Questions families ask

Kinhaven is for families helping an aging parent, grandparent, other relative, spouse, or friend, whether you live nearby or in another state. Siblings can all receive the same weekly family update email.

Source: Kinhaven home page

After you choose a plan and complete intake, you receive a personalized plan, organized checklists, drafted letters and forms, deadline reminders, and weekly family update emails. When a decision needs a licensed professional, we list who to contact and questions to ask. On request we can introduce you to a licensed real estate agent.

Source: Kinhaven home page

Kinhaven is an AI-guided, done-for-you service. Your intake answers shape the plan, checklists, drafts, and reminders. You review everything and decide what to use.

Source: Kinhaven home page

No. Kinhaven is not a care management or staffing service. It does the organizing and drafting for you, and guides you on which licensed professionals to contact. On request we can introduce you to a licensed real estate agent.

Source: Kinhaven home page

A Monthly Guidance plan at $29 per month; one-time packages for Home Safety ($49), Downsizing ($99), Care Options ($79), and Estate Task ($129); and a Complete Transition Bundle of all four packages for $249. Launch pricing is shown on the Plans page before you pay.

Source: Kinhaven home page

Already bought a plan? We credit it toward the bundle. Sign in before you choose the Complete Transition Bundle, and checkout shows the $249 price minus what you paid for the one-time plans you already have. If you already have all four, there is nothing more to buy.

Source: Kinhaven home page

The free tools are samples. They show the kind of checklists and planners a paid plan builds, but a paid plan is personalized to your family and adds drafted letters and forms, deadline reminders, and weekly family update emails.

Source: Kinhaven home page

No. Many families are in more than one stage at once. The intake helps sort out what comes first.

Source: Kinhaven home page

No. Kinhaven organizes and explains options, and guides you on which licensed professionals to contact, such as attorneys, care managers, tax advisors, and lenders. On request we can introduce you to a licensed real estate agent.

Source: Kinhaven home page

Choose the stage that feels most urgent. Home Safety is for staying safely at home, including after a fall. Downsizing is for right-sizing to a smaller home or selling one. Care Options is for comparing in-home help and care communities. Estate Task is for the weeks after a loss. If several apply, Monthly Guidance covers all of them while you subscribe, and the Complete Transition Bundle covers all four with a one-time charge.

Source: Kinhaven home page

Kinhaven does not assign a person to your family, and the guide in your account is automated. Questions about a charge go through Request help with a charge in your account, and we reply by email. Agent introduction requests are reviewed before anyone contacts you.

Source: Kinhaven home page

Yes. Nieces, nephews, spouses, friends, and other relatives use Kinhaven. Some steps, such as talking with a bank or doctor on their behalf, may need their written permission or legal authority. An elder law attorney licensed in their state can explain what applies.

Source: Kinhaven home page

A few common ones: a power of attorney ends at death, family usually should not pay a loved one's debts from their own money, Medicare rehab coverage can depend on inpatient versus observation status, and a nursing home generally cannot require family to guarantee payment. See the easy-to-miss lists on after a loss, care options, and the family home, and ask an elder law attorney or CPA what applies.

Source: Kinhaven home page

That is common. You can invite family members to view the same plan and weekly update, so everyone works from the same facts. Each plan includes a family conversation step, and your loved one should lead decisions about their own life whenever possible.

Source: Kinhaven home page

One or two trusted people your loved one chooses, such as the person named as agent in a power of attorney or the executor.

Source: Where is everything? A family binder

You can cancel any time online in Account settings. There is no fee, you will not be charged again, and we email you a confirmation. Your plans stay available until you choose to delete your account.

Source: Kinhaven home page

Sign in and choose "Request help with a charge" in your account, or email us. Full refund on request within 7 days of purchase unless you have downloaded or printed your plan or letters. After that, we review requests case by case. A full refund ends access to that plan, a partial refund keeps access, and your saved checklist and data download stay available either way. Details are in our terms.

Source: Kinhaven home page

Kinhaven does not accept referral fees or sponsorship from providers that bill Medicare or Medicaid, such as nursing homes, home health agencies, or hospices. Any paid listing is marked Sponsored and never changes the options we show. The optional real estate agent introduction is disclosed before you agree to anything. See how partnerships work.

Source: Kinhaven home page, Care options

Families pay Kinhaven for a plan. Kinhaven does not accept referral fees or sponsorship from providers that bill Medicare or Medicaid. An optional real estate agent introduction may involve a referral fee, which is disclosed before you agree to anything.

Source: Kinhaven, free placement services, and care managers: who pays whom

Yes. Kinhaven works for families anywhere in the United States, including when you and your loved one live in different states. Rules for probate, Medicaid and other care programs, and facility licensing vary by state, so your plan points you to the right state and county offices and to professionals licensed where your loved one lives.

