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  • Episode 347: Estate Planning for Your Digital Life: What Happens to Your Online Assets including Bitcoin

    Episode 347: Estate Planning for Your Digital Life: What Happens to Your Online Assets including Bitcoin
    2026/10/28
    What happens to your digital life when you die? From email accounts and treasured family photos to online banking and cryptocurrency, our lives are increasingly digital. But are these assets included in your estate plan? In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Johnson McGinnis Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel welcomes Attorney Kyle Shannon of Crow Estate Planning and Probate to explore an often-overlooked aspect of estate planning: protecting your digital assets. Kyle breaks down what qualifies as a digital asset, explains Bitcoin and cryptocurrency in easy-to-understand terms, and shares a cautionary story about a family unable to access a loved one's cryptocurrency after an unexpected death. You'll also learn why passwords alone aren't enough, how powers of attorney and trusts factor into digital estate planning, and why choosing the right person to manage your digital assets matters. Don't let your digital legacy disappear simply because no one knows how to access it. Tune in for an informative conversation about protecting what you've worked for and making things easier for those you leave behind. Aging Starts Now is brought to you by Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning. Learn more at www.tn-elderlaw.com.
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    37 分
  • Episode 346: The Truth About Medicaid's 5-Year Look-Back and Other Common Myths

    Episode 346: The Truth About Medicaid's 5-Year Look-Back and Other Common Myths
    2026/10/21
    Will Medicaid take everything you own? Does giving away money automatically disqualify you from benefits? And is it too late to protect your assets if you or a loved one is already in a nursing home? When it comes to Medicaid and paying for long-term care, misinformation can lead to costly mistakes. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Johnson McGinnis Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel sits down with Associate Attorney Ryan Hicks to separate fact from fiction about Medicaid planning and Tennessee's TennCare CHOICES program. Together, they tackle some of the biggest misconceptions surrounding the five-year look-back rule, including: - What Medicaid actually looks for during the five-year look-back period. - Why giving away money or property can create unexpected penalties. - Whether certain gifts or transfers are allowed without penalties. - How Medicaid protects a spouse who remains at home. - Why having a trust doesn't automatically protect your assets. - What options may still be available when someone is already receiving nursing home care. The biggest takeaway? It's never too early to plan, and it may not be too late to explore your options. Before making major financial decisions based on something you've heard about Medicaid, get the facts. Understanding the rules and working with an experienced elder law attorney can help families avoid expensive mistakes and make informed decisions about long-term care. Aging Starts Now is brought to you by Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, helping families navigate the legal, financial, and personal challenges of aging. Learn more at www.tn-elderlaw.com.
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    26 分
  • Episode 345: Cremation: What Families Want to Know

    Episode 345: Cremation: What Families Want to Know
    2026/10/14
    Cremation is becoming an increasingly popular choice, but many families still have questions about the process, costs, and what happens to their loved one's remains. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Coordinator Erin Keogh-Rankin welcomes Tammy Friedman, owner and Family Care Coordinator with Choice Cremation, to answer some of the most common—and sometimes uncomfortable—questions about cremation. What is the difference between direct cremation and traditional cremation? How can families be certain they're receiving their loved one's remains? Who has the legal authority to make cremation decisions? And what options are available for honoring and memorializing someone after cremation? Tammy explains the safeguards in place, potential costs, common misconceptions, and why discussing and documenting your final wishes can spare your family unnecessary stress and difficult decisions. Whether you're planning ahead or helping a loved one navigate end-of-life arrangements, this episode offers practical information and peace of mind. Aging Starts Now is brought to you by Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, helping families navigate the legal, financial, and personal challenges of aging.
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    26 分
  • Episode 344: Life Like a Sunflower: Finding Joy in Life's Unexpected Seasons

    Episode 344: Life Like a Sunflower: Finding Joy in Life's Unexpected Seasons
    2026/10/07
    What happens when the retirement you imagined suddenly looks nothing like the life you’re living? In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Certified Elder Law Attorney Barbara McGinnis talks with Susan Haig, author of Life Like a Sunflower, about resilience, self-advocacy and finding joy after two life-changing health diagnoses. Just two years into retirement, Susan suffered a “widowmaker” heart attack after months of knowing something wasn’t right and seeking answers from multiple doctors. Less than a year later, she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Susan shares the symptoms she experienced before her heart attack, why she believes it is so important to advocate for yourself when something doesn’t feel right, and how her Parkinson’s diagnosis changed the way she approaches each day. She also shares the inspiration behind her book, Life Like a Sunflower, and her message about turning toward the people, experiences and things that bring light and joy—even during life’s difficult seasons. Listen to this inspiring conversation about adapting when life changes unexpectedly, trusting yourself and making the most of the life you have today. You can check out Susan's blog here: https://somethingsweetwithsusan.com/
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    24 分
  • Episode 343: Medicare Open Enrollment: What you need to Know

