When many people retire, they assume that their finances are in order and that they will live out their retirement comfortably in their homes. Unfortunately, as retirees age, the chances of suffering long-term illness or a serious injury tends to increase. Sadly, and much too often, families are not prepared for the changes that can occur when an older family member suffers an injury or illness that may require that person to spend the rest of his or her days in an assisted living facility or nursing home. An elder law, estate planning, and Medicaid planning attorney can help mitigate some of these problems and give families peace of mind by utilizing different tools and strategies to help families plan ahead for these situations.