In today’s episode, I sit down with Lori Sumekh of the New York Elder Law Group to discuss Medicaid home care planning, protecting senior assets, and navigating the financial realities of long-term care. Lori shares how her career evolved from mortgage banking into elder law, and how working on guardianship cases led her to specialize in Medicaid planning.

Throughout our conversation, Lori breaks down complex Medicaid income and asset rules in a way families can understand. She explains how pooled income trusts work, what expenses are allowed (and not allowed), and why planning early can make a significant difference. We also discuss the emotional side of caregiving, the cost of home health aides, inheritance misconceptions, and the importance of using a senior’s resources to enhance their quality of life.

Lori provides practical guidance for families trying to balance protecting assets with ensuring their loved ones receive proper care at home.

🕒 Timeline Summary

00:07 Introduction and Lori’s background.

00:20 – Why professional guidance matters and common mistakes families make alone.

00:35 – Preparing documentation: doctor notes, medical history, and required assessments.

00:51:54 – 24-hour care process overview: vendor coordination, assessments, six-month reviews, care hours, overnight coverage, and follow-up strategies.

00:52:03 – Explanation of Medicaid’s six-month care renewal process.

00:54:51 – Securing 24-hour care, cost comparisons, and value of expert support.

00:55:55 – Typical care setups and long-term care insurance considerations.

00:57:50 – Caregiver workload, qualifications, and professional expectations.

00:58:54 – Private vs. Medicaid-contracted agencies and coordination challenges.

01:02:34 – Step-by-step Medicaid process: eligibility, income trusts, documentation, assessments, approvals, and care initiation.

01:03:21 – Why attempting the process alone can lead to delays and errors.

01:04:54 – Introduction of A Home Guide to Medicaid as a structured resource for families.

01:06:00 Emphasis on Medicaid planning as a specialized field requiring expertise.

5 Key Takeaways

Medicaid Planning Is Strategic: Proper planning allows seniors to qualify for home care benefits while preserving assets legally.

Pooled Income Trusts Are Powerful Tools:

These trusts allow excess income to be redirected toward approved expenses without disqualifying Medicaid eligibility.

Care Costs Add Up Quickly: With home health aides often costing $30–$35+ per hour, early planning is essential.

Quality of Life Comes First: Laurie emphasizes that a senior’s money should support their care, comfort, and dignity—not just inheritance goals.

Transparency Prevents Crisis: Understanding income, assets, and potential estate recovery helps families avoid surprises later.

Links & Resources

Learn about Elder Law, Trust and Estate Attorneys in New York at:

Website:

https://www.nyelderlawgroup.com

Phone Number: 718-740-3300

Location:

Garden City Office

401 Franklin Avenue

Suite 312

Garden City, NY 11530

Learn about Leave The Key Homebuyers Senior Transition Service at:

Phone Number: (631) 837-2898

Website: leavethekey.com/seniors

Final Thoughts

If this conversation with Lori provided clarity around Medicaid and home care planning, please take a moment to subscribe, review, and share this podcast. These conversations help families make informed, proactive decisions rather than reactive ones during times of crisis. Lori’s expertise highlights how strategic planning can protect both assets and peace of mind while ensuring seniors receive the care they deserve.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Renata Landskind and Terence Ricaforte of Landskind & Ricaforte Law Group, P.C. to discuss why Medicaid planning isn't just for the impoverished, but a vital "life planning" tool for the middle class. Renata and Terence expose the common misconceptions that keep families from protecting their legacy, explaining why waiting for a medical crisis to strike is the most expensive mistake a senior can make.

Throughout our conversation, we break down the strategies of the "mass affluent"—families with assets between $1M and $5M who are often caught in the middle: too wealthy for automatic aid, yet vulnerable to being wiped out by long-term care costs. We dive deep into the mechanics of Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts, the critical nuances of the Elder Law Power of Attorney, and how to navigate the 5-year look-back period. This episode serves as a roadmap for families who want to ensure their hard-earned assets go to their children rather than being exhausted by nursing home bills.

