Beyond the Will: Straight Talk on Elder Law

Strohschein Law Group

Cut through the legal jargon and get real answers about elder law, estate planning and everything in between. Hosted by Linda Strohschein, Owner and Principal Attorney at Strohschein Law Group in Illinois. Whether you are planning ahead or facing urgent decisions, Beyond the Will offers clear and compassionate conversations to help you protect what matters most. 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.

  1. Jun 1

    Planning for Cognitive Impairment

    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 This episode covers elder law essentials, including planning for cognitive decline, elder abuse prevention, decluttering tips, and recognizing scams targeting seniors. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Announcements 02:26 Family Caregivers Legal Checklist 10:20 Planning for Cognitive Impairment and Preventing Elder Abuse 17:04 Gifts and Loans in Estate Planning 19:22 Decluttering for Seniors 22:57 Senior Scam Alert 28:22 Listener Questions and Wrap-Up Contact Website: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com Webinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events Email: info@strohscheinlawgroup.com Phone: 630-377-3241 Facebook: www.facebook.com/StrohscheinLawGroup

    31 min

  2. May 1

    Ending Guardianship

    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 This 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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Episode Overview 00:43 Guardianship: When and How It Can Be Ended 05:17 Can Guardianship Be Removed or Changed? 07:06 When Does Guardianship End? 08:31 Medicare Advantage Plan Changes in 2026 09:54 What To Do If Your Medicare Plan Ends 14:08 Questions to Ask Your Financial Planner About Long-Term Care 19:08 Caring for Grandkids and Brain Health 21:28 Dementia and Food Insecurity in Seniors 23:41 Cryptocurrency Scams Targeting Seniors 27:55 Listener Questions on Incapacity and Medicare Protections 30:43 Episode Summary and Final Advice Contact Website: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com Webinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events Email: info@strohscheinlawgroup.com Phone: 630-377-3241 Facebook: www.facebook.com/StrohscheinLawGroup Links mentioned in this episode: A Safer Naper https://www.naperville.il.us/services/naperville-police-department/community-education-and-crime-prevention/a-safer-naper/

    26 min

  3. Apr 1

    Keeping Older Adults Safe

    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 This 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. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 01:15 The Power of Planning for Peace of Mind 02:10 Day-to-Day Habits to Manage Stress 03:29 Keeping Older Adults Safe at Home 05:48 The Importance of Connection and Routine 08:38 Community Support in Japan: Small Gestures, Big Impact 12:43 Cutting-Edge VA Research on Dementia Treatments 16:00 Tools for Choosing the Right Retirement Location 19:17 Senior Scam Alert: Recovery Scams and How to Protect Yourself 23:36 Listener Q&A 26:22 Conclusion Contact Website: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com Webinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events Email: info@strohscheinlawgroup.com Phone: 630-377-3241 Facebook: www.facebook.com/StrohscheinLawGroup Links mentioned in this episode: https://wallethub.com/edu/best-and-worst-states-to-retire/18592 https://www.aarp.org/home-living/top-places-to-live-2025/ https://realestate.usnews.com/places/rankings/best-places-to-retire https://www.epi.org/resources/budget/ https://www.healthcare.gov/see-plans/#/

    24 min

  4. Mar 2

    The Dementia Village

    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. Summary This 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/report Contact Website: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com Webinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events Email: info@strohscheinlawgroup.com Phone: 630-377-3241 Facebook: www.facebook.com/StrohscheinLawGroup

    27 min

  5. Feb 2

    New Research on Dementia Risk

    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, 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. Chapters 00:00 Intro 04:58 Understanding Skilled Nursing Facility Coverage 09:17 When to Consider Home Care Services 12:41 Exploring the AARP Livability Index 15:42 Cognitive Health and Dementia Risk Factors 19:22 Addressing Senior Scams and Protection Strategies 29:13 Listener Q&A: Medicare and Home Care Decisions Contact Phone: 630-377-3241 Email: info@strohscheinlawgroup.com Website: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com Events: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events Facebook: www.facebook.com/strohscheinlawgroup

    30 min

  6. Jan 16

    The Challenging Layers of Caregiving

    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, 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. Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:06 Navigating the Medical Maze 05:53 Emotional Roller Coaster of Caregiving 07:47 Information Overload: The Caregiver's Challenge 08:44 Family Dynamics and Caregiving 10:04 Financial Pressures in Caregiving 11:23 Social Isolation: The Hidden Struggle 12:51 Identity Loss: Rediscovering the Self Contact Website: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com Webinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events Email: invite@StrohscheinLawGroup.com Phone: 630-377-3241

    12 min

  7. 12/01/2025

    Ep. 10 Overcoming Challenges in Guardianship

    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, 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. Chapters 00:00 Choosing Your Decision Makers 05:41 Understanding Guardianship Challenges 11:20 Emotional Wellness in Long Term Care 17:24 Financial Aspects of Aging 22:47 Senior Scam Alerts and Q&A Contact Website:www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com Webinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events Email:info@strohscheinlawgroup.com Phone: 630-377-3241 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StrohscheinLawGroup

    20 min

  8. 11/03/2025

    Ep. 9 Life After Caregiving

    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 Illinois 03:46 Honoring Veterans and Their Contributions 04:43 Private Equity in Nursing Homes: Implications for Families 08:03 Changes in Social Security Administration 13:09 AI Voice Agents in Senior Healthcare 16:52 Addressing Memory Loss in Parents 19:12 Life After Caregiving: Navigating Identity Loss 22:04 Senior Scam Alerts: Protecting Loved Ones 26:46 Listener Questions and Answers Contact: Website:www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com Webinars: www.StrohscheinLawGroup.com/events Email:info@strohscheinlawgroup.com Phone: 630-377-3241 Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StrohscheinLawGroup

    27 min
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Ratings & Reviews

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2 Ratings

About

Cut through the legal jargon and get real answers about elder law, estate planning and everything in between. Hosted by Linda Strohschein, Owner and Principal Attorney at Strohschein Law Group in Illinois. Whether you are planning ahead or facing urgent decisions, Beyond the Will offers clear and compassionate conversations to help you protect what matters most. 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.

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