Shepherd Elder Law Group

09/25/2026

Our Community Education Liaison, Sara Albright, and the team at Shepherd Elder Law Group are excited to sponsor and participate in today's Senior Fall Prevention BINGO sponsored by Senior Falls Prevention Coalition of Clay & Platte Counties! The Coalition does so much to enhance the lives of seniors in Clay & Platte counties - we are truly blessed to have them in the Northland!

09/24/2026

“I’m happy to help.”

For many families, those four words mark the beginning of an adult child’s role as a caregiver.

At first, it may mean helping with appointments, errands, or household tasks. But as a parent’s needs grow, an adult child may find themselves managing finances, coordinating care, or providing significant hands-on support.

And that can raise important questions:

Who has legal authority to act on a parent’s behalf? Can a family member be compensated for providing care? How might caregiving arrangements affect Medicaid planning? And what happens when siblings have different expectations?

These are conversations worth having before a crisis makes them necessary.

Because a little planning today can help make tomorrow a little easier for everyone.

Learn more: https://shepherdelderlaw.com/your-adult-child-is-your-caregiver-now-what/

09/21/2026

Attn parents of children with special needs: Part 3 of this educational series is coming up this Thursday, 9/24. Details below.

Check out our upcoming 3-part series called “It’s a Wonderful Special Life” in September. Register on the events page at HeartlandSpecialNeedsFoundation.org to reserve your spot.

09/21/2026

💜 World Alzheimer’s Day | September 21

Today, we recognize the millions of individuals and families affected by Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia.

For families facing a dementia diagnosis, the road ahead can feel uncertain. Legal and financial planning can help families prepare for the changes that may come, while making sure a loved one’s wishes, care, and financial well-being remain at the center of the plan.

At Shepherd Elder Law Group, we understand that planning for the future is about more than documents and finances. It’s about protecting the people we love and giving families greater peace of mind during difficult seasons.

Today, we stand with those living with Alzheimer’s, their caregivers, and the families who walk alongside them. 💜

09/21/2026

We’re excited to be part of a night of fun, friendship, and giving back! 🎉

Shepherd Elder Law Group is proud to serve as the Quiz Master and Title Sponsor for the upcoming Know-It-All Trivia Night, benefiting the Heartland Special Needs Foundation.

We’re looking forward to putting our trivia knowledge to the test while supporting an organization doing meaningful work in our community. 💙

We’re so grateful to have Shepherd Elder Law Group as the Quiz Master & Title Sponsor for our upcoming Know-It-All Trivia Night! 🎉

Their generous support is helping make this fun evening possible — all while supporting the mission of Heartland Special Needs Foundation.

Thank you, Shepherd Elder Law Group, for helping us bring people together for a great cause. We can’t wait to see everyone at Trivia Night! 💙

If you can join us, please do! Visit https://heartlandspecialneedsfoundation.org/trivia-night/ for details.

09/18/2026

What happens to your spouse financially if you need long-term care?

Medicaid can be an important resource for individuals who need help paying for long-term care. For married couples, however, determining eligibility can be more complicated than simply looking at the finances of the spouse who needs care. In many situations, the income and assets of both spouses may be considered when determining Medicaid eligibility.

Fortunately, there are rules designed to help protect the spouse who remains at home. Understanding those rules - and knowing what steps to take - can make an important difference when planning for the possibility of long-term care.

We’ve put together a helpful resource, “What Married Couples Should Know About Medicaid Eligibility and Spousal Responsibility,” to explain some of the key considerations.

👉 Learn more about Medicaid Planning and access our brochure here:
https://shepherdelderlaw.com/medicaid-planning/

If you or a loved one is facing a situation like this, or you simply have questions about planning for the future, our team is here to help you understand your options and make informed decisions for yourself and your family.

Planning ahead can help you make informed decisions before a crisis occurs.

Samantha L. Shepherd, JD, LLM, is the managing attorney of Shepherd Elder Law Group, LLC.

09/14/2026

When a loved one can no longer manage their own affairs, knowing who can step in - and what they can actually do - matters.

A Financial Power of Attorney, Healthcare Power of Attorney, and trustee can each have an important role in a family’s plan, but their responsibilities and authority are very different.

Who can manage the finances? Who can make healthcare decisions? Who can manage assets held in a trust?

These distinctions can be confusing, especially when families are already navigating a difficult transition.

Our latest article breaks down the differences in simple terms and explains why having the right documents - and the right people or professionals in the right roles - can make all the difference.

We hope it helps you and your family better understand the importance of thoughtful planning.

Learn more: https://shepherdelderlaw.com/power-of-attorney-vs-trustee-understanding-the-difference/

09/11/2026

Today, we pause to remember the lives lost on September 11, 2001, and the families, first responders, and communities forever changed by that day.

Twenty-five years later, we honor their memory and reflect on the compassion, courage, and care shown in the face of unimaginable loss.

We remember. We honor. We will never forget.

09/08/2026

Some conversations are difficult to start. ❤️

Talking with your parents about aging, health, finances, and long-term care may feel uncomfortable. You may think there will always be more time to have those conversations.

But sometimes, “later” arrives unexpectedly.

A medical emergency, sudden illness, or fall can leave families making important decisions without knowing what their loved one would have wanted.

That’s why we encourage families to start these conversations before they need to.

In our latest article, we explore 5 important conversations to have with your parents before a crisis occurs, including:

• What do you want your future to look like?
• Who would you trust to make medical decisions for you?
• Who would handle your finances if you couldn’t?
• What would happen if you needed long-term care?
• Are your legal documents up to date?

You don’t have to have all five conversations at once. Start with one. Listen to the answers.

The goal isn’t simply to complete documents. It’s to understand the people you love and make sure their wishes are known.

Learn more: https://shepherdelderlaw.com/5-conversations-to-have-with-your-parents-before-you-need-to/