• 00:00 Intro & Guest Background

• 05:30 Defining the "Mass Affluent"

• 10:15 Long-Term Care Insurance Trends

• 14:45 Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts (MAPT)

• 20:10 New York Medicaid Income Limits

• 26:50 The Psychology of Inheritance: The "Consolation Prize"

• 33:15 The "Broken Hip" Trigger & The Death Spiral

• 40:00 Look-Back Period & Penalty Months

• 48:20 Essential Elder Law POA vs. Standard POA

• 55:10 Coordinating the Will & POA to Avoid Litigation

• 01:03:00 How to Contact Landskind & Ricaforte

1. Planning is for the "Mass Affluent": Families with assets between $1M and $5M are the most at risk. Proper planning allows you to bridge the gap between your income and the high cost of quality care.

2. The "Elder Law" POA is Critical: A standard Power of Attorney is often a liability in a crisis. You need a document that specifically allows for unlimited gift-giving and trust creation to protect assets at the eleventh hour.

3. Trusts Are More Flexible Than You Think: "Irrevocable" doesn't mean "unchangeable." Under New York law, these trusts can be revoked with beneficiary consent, and you retain the power to change your trustees at any time.

4. The 5-Year Clock is Your Friend: The best time to protect your home and savings is while you are healthy. Starting the 5-year look-back clock early ensures that your assets are "invisible" to Medicaid when you eventually need care.

5. Inheritance Has a Quality of Life Value: Giving to your children earlier in life often provides more utility than a larger inheritance when they are already in their 70s. Proper planning facilitates this "living legacy."

Landskind & Ricaforte Law Group, P.C.:

• Website: ricafortelaw.com

• Phone: 718-333-5007

• Resources: Free Elder Law e-books and educational videos available on their site.

Learn about Leave The Key Homebuyers Senior Transition Service:

• Website: leavethekey.com/seniors

• Phone: (631) 388-7771

Medicaid planning is ultimately about maintaining dignity and choice in your final years. If this episode helped you understand how to protect your home or clarified the "look-back" confusion, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone planning for the future. Don't wait for the fall to start the plan.

Timeline Summary5 Key TakeawaysLinks & ResourcesFinal Thoughts

In this episode of Unlocking Senior Resources, Larry Wagner is joined by Deanna M. Eble, a Partner at Russo Law Group, P.C. With over 17 years of experience at one of Long Island’s most respected elder law firms, Deanna tackles the number one fear among seniors: losing the family home to a nursing home.

This conversation is a must-watch because it peels back the curtain on the "human side" of elder law. Larry and Deanna break down complex Medicaid rules into actionable advice, covering everything from why your current Power of Attorney might be a "ticking time bomb" to how a specific trust can protect your house while keeping your tax exemptions. If you are a senior or an adult child concerned about the rising costs of long-term care, this roadmap is for you.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:• The 5-Year Look-Back Audit: What Medicaid looks for in your bank statements.• MAPT vs. Life Estates: Why the "cheaper" legal option can lead to massive tax bills.• New York Asset Limits: Navigating the 2026 thresholds ($32,000+ in assets).• Pooled Income Trusts: How to stay in your home if your income is over the limit.

TIMELINE SUMMARY:00:00 Introduction to Deanna M. Eble and the human side of elder law.04:30 The Best Nursing Home: Why proximity to family beats a fancy lobby.09:15 Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts (MAPT) vs. Life Estate Deeds.14:00 The cautionary tale of the ex-daughter-in-law and the deed lawsuit.21:10 Understanding Capital Gains and the "Step-Up in Basis" benefit.28:45 The 60-Month Audit: How dividends and hidden stocks can disqualify you.35:20 Protecting Retirement Accounts: Why you don't have to spend down your IRA.42:50 Power of Attorney Red Flags: The importance of "Unlimited Gifting" clauses.51:10 Spousal Refusal: New York’s unique protection for married couples.58:00 Closing thoughts: Why "Something is always better than nothing."

5 KEY TAKEAWAYS:

1. TRUSTS BEAT LIFE ESTATES FOR PROTECTION: A Medicaid Asset Protection Trust protects your home from a child’s creditors or divorce and preserves your $250,000 capital gains exclusion.

