July 15 is National Ice Cream Day. And yes — even ice cream has something to teach us about estate planning. When President Ronald Reagan declared July as National Ice Cream Month back in 1984, he called ice cream “a nutritious and wholesome food, … [Continue reading]
What Trump’s New Bill Means for Medicaid Long-Term Care Coverage
What Trump’s New Bill Means for Medicaid Long-Term Care Coverage Long-term Care Medicaid is NOT Going Away, and the Changes are Very Limited Almost all media coverage of Trump’s newly passed OBBBA law that talks about Medicaid has … [Continue reading]
Virginia’s New Medicare Supplement Birthday Rule: No Health Questions Once a Year!
Virginia’s New Medicare Supplement Birthday Rule: No Health Questions Once a Year! Virginia’s New “Birthday Rule” for Medigap Policies — A Game-Changer, But Not a Federal Law A new law taking effect in Virginia on July 1, 2025, gives … [Continue reading]
How Can Blended Families and Second Marriages Get Estate Planning Right?
How Can Blended Families and Second Marriages Get Estate Planning Right? Blended families are more common than ever, but when it comes to estate planning, things can quickly become complicated. If you or your spouse have children from a … [Continue reading]
Can Cats Be Therapy Animals?
Can Cats Be Therapy Animals? Science Says Yes When we think of therapy animals, dogs usually come to mind. But growing evidence — including a fascinating new study published in the journal Animals — suggests that some cats may be just … [Continue reading]
Happy Mother’s Day to the Unsung Heroes of Estate Planning
Mothers: The Unsung Heroes of Estate Planning To all the mothers in our community — we see you, we thank you, and we celebrate you. Whether you're a mother, grandmother, stepmom, mother-in-law, or maternal figure in someone’s life, … [Continue reading]
FDA Clears First Widely Available Alzheimer’s Blood Test
A Memorial Day Message and a Major Step Forward in Alzheimer’s Diagnosis This Memorial Day, we honor the courage and sacrifice of those who served our country. It’s also a time many families gather — and take a moment to reflect on legacy, … [Continue reading]
Autism and Telepathy: Can "Nonspeaking" Children Actually Communicate?
Autism and Telepathy: Are "Nonspeaking" Children Actually Communicating? What if nonspeaking autistic children aren’t silent at all — but are communicating telepathically or in other ways we don’t yet understand because science doesn't yet … [Continue reading]
Hallucinations or Vision Loss? The Overlooked Syndrome That Mimics Dementia
Hallucinations or Vision Loss? The Overlooked Syndrome That Mimics Dementia When Vision Loss Looks Like Dementia: Understanding Charles Bonnet Syndrome Families caring for elderly loved ones are often on high alert for any signs of … [Continue reading]
What’s in a Name? “Rehab” vs. “Subacute Care” in Virginia, Maryland, and DC
When a loved one is hospitalized and begins to recover, doctors and discharge planners will often recommend transfer to another facility for ongoing care. But depending on whether you’re in Virginia, Maryland, or the District of Columbia, the … [Continue reading]
Will Medicaid Block Grants Affect Your Ability to Get Long-Term Care?
If you or a loved one think you might need to apply for long-term care Medicaid in the future, you might want to understand how potential changes to the program — such as a shift to a block grant system — could impact nursing home coverage and … [Continue reading]
Home Care Options for Veterans!
Jane and Ron are both veterans in their 70's who live at home, and unfortunately, both are experiencing serious health issues. In addition to their health problems, Jane and Ron are struggling financially and contemplating bankruptcy. To complicate … [Continue reading]
Understanding Common End-of-Life Signs and Ensuring Appropriate Estate Planning Is in Place
Understanding the common signs that a loved one is nearing the end of life can provide comfort and help families prepare for the inevitable. Recognizing these signs allows for meaningful interactions and ensures that appropriate care is provided … [Continue reading]
The Life-Saving Benefits of Vascular Screenings
As we age, protecting our vascular health is just as important as monitoring our cardiac health, yet many people (including many cardiologists) completely overlook the vascular system and vascular screenings — until it’s too late. The heart is of … [Continue reading]
How Do Recent State and Federal Laws Impact Our Nation’s Caregivers?
Emily Sagle of Stafford, VA, is a full-time caregiver for her 11-year-old son, William. He’s nonverbal, autistic, and suffers from various medical and genetic conditions that make it difficult for him to attend public school. Due to the amount of … [Continue reading]
News Alert: Did Yesterday’s Medicaid Payment System “Blackout” Change Anything?
Temporary Medicaid Blackout Yesterday, President Trump’s administration announced a freeze on federal grants and loans to assess their alignment with the administration’s priorities. Although Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid were supposed … [Continue reading]
New Law Gives a Significant Boost to Veterans and Their Caregivers
Dear Hayek, I heard that a new law was recently enacted that enhances the delivery of services for veterans, their families, their caregivers, and their survivors. Can you tell me more about it? Vetta Rinns --- Dear Vetta, In May 2024, … [Continue reading]
Top 25 Life Hacks for Seniors with Limited Mobility
“There must be a better way!” For those with limited mobility, this statement likely sounds familiar. While navigating ways to live more comfortably and independently, many turn to medical equipment, which can be helpful but costly. Many of us don’t … [Continue reading]
How to Talk to Your Loved One About Their Mobility Issues
Dear Kiwi and Mango, I recently noticed my mother was having mobility problems. We were at a family gathering this past weekend, and she was in the living room when she lost her balance and fell. This happened a few other times recently in her … [Continue reading]
Helping a Loved One Feel More at Home in a Nursing Home
Dear Angel, My mom just moved to a nursing home and I want her to be happy and comfortable. Although she seems content, she has asked once or twice about returning home. What are the best ways to address this? Also, how can I help her to feel more … [Continue reading]