Q. My sister recently discussed the topic of power of attorney with her family at a family meeting. She is planning to use an online service (which I know is a bad idea from one of your recent articles on this subject) and is considering doing a … [Continue reading]
Spending Memorial Day with Senior Loved Ones
Dear Hayek, My dad, an Army veteran, comes from a long line of US military veterans from all branches. He is in the early stages of dementia, but Memorial Day has always been important to him. Since we’re all vaccinated, we can do more this year. … [Continue reading]
Is it a Violation of HIPAA to Ask Someone if they’ve Been Vaccinated?
Josie shared on social media that she and her teenage son and daughter just got vaccinated against COVID-19. In a conversation at the school, Mary shared that she saw Josie’s post and that the three of them got their first dose. Was Mary violating … [Continue reading]
Navigating the New Social Norms After Getting Vaccinated
Dear Oakley, I am fully vaccinated and am trying to follow the new norms and get used to not wearing a mask or physically distancing myself. I disliked wearing a mask the past year because my glasses would always fog up, so I’m glad not to have to … [Continue reading]
Does Morphine Hasten Death?
Q. My mother is 82 and has dementia. Her condition has gotten worse and hospice has been suggested. I have heard that hospice often involves administering morphine to the patient to make them more comfortable. Does morphine hasten death? I want my … [Continue reading]
95-year-old Becomes Oldest Organ Donor in US History
Cecil Lockhart was a 95-year-old veteran from West Virginia. He worked in the West Virginia coal mines for more than 50 years, and also served as a corporal in the United States Army during World War II. He was married to his wife, Helen, for 75 … [Continue reading]
Two New Provisions Make Reverse Mortgages More Desirable
Q. My husband, Bob, and I have lived in Northern Virginia for nearly fifty years and we have no plans of moving. We are original owners of our home and our mortgage has been paid off for nearly two decades now. Our children all live within a mile of … [Continue reading]
Wise Tips for Retirement from a 98-Year-Old
Dear Angel, I am thinking about retirement. I would love tips from someone who has “been there” for a while. Do you have any wisdom you can share from the people that you meet? I’d also like some practical tips when it comes to planning. Thanks … [Continue reading]
Leeza Gibbons — Tips for New Caregivers
“Alzheimer’s Caregivers are Heroes.” - Leeza Gibbons Leeza Gibbons is a leading TV talk show host, entertainment reporter, and best-selling author. She also has another role — as a caregiver and founder of a non-profit to help others caring for … [Continue reading]
Help for Depression in Seniors During Mental Health Awareness Month
Dear Angel, I have been home since the Coronavirus pandemic began and still haven’t ventured out. Recently, I’ve been feeling sad and withdrawn. Things that used to interest me don’t anymore and I can’t sleep at night. Is this a normal part of … [Continue reading]
What to Do When You Are Blindsided by a STUG
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]
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