2. IRAS ARE OFTEN EXEMPT ASSETS: You do not necessarily have to liquidate your retirement accounts. In New York, these can stay in your name as long as they are in payout status.

3. THE POWER OF ATTORNEY CRISIS: An outdated Power of Attorney can prevent your lawyer from saving your assets in a crisis. Ensure yours is updated to the June 2021 NY standards.

4. THE HUMAN METRIC FOR CARE: Choose a facility based on where you can visit most often. Family interaction is the greatest factor in ensuring quality care.

5. POOLED INCOME TRUSTS FOR INDEPENDENCE: If your income is too high for Medicaid, you can use a Pooled Income Trust to pay for your own utilities and taxes while receiving care.

CONNECT WITH DEANNA M. EBLE & RUSSO LAW GROUP, P.C.:• Website: vjrussolaw.com• Phone: 516-683-1717• Office: 100 Quentin Roosevelt Blvd, Garden City, NY 11530

CONNECT WITH LARRY WAGNER & LEAVE THE KEY:• Website: leavethekey.com• Phone: 631-388-7771• Senior Transition Service: leavethekey.com/senior-transition-services-long-island/• Facebook: facebook.com/leavethekey

FINAL THOUGHTS:At Leave The Key, we view our work with the senior community as a vital service to the families of Long Island. Transitioning from a family home is a major life event, and our goal is to ensure you have the resources and legal knowledge to do so with confidence. If this episode helped clarify your future planning, please subscribe and share it with someone who needs to hear this message.

Beyond the Paper Trail: Why Your Lawyer’s Tech Skills Matter

In this episode, we sit down with Alexander Paykin of The Law Office of Alexander Paykin, P.C. to expose how "old school" legal habits cost seniors thousands and put private data at risk. Alexander explains why an attorney’s technical infrastructure is now as critical as their legal knowledge, revealing the hidden dangers of firms relying on free email services and outdated paper filing.

We dive into how modern legal technology—specifically Artificial Intelligence—acts as an "unpaid intern" to catch human errors while drastically reducing billable hours. From high-level asset protection in Texas to the hidden costs of condos, this conversation is a vital wake-up call for families who want to ensure their legal counsel is efficient, secure, and truly ahead of the curve.

• The security "Red Flag" of lawyers using generic Gmail accounts.• How AI reduces 3 hours of legal drafting into 54 minutes.• Why Texas code offers superior asset protection for families.• The "Human in the Loop" requirement for responsible legal AI.

00:00 Intro & The "Gmail" Red Flag

02:38 A Lawyer Saved My Family: The Origin Story

05:28 Computer Science Meets Law School

07:31 How Tech-Savvy Firms Handled COVID

10:45 The Right Way to Use AI in Legal Work

14:34 The "Human in the Loop": Liability & AI

16:22 Real World Example: 3 Hours of Work in 54 Minutes

26:31 Using AI for High Net Worth Asset Protection

28:05 Why Texas is the Best State for Asset Protection

31:45 The Hidden Costs of Condos vs. Houses

35:07 Teaching Lawyers How to Use Microsoft Word

40:55 Awards & Accolades

55:44 How to Contact Alexander Paykin

1. Tech Competence Is Legal Competence: A lawyer using a generic "@gmail.com" address is a major security risk that could compromise client confidentiality.

2. AI Is the Ultimate Efficiency Tool: Forward-thinking attorneys use AI to draft complex trusts in a fraction of the time, saving clients money on billable hours.

3. Inefficiency Is an Added Expense: Manual legal processes are costly. If your lawyer isn't using modern tools, you are paying for their refusal to modernize.

4. Jurisdiction is a Shield: Specific jurisdictions, like Texas, offer superior protections for estates that local New York laws may not provide.

5. The "Bilingual" Advantage: The best legal representation comes from attorneys who speak both "Law" and "Technology" to ensure your legacy is protected.

