Collins & Kruse Law Office, LLC.

08/27/2026

“Do I need a will or a trust?”

It's one of the most common estate planning questions - and the answer depends on what you're trying to accomplish.

This article does a nice job explaining the basic differences between the two. Understanding your options is a great first step toward creating a plan that actually works for you and your family.

What is the difference between a will and a trust? How do wills and trusts work and who needs them? Watch Fidelity’s Money Unscripted.

08/26/2026

A dementia diagnosis can feel overwhelming, but it can also be an important signal to begin planning for the future.

What does your loved one want? Who do they trust to help make decisions? Are their legal documents current? What happens if their care needs increase?

Having these conversations early gives your loved one the opportunity to participate in decisions about their own future.

Waiting for a crisis rarely makes these conversations easier.

As stages of Alzheimer's or other dementias progress, behaviors change, as does the caregivers' role. Get insight on early, middle and late stage behaviors.

08/25/2026

You don't need to be wealthy to need an estate plan.

If you have a home, a bank account, children, sentimental belongings, or simply opinions about who should make decisions for you if you can't - you have reasons to plan.

Estate planning is ultimately about making your wishes known and making things easier for the people you love.

Do you need an estate plan? Among the key issues to consider are children, the size of your estate, and privacy. Fidelity Viewpoints Key takeaways Anyone can benefit from having a basic estate plan including a will, financial durable power of attorney, and health care proxy. You may or may not need....

08/20/2026

Family caregivers provide an estimated $1 TRILLION worth of unpaid care each year.

Behind that enormous number are real people caring for parents, spouses, grandparents and other loved ones - often while raising children and working full-time themselves.

It's a powerful reminder that caring for the caregiver needs to be part of the conversation too.

Family caregiving plays a central role in long‑term support across the U.S., representing a substantial amount of unpaid care with significant economic value.

08/19/2026

One of the biggest misconceptions we hear is that Medicare will simply cover long-term care if and when it's needed.

Unfortunately, it just isn't that simple.

This article offers a helpful overview of why families should talk about long-term care before a crisis happens. Knowing your options ahead of time can make an incredibly difficult season a little easier to navigate.

08/19/2026

Scammers are becoming more sophisticated every day, and older adults are often among their biggest targets.

Today, Attorney Jackie Collins teamed up with Teri Ruslander, Elder Services Coordinator with the Grove City Ohio Police, to speak with residents at Senior Star at Dublin Retirement Village about financial exploitation and senior scams.

They discussed common scams, red flags to watch for, and practical ways seniors and their families can help protect themselves and their finances.

A big thank you to Teri for partnering with us and to Senior Star at Dublin Retirement Village for having us! We love opportunities to provide education that helps older adults and their families feel more informed and empowered.

Have questions about protecting yourself or a loved one? Give our office a call - we’re always happy to help.

08/18/2026

Estate planning isn't just about deciding who gets what someday.

It's also about making sure the right people can step in if you become sick or unable to make decisions for yourself, and giving your family clear direction instead of leaving them to figure everything out during an already difficult time.

A little planning today can create a lot of peace of mind later. This is a great guide from AARP for getting the conversation started.

How to ensure that your final wishes are honored

08/17/2026

It was a great day connecting with local Veterans! 🇺🇸

Veteran and Attorney Jackie Collins presented “Aging Gracefully: Planning for Your Future,” sharing information to help Veterans and their families better understand the importance of planning ahead and the resources and benefits that may be available to them.

A huge thank you to Kimberly Roberts of FirstLight Home Care of Greater Columbus for inviting us to present! Kim always does an incredible job bringing people together, and her events consistently have such a wonderful turnout. We’re grateful to be included!

Have questions about Veterans benefits, estate planning, long-term care, or planning for the future? You don’t have to navigate it alone. Give Collins & Kruse Law Office, LLC. a call - we’re here to help you understand your options and plan for what’s ahead. ❤️🤍💙

08/17/2026

Every older adult and family has different needs, and having access to the right level of care at the right time is an important part of navigating the aging journey.

For families, however, understanding Medicaid, home and community-based services, long-term care options and how to pay for care can be incredibly complicated.

This article highlights proposed changes that could expand access to Medicaid-funded home and community-based services and provide families with more options as care needs evolve.

At Collins & Kruse Elder Law, we see firsthand how overwhelming it can be for families to understand what care is available, what Medicaid may cover and how to plan financially for long-term care.

The earlier families understand their options, the better equipped they are to make informed decisions about the care that best meets their loved one's needs.

A worthwhile read for families and professionals throughout the aging services community. 👇

Legislation that would make home- and community-based services a mandatory Medicaid benefit has been reintroduced in the Senate, with potential benefits for assisted living providers and the older adults they serve.

08/15/2026

Scammers are getting more sophisticated, and older adults continue to be frequent targets.

From suspicious text messages and Medicare scams to AI-generated voices and images, knowing what to watch for is one of the best forms of protection.

This is a great resource from the National Council on Aging to share with parents, grandparents, neighbors and friends. A five-minute conversation could prevent a devastating financial loss.

Millions of older adults fall prey to scams and fraud every year. Gain an understanding of the most common scams and how to keep your money safe.