Richard R. Vouga

Vouga Elder Law, LLC

Rick Vouga grew up in Frontenac, Missouri and obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in 1972 and his Juris Doctor Degree in 1975 from Washington University.

He has been in private practice for over 38 years and is a lifelong resident of St. Louis Count with a current practice of Asset Protection, Veterans Benefits, Special Needs Trusts, Medicaid Planning, Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Administration, and Supplemental Security Income.

He resides in Ellisville, Missouri, with his wife Dana, of 33 years, where they have raised their four daughters.

Dana is a lifelong resident of St. Louis County, growing up in St. Ann and attending Meramec Community College.  Dana worked at two different law firms before they began their family.  After their daughter with special needs was born, Dana became involved with the Williams Syndrome Association, and became the President of the National Board of Directors.  After also serving as Executive Director for LETS (Lets End Teenage Suicide) and raising their daughters, she returned to being a paralegal.

Dana is a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA) and is the firm’s Long Term Care Paralegal.  As a CSA, Dana has knowledge about aging, social and financial issues, and health information that affects the majority of seniors.  Dana also assists clients and their loved ones by educating them on how they can protect assets, avoid Medicaid “spend down,” and obtain Veterans Administration Pension Benefits.

“We are passionate about the work we do because of our personal experiences.  Our second daughter was diagnosed with Williams Syndrome at the age of three months and when she was eighteen, she was diagnosed with Bi-Polar Disorder.  She graduated from Lafayette High School with a modified diploma.  She is currently 28 years old and she receives Medicaid, SSI, and food stamps.  We have been through the emotional and psychological issues of diagnosis, the challenges of parenting a child with a disability and school issues.  Then came the transition to life after schooling.  We chose not to go through Guardianship, completed the maze of government forms for health insurance and financial assistance, and finally, ‘let go’ and allowed our ‘child’ to become, as independent as possible.”  Rick and Dana are here to tell you that “We would be honored to be your guide through these trials and tribulations. “

They are also very familiar with what it is like to “lose” a loved one to Alzheimer’s disease.  After keeping her at home for as long as possible, Dana’s beloved grandmother, “Nan,” died of Alzheimer’s in 1995 in a skilled nursing   facility.  Rick’s step-mother died from Alzheimer’s after spending 5 years in a memory care unit in a skilled nursing facility, after she was no longer to be cared for at home.  We are well aware of the difficult, and often times painful decisions and planning that accompany Alzheimer’s disease.

Rick’s father, Jim, is a 97 year old World War II Navy Veteran, who served as a machinist mate aboard a destroyer, the USS Philip, from 1942 to 1945.  Rick’s Dad was one of the lucky ones who came home.  Jim’s brother, Roger, his only sibling, wasn’t as lucky; he was killed fighting in France.  We believe that those who served their country in the military should receive all the benefits the government has provided for them and that they have earned through their service.

We look forward to getting to know each of our clients and their families as they become part of our family.  We want you to know there is help out there, and we are committed to being your trustworthy guide through your Elder Care Journey!

Best Personal Regards,

Rick and Dana Vouga