Connect with Alexander Paykin:• Website: paykinlaw.net• Phone (Manhattan): 212-858-9112• Phone (Long Island): 516-464-6446• Manhattan Office: 45 Rockefeller Plaza, 20th Floor, NY 10111• Floral Park Office: 99 Tulip Ave, Suite 408, Floral Park, NY 11001• YouTube, Instagram

Connect with Larry Wagner & Leave The Key:• Website: leavethekey.com• Phone: 631-388-7771• Senior Transition Service: ⁠leavethekey.com/senior-transition-services-long-island/⁠• Facebook: ⁠facebook.com/leavethekey⁠

Legal representation is about security and efficiency. Alexander Paykin’s insights highlight why holding on to "traditional" methods can be a liability for your estate. We provide these episodes to help families navigate senior transitions with confidence. Please subscribe, leave a review, and share this with someone who needs to hear these red flags before hiring counsel.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Leslie Sultan of Sammartino & Sultan Law Group to explore one of the most important, but often overlooked, estate planning documents: The Power of Attorney, and how it fits into a broader, well-structured estate plan. Leslie explains why having a properly drafted Power of Attorney is critical for protecting families during incapacity, avoiding unnecessary court involvement, and ensuring trusted individuals can act when decisions need to be made.Throughout our conversation, Leslie breaks down common misconceptions around Power of Attorney, including why spouses and family members don’t automatically have legal authority, why outdated or online forms frequently fail, and how the absence of proper documents can force families into guardianship. We also discuss the importance of organization, trust funding, ethical billing practices, and why estate planning isn’t just about documents, but about education, follow-through, and thoughtful guidance. This episode offers practical insights for families who want to plan proactively and avoid costly mistakes.Timeline Summary01:10 Introduction and Leslie Sultan’s estate planning philosophy03:40 What Power of Attorney really is and when it becomes essential06:00 Power of Attorney vs. guardianship: cost, timing, and court involvement09:10 Common misconceptions about spouses and decision-making authority12:30 Why online and outdated Power of Attorney forms often fail16:00 Real-life examples of families forced into guardianship18:45 Medical decision-making, healthcare proxies, and personal autonomy22:10 Why financial institutions reject improperly executed documents25:30 Power of Attorney limitations and what happens at death28:40 How Power of Attorney fits into a complete estate plan31:20 The importance of organizing and updating legal documents34:10 Trust funding mistakes and why follow-through matters38:00 Time vs. money: deciding what to handle yourself vs. hiring help41:30 Ethical billing practices and transparency in estate planning45:10 Planning for protection, clarity, and family harmony48:30 How to contact Leslie and the Sammartino & Sultan Law Group5 Key TakeawaysPower of Attorney Is a Cornerstone of Estate Planning: It allows trusted individuals to act on your behalf and prevents court intervention during incapacity.Marriage Does Not Grant Automatic Authority: Without proper documents, even spouses may be unable to make financial or medical decisions.Generic Forms Often Create Bigger Problems: Online or outdated Powers of Attorney are frequently rejected when they’re needed most.Documents Must Be Supported by Follow-Through: Trusts, asset lists, and Power of Attorney only work if they’re properly executed and maintained.Ethical Guidance Makes a Difference: Transparent fees, education, and client-focused planning help families avoid stress and costly mistakesLinks & ResourcesSammartino & Sultan Law Group:Website: www.ss-lawgroup.comPhone: (631) 505-1086Email: Info@sslawgroup.com Social Media: @sslawgroup Learn about Leave The Key Homebuyers Senior Transition Service at:Leave The Key HomebuyersPhone Number: (631) 381-4783 LeaveThe Key Homebuyers Website: https://leavethekey.com/seniorsFinal ThoughtsEstate planning is ultimately about protecting people, not just paperwork. Leslie Sultan’s insights highlight how a Power of Attorney, when combined with proper organization and ethical guidance, can reduce stress, preserve family harmony, and provide clarity during uncertain times. If this episode helped you better understand estate planning or challenged assumptions you may have held, consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who could benefit. These are conversations every family should have before a crisis forces them to.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Beth Weeks, RN, co-founder of Senior Living Consultants of New York, to discuss how families can navigate senior living decisions with clarity, compassion, and confidence. Beth shares her journey from working in senior living communities to becoming a registered nurse and trusted senior care advisor. We explore why choosing the right assisted living or senior housing option requires far more than an online search, and how a personalized, nurse-led approach helps families make informed, human-centered decisions. Throughout our conversation, Beth explains the importance of understanding the whole person—medical needs, lifestyle preferences, emotional well-being, and family dynamics—when planning senior care in New York.

