Care Resource Library

A trusted guide for families navigating senior care decisions.

What to Do When a Parent Dies Without a Will: A Family Guide to Probate and Senior Care Debts

When a parent dies without a will, state law decides who inherits. Here's how probate works, how care debts get paid, and what adult children need to do first.

For FamiliesLegalFinanceNursing Home

September 1, 202611 min read

What to Do When Your Parent's Assisted Living Community Raises Rates Mid-Year

When an assisted living community raises rates mid-lease, families have rights and room to negotiate. Here's how to read your contract and push back.

For FamiliesAssisted LivingFinanceLegal

September 1, 20269 min read

How to Verify a Home Care Aide's Credentials: A Family Checklist and Scripts for Requesting Proof

A step-by-step checklist and word-for-word scripts to verify a home care aide's background, training, and references before you hire.

For FamiliesHome CareLegal

August 28, 202610 min read

Assisted Living in Florida: What State Regulations Actually Require and What Families Must Verify

Florida's 3,000+ assisted living facilities operate under lighter regulation than most states. Here's what families must check before signing a contract.

For FamiliesAssisted LivingFinanceLegal

August 25, 202610 min read

Finding LGBTQ+-Affirming Senior Care in Florida: A Family's Guide to Rights, Resources, and Red Flags

Florida has one of the largest LGBTQ+ senior populations in the U.S. Here's how families can find affirming care, know their rights, and spot red flags.

For FamiliesFor ProvidersAssisted LivingLegal

August 23, 202611 min read

What Happens to a Parent's Social Security and Pension When They Move to a Nursing Home

When a parent enters a nursing home on Medicaid, most of their Social Security and pension goes to the facility. Here's how patient-pay works and what the family keeps.

For FamiliesNursing HomeFinanceLegal

August 21, 202611 min read

How to Compare Nursing Home Contracts: A 10-Point Worksheet for Families

A 10-point worksheet to help families evaluate nursing home contracts, covering Medicare/Medicaid terms, discharge protections, and hidden fees.

For FamiliesNursing HomeLegalFinance

August 21, 202610 min read

How to Pay for Assisted Living with a Reverse Mortgage in Florida

A step-by-step guide to using HECM proceeds for assisted living in Florida, including withdrawal strategies, Medicaid rules, and when selling may be smarter.

For FamiliesAssisted LivingFinanceLegal

August 21, 202611 min read

Advance Directives Explained: A State-by-State Guide to Powers of Attorney, Living Wills, and Health Care Proxies

Learn the difference between living wills, health care proxies, and powers of attorney, plus how to find the right forms for your parent's state.

For FamiliesLegalEmotional Support

August 20, 202610 min read

How to Compare Assisted Living Contracts: A 10-Point Worksheet for Families

A printable worksheet that helps families compare assisted living contracts side by side, covering rates, care add-ons, refund policies, and termination clauses.

For FamiliesAssisted LivingFinanceLegal

August 19, 202610 min read

Understanding Memory Care Contracts: What Families Need to Know About Fees, Care Levels, and Discharge Policies

Memory care contracts differ from assisted living agreements in critical ways. Here's what to look for in tiered pricing, care assessments, and discharge clauses.

For FamiliesMemory CareFinanceLegal

August 18, 202610 min read

Assisted Living Contract Red Flags: A Printable Review Worksheet for Families

Learn how to spot hidden fees, rate escalation clauses, and risky discharge terms in assisted living contracts, plus a printable comparison worksheet.

For FamiliesAssisted LivingLegalFinance

August 16, 202611 min read

Your Parent's Right to Leave Memory Care: Lock Laws, Elopement Policies, and How Families Can Advocate

Memory care locked doors can protect residents, but families have legal rights too. Learn state lock laws, elopement policies, and how to advocate for your parent.

For FamiliesMemory CareLegalEmotional Support

August 16, 202611 min read

Medicaid Estate Recovery: What Families Need to Know Before a Parent Receives Long-Term Care Benefits

Medicaid can recover costs from a parent's estate after their death. Learn how the process works, what exemptions exist, and strategies to protect the family home.

For FamiliesFinanceLegal

August 14, 20267 min read

When a Parent Has Dementia and Lives Alone: A Safety and Decision-Making Guide for Families

Assess risk, navigate legal steps (capacity, guardianship), and choose between home care, memory care, or other options when a parent with dementia lives alone.

For FamiliesHome CareMemory CareLegal

August 13, 20265 min read

Medicaid and Assisted Living in Illinois: Eligibility, Waivers, and How to Apply

Learn how Illinois families can use Medicaid waivers to pay for assisted living, plus income limits, application steps, and finding accepting communities.

For FamiliesAssisted LivingFinanceLegalEmotional SupportNursing Home

August 13, 20266 min read

Does Medicaid Pay for Assisted Living in Florida? A Family’s Guide to Waivers, Eligibility, and Waitlists

Does Medicaid pay for assisted living in Florida? Yes, through waivers. Learn about eligibility, waitlists, costs, and steps for families in this practical guide.

For FamiliesAssisted LivingFinanceLegal

August 11, 20268 min read

How to Plan a Senior Care Move from Another State: A Step-by-Step Relocation Guide

A step-by-step guide for families coordinating an interstate senior care move: logistics, finances, legal steps, and emotional preparation.

For FamiliesAssisted LivingFinanceLegal

August 10, 20266 min read

Assisted Living Contracts: What to Watch For in the Fine Print

A clause-by-clause breakdown of assisted living contract pitfalls, fee escalations, refunds, and discharge terms, plus a printable checklist for tours.

For FamiliesHome CareLegalFinance

August 10, 20266 min read

The Family Care Binder: A Printable Organizer for Medical, Legal, and Care Coordination

Step-by-step guide to creating a family care binder for medical, legal, and care coordination, with a printable checklist template.

For FamiliesFinanceLegalEmotional Support

August 10, 20266 min read

Finding LGBTQ+-Affirming Senior Care: A Practical Guide for Families

How to find senior care communities and home care agencies that truly welcome LGBTQ+ seniors, plus red flags, legal protections, and key questions to ask.

For FamiliesAssisted LivingHome CareLegal

August 9, 20268 min read

Medicaid Planning for Seniors: Understanding the 5-Year Look-Back Rule

Learn what the 5-year look-back rule means for Medicaid long-term care eligibility, common exceptions, and how to plan ahead.

For FamiliesFinanceLegal

August 8, 20266 min read

Legal Documents Every Senior Should Have, Before There's a Crisis

Power of attorney, healthcare directives, and guardianship, the documents that protect your loved one's wishes and protect your family from impossible decisions.

For FamiliesLegal

March 14, 20267 min read