Source: Kinhaven home page

Many states honor documents signed elsewhere, but forms and rules differ. Ask an attorney licensed where your loved one lives now.

Source: Legal papers starter: power of attorney, health care proxy, and HIPAA release

If they are hurt, cannot get up, hit their head, or seem confused, call 911 now. Kinhaven is for the days and weeks ahead, not emergencies. Once everyone is safe, the free Home Safety Checklist or the Home Safety Plan can help you plan the next steps, and their doctor can talk with you about fall risk.

Source: Kinhaven home page

Look at whether your loved one can manage daily tasks safely with the help available, and whether the home can be adapted. The National Institute on Aging suggests considering health, daily activities, home safety, and support from others. A doctor or occupational therapist can help you judge this.

Source: Aging in place and home safety

An occupational therapist can evaluate how your loved one gets around the home and recommend changes. Ask your loved one's doctor whether an evaluation can be ordered. For larger changes, look for a contractor with aging-in-place experience.

Source: Aging in place and home safety

Start with the changes they care about, explain the reason, and let them lead. Small, practical steps such as better lighting are often easier to accept than large projects.

Source: Aging in place and home safety

Share specific concerns calmly, suggest a driving evaluation, and plan other rides first. Rules for evaluations and reporting vary by state.

Source: Conversation scripts: refusing help, giving up driving, and a family meeting

On the refrigerator, with a copy in a purse or wallet and with a trusted family member or neighbor.

Source: Emergency information sheet for the fridge

Whenever a medication, doctor, or contact changes, and at least once a year.

Source: Emergency information sheet for the fridge

Every prescription, over-the-counter medicine, vitamin, and supplement, with the dose, when it is taken, and what it is for.

Source: Medication list

Your loved one, the person who helps with medications, and a copy with the emergency sheet on the fridge.

Source: Medication list

Without a plan, neighbors or family scramble. Naming an emergency caregiver now, with a key and care notes, prevents that.

Source: A pet plan for your loved one

Free placement services are generally paid by the communities or agencies they refer families to. Care managers are paid by the family, usually by the hour. Kinhaven is paid by the family for a plan. See who pays whom.

Source: Kinhaven home page

Coverage depends on the item and the plan. Check directly with Medicare or their plan before buying, and ask the local Area Agency on Aging about programs that help with home modifications.

Source: Aging in place and home safety

Assisted living helps with daily activities and medications in a more residential setting. Nursing homes provide more medical care, including 24-hour supervision and nursing care.

Source: Care options

According to the National Institute on Aging, Medicare generally does not pay for long-term assisted living or nursing home stays. Check with Medicare and any other coverage your loved one has for specifics.

Source: Care options, Who pays for care? Medicare, Medicaid, VA, and private pay

Medicare.gov Care Compare shows ratings and inspection results for Medicare and Medicaid certified nursing homes. Visiting in person and talking with residents and families also helps.

Source: Care options

Read it first. Federal rules generally do not let a nursing home require a family member to guarantee payment from their own money. Ask whether any arbitration clause is optional, and ask an elder law attorney to review the agreement before you sign.

Source: Care options

Generally only after a medically necessary inpatient stay of at least 3 days in a row. Days under observation do not count. Ask the hospital whether your loved one is inpatient or under observation, and check Medicare.gov.

Source: Care options, Is this discharge safe? A hospital discharge checklist

They are generally paid by the senior living communities or home care agencies they refer families to. Each major service explains this on its own website.

Source: Kinhaven, free placement services, and care managers: who pays whom

An Aging Life Care professional, often a nurse or social worker, assesses needs, makes a care plan, and can coordinate care in person. Families usually pay by the hour.

Source: Kinhaven, free placement services, and care managers: who pays whom

Yes. Many families use a placement service to see facility options, a care manager for complex needs, and Kinhaven to keep the whole family plan organized.

Source: Kinhaven, free placement services, and care managers: who pays whom

A state of physical and emotional exhaustion that can build up when caring for someone over time, often with little rest or help.

Source: Caregiver burnout self-check

Your local Area Agency on Aging, reached through the Eldercare Locator, can tell you about respite and caregiver support where you live. The ARCH National Respite Network also helps families find respite.

Source: Caregiver burnout self-check

No. It is a private way to reflect. Talk with your own doctor about how you are feeling.

Source: Caregiver burnout self-check

Set a regular check-in time, build a small local backup team, and agree on what happens if a call is missed.

Source: Caring for a loved one from another state

Neighbors, friends, and faith communities, plus the local Area Agency on Aging. A local Aging Life Care professional can help with complex needs for a fee.

Source: Caring for a loved one from another state

Often a financial power of attorney, a health care proxy, and HIPAA releases, signed while your loved one can understand them. An elder law attorney licensed in their state can advise.