Timeline Summary

00:40 Introduction to Beth Weeks, RN

01:55 What Senior Living Consultants of New York does

03:30 Beth’s early career in senior living

05:10 Discovering a passion for working with seniors

06:45 Becoming a CNA and learning hands-on care

08:20 Why Beth chose to become a registered nurse

10:30 The value of clinical leadership in senior living

12:15 Moving to New York and meeting co-founder Paul Corvino

14:10 Identifying gaps in senior placement services

16:25 Creating a holistic senior living consulting model

18:40 What “human-centered” senior care really means

21:05 Beyond safety and cost: lifestyle and dignity

23:45 Common mistakes families make when choosing senior living

26:30 How in-person guidance improves outcomes

29:15 Supporting families through difficult transitions

32:10 The emotional side of senior care decisions

35:20 Why trust and advocacy matter in elder care

38:10 Final thoughts and advice for families planning senior care

5 Key Takeaways

Senior Living Decisions Are Complex: Choosing assisted living or senior housing requires more than online research—it demands professional guidance and personal understanding.

Clinical Experience Matters: Beth’s nursing background provides families with medically informed insight that many senior placement services lack.

A Holistic Approach Is Essential: Successful senior care planning considers medical, emotional, social, and lifestyle needs—not just availability and pricing.

Human-Centered Care Makes the Difference: Understanding a senior’s values, preferences, and life story leads to better placement and long-term satisfaction.

Advocacy Builds Trust: Families benefit most when they have a knowledgeable advocate guiding them through the senior living landscape.

Links & Resources

Website

Senior Living Consultants of New York: https://www.slcofny.com

Contact details

https://www.slcofny.com/contact-us

Phone Number

(646) 406-2327

Learn about Leave The Key Homebuyers Senior Transition Service at:

Leave The Key Homebuyers:

(631) 381-4783

Leave The Key Homebuyers Website:

https://leavethekey.com/seniors

Final Thoughts

If you found this conversation with Beth Weeks helpful, please consider subscribing, reviewing, and sharing the podcast. Beth’s experience as a registered nurse and senior living consultant highlights how thoughtful guidance can reduce stress and bring peace of mind to families navigating elder care decisions. Her human-centered approach reminds us that senior living is not just about placement—it’s about dignity, trust, and quality of life. I’m grateful for this insightful discussion and look forward to continuing conversations that empower families to make confident senior care choices.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Michael Ettinger of Ettinger Law Firm, an experienced estate planning attorney, to unpack some of the most misunderstood aspects of long-term planning, Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts (MAPTs), and inheritance protection. Michael shares his client-first philosophy and explains why estate planning is not about “one-size-fits-all” documents, but about thoughtful, ethical strategies that protect families, preserve dignity, and create lasting legacies.

Throughout our conversation, Michael breaks down common misconceptions around irrevocable trusts, explains how proper planning can safeguard assets while maintaining flexibility, and emphasizes the importance of transparency and education in the estate planning process. This episode offers practical insights for families who want to plan proactively—rather than reactively—while avoiding costly mistakes.

Timeline Summary

01:10 Introduction and Michael Ettinger’s estate planning philosophy

03:25 Common misconceptions about estate planning and trusts

06:40 What Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts (MAPTs) really are

10:15 Irrevocable vs. revocable trusts explained clearly

14:30 Why “control” is often misunderstood in irrevocable planning

18:45 Timing considerations and the Medicaid lookback period

22:10 Ethical planning vs. fear-based sales tactics

26:30 How inheritance protection trusts work

30:55 Protecting beneficiaries from creditors, divorce, and lawsuits

34:20 The importance of education and client-centered planning

38:40 Long-term advisor relationships and ongoing trust management

42:15 Planning for legacy, not just asset transfer

45:30 Final advice from Michael for families considering estate planning

5 Key Takeaways

- Estate Planning Is About Strategy, Not Documents: Michael emphasizes that effective planning is driven by goals, values, and long-term needs—not just paperwork.