    Episode 343: Medicare Open Enrollment: What you need to Know
    2026/09/30
    Medicare Open Enrollment is here—but even if you’re happy with your current coverage, should you still take a closer look? In this episode of Aging Starts Now, host Dana Hentschel talks with Johnson McGinnis Medicare Specialist Tyler McCullar about what you need to know during Medicare Open Enrollment. They discuss the difference between enrollment periods, what changes you can make, why it’s important to review your prescription drug coverage every year, and what to consider before switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. They also tackle Medicare scams and aggressive sales tactics, including how to recognize suspicious calls and why you should be cautious about giving personal information to unsolicited callers. Most importantly, Tyler explains why reviewing your current coverage—even if you don’t plan to make a change—can help you understand what to expect in the coming year. Listen now and head into Medicare Open Enrollment with greater confidence.
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    25 分
  • Episode 342 - Do We Need to Sell Mom's House?

    Episode 342 - Do We Need to Sell Mom's House?
    2026/09/23
    When a parent needs nursing home care, one of the first questions families often ask is: “Are we going to have to sell Mom’s house to pay for care?” The answer may not be as simple—or as frightening—as you think. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel talks with attorney Josh Hunter of Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning about how Tennessee Medicaid (TennCare) treats the family home and what families need to understand before selling, gifting, or transferring property. They discuss: • Whether the family home counts as an asset for Medicaid eligibility • The difference between Medicaid eligibility and estate recovery • How having a spouse or disabled child in the home can affect planning • Why simply transferring the house to your children can create serious problems • The caregiver-child exception and other potential protections • What options may still be available when nursing home care is needed now • Why families should get advice before making major decisions involving the home If you’re worried about paying for long-term care and protecting the family home, this episode can help you understand the questions to ask before making a move that could affect TennCare eligibility.
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    19 分
  • Episode 341: What is a Trust & Who Needs One?

    Episode 341: What is a Trust & Who Needs One?
    2026/09/15
    When you hear the word “trust,” do you immediately think of wealthy families and large inheritances? Trusts can actually be useful estate planning tools for many different people and situations. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Outreach Coordinator Dana Hentschel talks with Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning attorney Josh Hunter about what a trust is, how it works, and how to determine whether one might make sense for you and your family. Josh explains the differences between revocable and irrevocable trusts, how trusts can help avoid probate, when they may provide asset protection, and how they can be used when planning for minor children or loved ones with disabilities. He also discusses the important role of the trustee, how trusts and powers of attorney work differently, and one of the biggest mistakes people make—creating a trust but never properly funding it. Most importantly, you’ll learn why the better question may not be, “Do I need a trust?” but rather, “What are my goals, and is a trust the right tool to accomplish them?”
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    20 分
  • Episode 340: Connecting Families, Resources & Community: Sumner County Special Needs Collaborative

    Episode 340: Connecting Families, Resources & Community: Sumner County Special Needs Collaborative
    2026/09/09
    Finding the right resources and support can be overwhelming for families of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Sumner County Special Needs Collaborative is working to make that journey easier by connecting families with information, resources and one another. In this episode of Aging Starts Now, Pati Bedwell, Elder Care Coordinator with Johnson McGinnis Elder Care Law & Estate Planning, talks with Lorraine Looney, founder of the Sumner County Special Needs Collaborative. Lorraine shares the personal experience that inspired her to start the organization and explains how it supports individuals with disabilities and their families throughout the lifespan. Learn about the Collaborative’s resource directory, community events, caregiver retreats and efforts to connect families with services at critical points—from diagnosis and the school years to the transition into adulthood. Lorraine also shares how community members, businesses and professionals can get involved and why inclusion benefits everyone. If you know a family navigating the special needs journey, this is an episode worth sharing.
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    18 分