Q. Five years ago, my father passed away after suffering from dementia for years. The entire family was there to say goodbye to him, and we felt like we had closure. He planned well, so everything was taken care of and he took the time to leave us … [Continue reading]
How Photographing His Mother’s Dementia Made Her Feel Alive Again
When artist Tony Luciani’s 91-year-old mother, Elia, moved in with him in 2014, he thought he was doing her a service. It turned out that it was the other way around. Elia was having issues with memory loss and having a hard time accepting her … [Continue reading]
What are the Medicaid, Tax, and Liability Implications of Paying an Independent Caregiver?
Q. We are getting ready to hire a new caregiver for my mom, and she is an independent contractor. Prior to now, we have hired caregivers from an agency. The caregiver has asked about being paid in cash, which will amount to $3,000 per month. How does … [Continue reading]
What Taxes Do We Need to Pay for an Independent Caregiver?
Dear Oakley, We are hiring an independent caregiver, meaning she is not from an agency. My understanding is that we are responsible for paying taxes for her, since she is considered to be a household employee. What taxes are we responsible for … [Continue reading]
Be Vigilant: Medicare Won’t Alert You When You Become Eligible for Part B
Sarah celebrated her 64th birthday in October of 2020, meaning she will be 65 this year and eligible for Medicare. Luckily, she is aware that she must enroll or face the consequences of delaying enrollment. She needs to remember to do so herself … [Continue reading]
How Do You Handle Homeowners Insurance When Your House is in a Trust?
Q. We decided to get our estate planning documents done and our home is now in a revocable living trust. We feel good about taking this action because our loved ones will not be overburdened with the nightmare of probate when we die, among other … [Continue reading]
Tips for Decluttering and Downsizing When You Don’t Want to Get Rid of Stuff
Dear Hayek, When my sister and I were over for Easter, my mom asked us if we wanted anything. She has a lot of “treasures” that she’d love for my sister and I to claim. These aren’t the valuables I’m talking about ... they are sentimental items … [Continue reading]
President Biden Lists Eldercare and Childcare Alongside Roads and Bridges, as Crucial to the Nation’s Infrastructure
President Joe Biden launched weekly conversations with Americans to learn about what people across the country in different situations are facing, and to discuss how upcoming legislation could affect their lives. This week, the topic of the video … [Continue reading]
Hospice and Palliative Care are Essentially the Same Thing—Why is Hospice Covered While Palliative Care Is Not?
Q. I recently read about hospice and palliative care and now I’m thoroughly confused. They sound like exactly the same thing, but offered at different times. Why is hospice covered by Medicare and Medicaid, when palliative care is typically not? … [Continue reading]
Do Veterans Benefits Cover Hospice and Palliative Care?
Dear Oakley, My uncle, who is a U.S. Navy veteran, has a chronic illness. His family is considering hospice or palliative care. I am wondering if either of these are covered by the VA. Thanks for your help! Pali Attive ---- Dear … [Continue reading]
Keto Diet for Alzheimer’s? Critics Disagree on Whether it’s Healthy and Effective
For the past year, similar to many of us, Meredith has stayed in her home and worked in her home office. She spent little time outdoors or doing the active things she used to love, such as swimming, because the pools at the rec centers were closed. … [Continue reading]
Is a Parkinson’s Epidemic on the Horizon?
Q. We just found out that my mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I don’t know much about Parkinson’s, except that it is a progressive neurological disease with no cure and that it affects movement. The doctor said that there has been more … [Continue reading]
Could the COVID-19 Vaccine Negatively Affect Someone with Parkinson’s or Dementia?
Dear Angel, Q1. My father is hesitant about getting the COVID-19 vaccine because he has Parkinson’s. My friend is experiencing the same hesitancy with her mother, who is in the early stages of dementia. Have you heard anything about the COVID … [Continue reading]
How the Recent Stimulus Check Works if Your Loved One is in a Nursing Home
Maria’s mother, Annie, lives in a nursing home and is on Medicaid. Annie recently received a stimulus check as part of the third round of Economic Impact Payments that were sent to eligible Americans last month. For most of us, extra money in our … [Continue reading]
Tips for Seniors for Financial Literacy Month
Dear Hayek, I am a caregiver for my 82-year-old mother. Sometimes she could use help with making financial decisions. What tips can you offer to me as a caregiver and to her as someone who still handles her own finances? Also, I have two children … [Continue reading]
How Do FDIC Insurance Coverage Limits Apply When It Comes to Trusts?
Q. I saw a sign about FDIC insurance at the bank yesterday and it got me to thinking about our family’s trust, and I was hoping you could provide some clarification. My understanding is that the FDIC insures up to $250,000 per depositor in eligible … [Continue reading]
Special Edition: Unhappy with Your Medicare Advantage Plan? Today is the Last Day to Make Changes or Go Back to Original Medicare!
Medicare Advantage enrollees who are dissatisfied with their plan have until today to switch into another plan or to go back to Original Medicare and, if needed, buy a prescription drug plan. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment period … [Continue reading]
Does Mild Cognitive Impairment Always Lead to Dementia?
David Koulack, journalist and retired psychology professor, feels shaky every morning when he wakes up. Lately, he has also become forgetful when it comes to things he used to do every day, such as getting on and off his bike. For him, the old … [Continue reading]
FEMA will Offer Funeral Assistance for People Who Have Died of COVID-19
Dear Oakley, My friend’s dad recently died of COVID-19. Funerals are so expensive. Does the government provide any relief to help pay for them? Burr Yinghim --- Dear Burr, I’m so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend’s father. Grieving … [Continue reading]
Has the Pandemic Changed Funerals Forever?
Q. The pandemic has caused me to refocus my energy on planning for my future and for my family when I’m gone. I have seen people I know die of COVID and their families stressed about their funerals during a time of grief. I don’t want that to ever … [Continue reading]
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