Source: Caring for a loved one from another state

Start by asking what they want, offer small choices, try help for a short trial period, and involve their doctor. It usually takes more than one conversation.

Source: Conversation scripts: refusing help, giving up driving, and a family meeting

Use a short agenda, start with your loved one's wishes, split tasks clearly, and set the next meeting date.

Source: Conversation scripts: refusing help, giving up driving, and a family meeting

When a serious illness is getting worse and treatment is no longer helping or wanted. Ask the doctor whether hospice could help now.

Source: Hospice basics for families

No. Hospice shifts the focus to comfort and support. Your loved one can stop hospice and return to curative treatment if they choose.

Source: Hospice basics for families

Medicare covers hospice for people who qualify. Room and board in a facility is generally not covered. Medicare.gov has the details.

Source: Hospice basics for families

The hospital decides when hospital care is no longer needed, but you can raise safety concerns, ask for a different plan, and, with Medicare, ask for a fast appeal using the Important Message from Medicare notice.

Source: Is this discharge safe? A hospital discharge checklist

The hospital case manager or discharge planner. Your local Area Agency on Aging can also tell you about help at home where your loved one lives.

Source: Is this discharge safe? A hospital discharge checklist

A financial power of attorney covers money and property. A health care proxy covers medical decisions. A HIPAA release only lets providers share information. Many families need all three.

Source: Legal papers starter: power of attorney, health care proxy, and HIPAA release

If they still have capacity to understand and sign, it may not be too late. An elder law attorney licensed in their state can assess this. If not, guardianship or conservatorship may be needed, and rules vary by state.

Source: Legal papers starter: power of attorney, health care proxy, and HIPAA release

Some communities allow pets and some do not. Ask for the written pet policy and any fees before deciding.

Source: A pet plan for your loved one

Medicaid can help pay for nursing home care for people who qualify, and many states have programs that help with care at home or in assisted living. Rules vary by state.

Source: Who pays for care? Medicare, Medicaid, VA, and private pay

In many states, Medicaid self-directed programs allow a family caregiver to be paid, and some veterans qualify for VA caregiver support. Which relatives can be paid varies by state.

Source: Who pays for care? Medicare, Medicaid, VA, and private pay

It varies a lot by family. Sorting belongings and preparing a home often take longer than people expect, so building a timeline that starts well before the target date helps.

Source: Downsizing and right-sizing

It depends on cash available, financing, and how much overlap your loved one can handle. A licensed agent and lender can walk you through the tradeoffs for your situation.

Source: Downsizing and right-sizing

IRS Publication 523 explains the rules, including an exclusion for people who meet ownership and use tests. A CPA or enrolled agent can tell you how it applies to your loved one.

Source: Downsizing and right-sizing

Options include donation, consignment, estate sale companies, and cleanout services. Ask for written estimates before hiring anyone.

Source: Downsizing and right-sizing

That depends on your loved one's health, the cost of keeping it, and how long the stay is likely to be. Talking with their care team and adding up monthly costs can help you decide.

Source: The family home

Often yes, but price, taxes, and possible effects on Medicaid eligibility or the estate should be reviewed with an attorney and a tax professional first.

Source: The family home

Kinhaven does not provide real estate brokerage services or appraisals. On request, and after we talk with you, we can introduce you to a licensed agent for a market analysis, and a licensed appraiser can provide a formal appraisal when one is required.

Source: The family home

Ask an elder law attorney and a CPA first. Adding someone to a deed can expose the home to their debts, may count as a gift for Medicaid, and can change taxes when the home is later sold.

Source: The family home

Selling to family for less than fair market value can be treated by Medicaid as a gift, which can cause a penalty period if she applies for long-term care within the look-back period. Get a professional appraisal, keep the sale arm's length with records, and talk with an elder law attorney before agreeing to any family price.

Source: Selling a loved one's home: Medicaid, Medicare, and money questions

Not Medicare eligibility itself, which is not based on assets. Sale money may count for programs that help pay Medicare costs, such as a Medicare Savings Program or Extra Help. Medicare also generally does not pay for long-term custodial care.

Source: Selling a loved one's home: Medicaid, Medicare, and money questions

Often the home is exempt while the person or a spouse lives there or intends to return, but a home equity limit applies and rules vary by state. After a sale, the money is usually countable.

Source: Selling a loved one's home: Medicaid, Medicare, and money questions

A review of gifts and transfers, generally during the 60 months before applying for Medicaid long-term care. Transfers for less than fair value can lead to a penalty period.

Source: Selling a loved one's home: Medicaid, Medicare, and money questions, Who pays for care? Medicare, Medicaid, VA, and private pay

SSA says funeral homes generally report the death. If not, call SSA at 1-800-772-1213. SSA only takes death reports by phone or in person.

