The Hollywood spotlight that has shown on Bruce Willis for almost 40 years, from the TV show Moonlighting in the late '80s to the movie franchise Die Hard and beyond, is now shining on aphasia, a common disorder in adults over 60 that affects speech … [Continue reading]
President Biden Signs Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022, Extending Medicare Coverage of Telehealth
Q. During COVID, my parents took advantage of telehealth for primary care, neurology, and mental health appointments, and it was covered by Medicare. It was so much easier for them to attend their doctor’s appointments remotely, as neither of them is … [Continue reading]
Project Lifesaver Programs for Loved Ones Who Wander
Dear Oakley, My grandmother, Shirley, will be moving in with us. She has dementia and has been known to wander outside the home. Are there any programs in the DC area to help people like her? Thanks for your help! Wanda Ruhr --- Dear … [Continue reading]
Cupcakes and Caregiving: A Successful Shark Tank Business Owner Balances Work Life with Caregiving
Tracey Noonan, CEO and co-founder of Wicked Good Cupcakes, started her business along with her daughter, Dani, in their Boston home kitchen. The company, which appeared on the TV show "Shark Tank" nine years ago, grew tremendously after an investment … [Continue reading]
How Do I to Handle Aggression and Agitation in Dementia without Medication?
Q. My husband, Billy, 72, was diagnosed with dementia a few years ago. He has become combative recently and has become verbally and physically abusive, which is so unlike him. I’m not accustomed to this behavior from my typically mild-mannered … [Continue reading]
Medical Problems That Can Mimic Dementia
Dear Hayek, My mom is experiencing memory lapses and a lack of focus, and sometimes she seems confused. Of course, I worry about dementia as a possibility. Perhaps there are other treatable conditions with similar symptoms that she may be … [Continue reading]
When Your Bank Thinks You Need a Guardian — Former Talk Show Host Wendy Williams v. Wells Fargo
When a loved one has mounting medical, financial, and mental health needs, a family may appoint a guardian or a conservator to assume legal guardianship over an adult. Guardianship cases have become more common in the public eye recently, as we’ve … [Continue reading]
Two New Virginia Resources for Loved Ones with Dementia
Dear Angel, My father was just diagnosed with dementia. He will be moving in with my family and me in our Northern Virginia home. What are some resources that are available in the area and/or state to help us as caregivers, and to help my father … [Continue reading]
PACE is Expanding to Provide Services to Enable More Seniors to Age-in-Place
Q. Last week, I read what you wrote about Medicaid waivers and the long waiting list for them in Maryland and some other states. A friend of my mother’s, Linda, suffered a stroke last year and has a home health aide through the PACE program. I heard … [Continue reading]
Divorce Rates for Couples 50 and Older Have Doubled Since 1990 — What This Means for Estate Planning and Medicaid Planning
Years ago, the vast majority of couples who weren't happy in their relationship chose to remain married out of convenience or routine, a sense of familiarity, or for their children. This has changed in recent years for many Americans ages 50 and over … [Continue reading]
Maryland Medicaid Waivers Have a Wait-List of 21,000 Names — Is That Ever Going to Change?
Q. My sister, Freda, age 70, resides in Rockville, Maryland, and is physically disabled. Due to her disability, has been cared for in her home by nursing aides 24/7 for the past several years. Luckily, our parents had amassed considerable savings … [Continue reading]
Senior Nutrition Tips for National Nutrition Month
Dear Hayek, My sister eats like a bird and we worry she could be malnourished. Is there anything you can recommend to help her to get the daily nutrients her body needs? Thanks for your help! Edie Ng-Helthie --- Dear Edie, March is … [Continue reading]
Are Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids Currently Available and Are They Safe?
Americans may soon be able to buy over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids without an exam or fitting by a hearing health care professional. These lower-priced OTC hearing aids won’t be much bigger than a true wireless earbud, and will be a lot less … [Continue reading]
How is Deep Brain Stimulation Being Used for Parkinson’s?
Dear Oakley, In a recent newsletter, Mr. Farr wrote about Deep Brain Stimulation for Alzheimer’s. He mentioned how it’s been used for Parkinson’s patients for years. My mother has Parkinson’s and this might be something we would consider. Can you … [Continue reading]
Is Your Loved One Ready for a Nursing Home?
Q. We have been caring for my mother in our home for the past five years. We think she needs more help than we can provide. How do you know when a loved one is ready for a nursing home? Thanks for your help! A. Caregivers and families often make a … [Continue reading]
Minimally-Invasive Breakthrough Procedure for Alzheimer’s Disease Approved for Early Alzheimer’s Patients in UT Study
Jane, 72, was a 30-year teacher and librarian in a San Antonio school district before retiring in 2016. After leaving the classroom and library, life slowed down and her memory began to decline. Jane and her husband went to the Glenn Biggs Institute … [Continue reading]
What are the Duties of a Health Care Agent?
Q. My sister, Tracy, told me recently that she is planning to get her incapacity planning documents in order and she asked me to be her health care agent. We aren’t super close but we are both the only family the other one has. Still, before I agree … [Continue reading]
Talking With a Loved One About Their Health Care Wishes in Advance
Dear Angel, I am planning on getting my incapacity planning documents in order soon and would like to talk to my brother about being my health care agent. What are some of the topics I should think about prior to getting the documents done and … [Continue reading]
What is the Difference Between a Nursing Home and Assisted Living?
Sheila lives with her son, his wife, and her grandchildren in their home, and has been there for 3 years since her Parkinson’s started getting worse. They enjoy having her with them, but as her needs are becoming greater, they think she may need more … [Continue reading]
Could Loss of Smell Nearly 10 Years Prior Signify Lewy Body Dementia?
Dear Hayek, I recently heard that loss of smell could signify Lewy Body Dementia (LBD) as much as 9.3 years before it starts. Is this true? If so, are there any other lesser-known symptoms that I should be aware of? Thanks for your help! Lew E. … [Continue reading]
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