- Irrevocable Does Not Mean Inflexible: When structured properly, irrevocable trusts can still provide adaptability while offering strong asset protection.

- Medicaid Planning Requires Early Action: MAPTs are powerful tools, but families must plan ahead due to strict lookback periods and eligibility rules.

- Inheritance Protection Safeguards the Next Generation: Trusts can protect beneficiaries from creditors, divorce, lawsuits, and poor financial decisions.

- Ethical Guidance Makes the Difference: Michael stresses the importance of working with advisors who educate clients and build long-term relationships rather than using fear-based tactics.

Links & Resources

Ettinger Law Firm

Website: https://www.trustlaw.com/

Leave The Key – Senior Transition Experts

Website: leavethekey.com/seniors

Phone: (631) 388-7771

Final Thoughts

Estate planning is ultimately about protecting people—not just assets. Michael Ettinger’s insights reinforce how proactive, ethical planning can reduce stress, prevent conflict, and create clarity for families across generations. If this episode helped you better understand estate planning or challenged assumptions you may have held, please consider subscribing, leaving a review, and sharing it with someone who could benefit. These are conversations every family should have before a crisis forces them to.

In today’s episode, I sit down with Peter Groffmann, an experienced estate and trust attorney, to discuss disinheritance, no-contest clauses, and strategies to avoid probate. Peter breaks down how to protect your estate, plan for the unexpected, and navigate family dynamics while preserving peace of mind for both seniors and their loved ones.

Throughout our conversation, Peter shares real-life stories from his practice, explains the importance of thoughtful estate planning, and provides guidance on choosing the right attorney. We also dive into trusts, wills, and practical steps to ensure your wishes are honored without unnecessary conflict or court involvement.

Timeline Summary

00:45 Introduction and Peter’s background

02:10 Disinheritance: Understanding the basics

04:20 No-contest clauses: How they work and why they matter

07:00 The psychology of disinherited heirs and estate contests

10:15 Real-life examples of disclaimers and estate planning mistakes

13:00 Wills vs. trusts: Benefits and when to use each

16:30 Avoiding probate: Cost, time, and emotional benefits

20:00 Choosing the right attorney: Specialization, focus, and word-of-mouth

24:15 Pitfalls of flashy websites and too many practice areas

27:45 How to communicate effectively with your attorney

30:00 Stories highlighting the importance of proactive planning

33:30 Practical steps for estate and trust planning

36:00 Encouraging clients to plan for both simple and complex estates

40:15 Final takeaway: Avoid probate and plan ahead

41:30 Contact information for Peter Groffmann and Leave The Key

5 Key Takeaways

Plan Ahead: Thoughtful estate planning prevents conflict and ensures your wishes are honored.

No-Contest Clauses Work: Providing a meaningful sum can deter disputes and protect your estate.

Trusts vs. Wills: Trusts can simplify distribution, avoid probate, and offer more control over assets.

Choose the Right Attorney: Focus on specialization, experience, and communication rather than flashy marketing.

Avoid Probate: Probate is costly, time-consuming, and emotionally draining—planning ahead saves money and stress.

Links & Resources

Peter Groffmann, Attorney

Phone: (631) 923-0940

Email: Peter@boyleesq.com

Website: boyleesq.com

Leave The Key – Senior Home Buying Service

Phone: (631) 388-7771

Website: leavethekey.com

Final Thoughts

If this conversation with Peter was as informative as it was for us, please take a moment to subscribe, review, and share this podcast. Peter’s insights into estate planning, disinheritance, and probate avoidance highlight the importance of careful preparation and thoughtful guidance. His advice helps seniors and families protect their legacies, maintain peace, and navigate complex legal processes with confidence.