Source: After a loss

It depends on how many accounts and agencies are involved. Ask each organization whether it needs a certified copy or will accept a photocopy, then order from the state vital records office.

Source: After a loss

Generally yes. IRS Publication 559 explains filing for a person who died. A tax professional can tell you what applies.

Source: After a loss

Talk with a probate attorney first. Debts are usually paid from the estate in a set order, and family members are not always responsible for them.

Source: After a loss

Usually not from your own money. Debts are generally paid from the estate. Exceptions include co-signers, joint account holders, and some spouses under state law, and a few states have filial responsibility laws. Ask an estate attorney before paying anything. The CFPB and FTC explain your rights with debt collectors.

Source: After a loss

No. A power of attorney ends at death. The executor or administrator generally has authority only after the probate court appoints them. An estate attorney can explain the steps in your loved one's state.

Source: After a loss

It depends on how the home is titled, whether there is a will or trust, and state law. A probate or estate attorney can explain who can sell or transfer it.

Source: The family home

Apple and Google each have an official process for families. A Legacy Contact set up ahead of time makes access much easier. Without one, the company may need a death certificate and court documents.

Source: Phones, passwords, and digital accounts after a death

Usually not right away. Two-step codes may go to that number. Keep it active until key accounts are handled.

Source: Phones, passwords, and digital accounts after a death

Facebook lets family members request that the account be memorialized or removed through its help center.

Source: Phones, passwords, and digital accounts after a death

States must seek estate recovery for certain long-term care costs, and the home may be part of the estate, with exceptions and hardship waivers. Ask the state Medicaid office and an elder law attorney.

Source: Selling a loved one's home: Medicaid, Medicare, and money questions

Our free scam protection guide covers common scams, a phone scam guide with a printable card for next to the phone, and steps to take right away if you think a scam happened. Each paid plan also includes the scam checks that fit its stage.

Source: Kinhaven home page

Pressure to act now, a request for secrecy, and a demand for payment by gift card, wire, cryptocurrency, or cash are the clearest signs. When in doubt, hang up and call back on a number you already know.

Source: Protecting a loved one from scams

Real agencies usually contact people by mail first and do not demand immediate payment by gift card, wire, or cryptocurrency. If a call worries you, hang up and call the agency using the number on its official website.

Source: Protecting a loved one from scams

A credit freeze stops new credit from being opened in someone's name. It is free at each of the three national credit bureaus, and it can be lifted when needed. USA.gov explains the steps.

Source: Protecting a loved one from scams

Many county recorder offices offer a free alert when a document is filed on a property. Rules vary by state, so check with the recorder or clerk in the county where the home is.

Source: Protecting a loved one from scams

Go to the Think it was a scam? page for calm, immediate steps, starting with a call to their bank.

Source: Protecting a loved one from scams

Yes. Scammers can use short voice clips from social media or videos to make a call sound like a loved one. A family safe word and a call back to the person's known number are simple checks.

Source: Phone scams and how to protect a loved one

The FCC suggests not answering calls from unknown numbers. If you do answer and something feels wrong, hang up. A real caller can leave a message.

Source: Phone scams and how to protect a loved one

Caller ID can be faked, which is called spoofing. Hang up and call the number on the back of the bank card or the official website.

Source: Phone scams and how to protect a loved one

Register for free at donotcall.gov or by calling 1-888-382-1222 from the phone you want to register. It reduces sales calls, though scammers ignore it, so call blocking still helps.

Source: Phone scams and how to protect a loved one

No. Scammers are skilled and target everyone. Reporting quickly is the most helpful thing you can do.

Source: Think it was a scam?

Sometimes, especially when the bank or payment company is told quickly. Call them first. The official reporting sites explain what else can be done.

Source: Think it was a scam?

Contact Adult Protective Services in the area where they live. The Eldercare Locator at 1-800-677-1116 can connect you. If there is immediate danger, call 911.

Source: Think it was a scam?

Spanish is not yet available. Plans, letters, and the guide are in English. You can use a translation tool on any draft, and please review it before you send it. Por ahora Kinhaven solo está disponible en inglés.

Source: Kinhaven home page

The site and your account are built to work with browser zoom, larger text settings, and screen readers, and every plan and letter can be printed or downloaded. If something is hard to use, tell us through the feedback form in your account.

Source: Kinhaven home page

Kinhaven does not provide real estate brokerage services. Getting matched with a real estate agent is free to your family. If you request a referral, we'll review your request and follow up, and we introduce you to a licensed agent only with your consent. Kinhaven may receive a referral fee from the agent's brokerage, and it never changes your price. You are never required to use any agent we suggest.

Source: Kinhaven home page