Illinois Medicaid Planning & Elder Law Attorneys

Who We Help

Families come to us at very different points in their lives. At Wilson & Wilson Estate Planning & Elder Law, our team is dedicated to helping families get peace of mind, no matter the circumstances. Here are a few situations we often help with:

• You are planning ahead while still living independently. You feel healthy today, but you want to prepare for future health changes, care costs, and housing decisions. That includes the possibility of needing in-home care, assisted living, or nursing-home care down the road.
• A parent’s health has changed suddenly. A hospitalization, a new diagnosis, memory decline, a fall, or a loss of independence tells you that a parent may need real help soon. You need to figure out the right level of care, how to pay for it, and whether Medicaid can help.
• One spouse needs care while the other stays home. Your husband or wife needs nursing-home, assisted-living, or in-home care, and you plan to remain in your home. You need to understand how Medicaid may treat the couple’s income, savings, house, and other property.
• Your family is choosing between home and a facility. You are weighing whether a loved one should stay home with professional or family caregivers or move into assisted living, residential care, or a nursing home. You may also need someone to review caregiver or facility agreements and explain the costs and responsibilities involved.
• You worry your income or assets will block Medicaid. You need help paying for long-term care but believe you may have too much to qualify. You want to know what Medicaid counts, whether any property can be protected, and which lawful planning options are open to you.

If none of these fit exactly, that is fine. Most families fall somewhere in between, and we are glad to talk through where you stand.

How Medicaid Planning and Elder Law Work in Illinois

Every plan is unique, and our team is dedicated to making sure that your plan fits your individual needs. Here is what the process tends to look like when you work with us:

1. We Learn About Your Situation

We start by getting to know you. During your first meeting, we review the health picture, family circumstances, and financial details that shape your choices. We want to understand your income, your savings, your home, and what matters most to you and your family. We believe this is the most essential step of life care planning.

2. We Review Assets and Medicaid Rules

Illinois Medicaid has income and asset limits, and it counts some property while leaving other property exempt. We look at what you own and sort it into what Medicaid counts and what it does not. We also explain the five-year look-back period, which reviews certain gifts and transfers made before you apply.

3. We Build a Plan That’s Right for You

The average cost of basic nursing home care in the Chicagoland area is now $10,000 per month, and that figure doesn’t include any additional services that may be necessary. This kind of expenditure can quickly deplete even a healthy amount of lifetime savings.

Medicaid’s Long-Term Care program is a lifeline for many families who can’t afford the high cost of nursing home care, but they do have to meet eligibility requirements for both income and assets. Medicaid asset protection planning is a legal process that can help individuals preserve their wealth while still maintaining their Medicaid eligibility.

We understand that choosing a long-term care facility is a major decision, and we’re here to help you every step of the way. We’ll review the contract of any facility you’re considering to ensure that you understand your rights and responsibilities. We’ll also help you assess the pros and cons of using caregiver agencies versus contracting with caregivers directly.

If you’re able to stay at home, our elder care lawyers can help you develop strategies to age in place. This may include real estate tax exemptions and deferrals, as well as the use of special rules regarding family members who provide care. No matter what your situation is, we’re here to help you make the best decisions for your future.

4. We Handle the Application and Paperwork

Medicaid applications require careful documentation, and small mistakes can cause delays or denials. We prepare and organize the paperwork, respond to requests from the state, and stay involved until your loved one has the care and coverage they need.

5. We Stay With You

Care needs change, and so do the rules. We remain available to update your plan, review facility or caregiver agreements, and answer questions as new situations come up.

Planning early gives you the most options, because look-back periods have time to pass. If care is already needed, do not assume it is too late. Even in a crisis, there are lawful steps that can protect part of what you have worked for.

Why Families Choose Wilson & Wilson

Choosing to prepare for Medicaid planning or elder law is a big decision, and you need a team you can rely on. At Wilson & Wilson Estate Planning & Elder Law, we provide compassionate guidance paired with strong advocacy so that you can have peace of mind. Here’s why Illinois residents choose our team:

• We know elder law inside and out. Medicaid rules, spousal protections, and long-term care options are a large part of what we do every day, not a sideline.
• We explain things clearly. You will leave our office understanding your choices, not more confused than when you arrived.
• We take a common-sense approach. Our clients often describe us as down-to-earth and fair. We give practical advice that fits real life.
• We serve two convenient locations. With offices in LaGrange and Deerfield, we are easy to reach across the Chicagoland area.

We also keep the process personal from start to finish. You work with real attorneys and a caring staff who know your name and your story, not a rotating cast of strangers.