City and Rural Assisted Living Communities [Episode 120]

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Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell and Villages of St. Peters Memory Care Administrator April Haskins highlight aspects of the independent, assisted, nursing, and long-term care experience. They dive into the decision-making process heading into deciding that living by one’s self, as well as the importance of touring facilities, in order to understand what is right for the potential resident and what they are looking for from the facility.

April details different types of fee structures that exist within these types of communities and talks about the impact of Medicaid on paying long-term care costs. Joe and April discuss the commonality of facilities and communities that are 100 percent Medicaid and emphasize that Medicaid and non-Medicaid users receive equal care.

Joe and April highlight how those within the communities can take priority when they require additional care, over those on waiting lists to enter the community. They talk about the differences between communities and facilities in rural areas, as opposed to those near larger cities.

Choosing Independent or Assisted Living Facilities [Episode 119]

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Attorney-CPA Joe Cordell and co-host Susan Arthur are rejoined by Villages of St. Peters Memory Care administrator April Haskins to break down some of the factors that go into the decision of leaving one’s home and entering an independent or assisted living facility.

April details all of the amenities that many facilities have, which allows seniors to maintain some levels of independence while receiving the care that they may need. They also bring up the costs involved in independent living.

April and Joe explain what a buy-in is, when it comes to senior care. They highlight the varied payment structures that exist among facilities, as well as the lifestyle options available to residents. Joe discusses the commonality in the St. Louis area regarding seniors going to a living facility  based on having friends that are involved in common interests or communities.

April explains what Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services are and also talks about the conversations between senior parents and their children, regarding visits, amenities, and overall environment of a potential facility.

Joe also announces that April will be joining ElderTalk with Joe Cordell as an occasional co-host.