18. Legal Peace of Mind for Seniors and Their Families with Rachael Houck

When you’re planning a move later in life—whether to a smaller home, a senior living community, or closer to family—there’s one piece that often gets overlooked: legal planning.

In this episode, we’re joined by Rachael Houck, elder law attorney and partner at Houck Menninger Law. Rachael shares what every downsizing senior (and their adult children) should know about estate planning, long-term care, and how to avoid the most common legal mistakes families make during major transitions.

We cover:

• What elder law actually includes (and how it’s different from general estate planning)
• Must-have legal documents for aging adults
• Why powers of attorney are essential before a move or health decline
• How to protect your home and assets from long-term care costs
• Medicaid planning, gifting rules, and what families get wrong
• Tips for adult children helping their parents
• Signs your legal documents need a serious update

Whether you're already planning a move or just trying to “get your ducks in a row,” this episode will help you take the right next step—before it's urgent.

👉 Visit https://houckmenningerlaw.com to learn more about Rachael’s firm.
🎧 Check out other episodes and upcoming workshops at www.downsizingroadmap.com

🔗 LINKS & RESOURCES

• National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys: https://naela.org
• Downsizing Consultation: www.downsizingroadmap.com
• Rachael Houck’s Firm: https://houckmenningerlaw.com

If you enjoyed this episode, don’t forget to Follow our show so you never miss a new one. We’re here for your downsizing questions — on the podcast, in your community, and when you’re ready to move. As Realtors®, we can connect you with the right specialists to make your next chapter smoother. We’d love to hear from you!

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🌐 Learn more: www.downsizingroadmap.com

Let’s simplify, declutter, and create space for your next chapter—together!