A few years ago, Gwen’s mother, Emily, was discharged from the hospital after a short stay. When Emily was ready to go home, Gwen arrived to find her mother dressed and sitting in a wheelchair with a list of medications on her lap. Gwen was never … [Continue reading]
But I’m NOT Sick!
Q. Sometimes when I walk my dogs, I see my neighbor Adam swinging on the swing his parents installed on their front porch. I am a pretty friendly person and usually greet all of my neighbors when I see them outside, and make small talk. Adam is a … [Continue reading]
Bipartisan Efforts to Help Those with Mental Illness
Dear Angel, My son has bipolar disorder, and he was taking advantage of mental health treatment services under the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Since the new administration took office, I know some changes will be made to mental health service … [Continue reading]
Dementia Therapies That Really Work
Mary’s husband passed away after 55 years of marriage. She was diagnosed with early stage dementia, and lived alone for a while. She was depressed and didn’t make much contact with others. Her daughter convinced her to move to an assisted living … [Continue reading]
Tax Advantages and Overlooked Deductions for Retirees
Q. April 15 is quickly approaching, and my husband and I are planning on doing our taxes soon. As retirees, I know that there must be some deductions that we may be overlooking. Of course, similar to most seniors on a fixed income, we want to deduct … [Continue reading]
The Financial Problems of CCRCs
A Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) is an age-restricted community where, in most cases, incoming residents must be at least age 55 or older. The facilities offer independent-living units, assisted living units, and skilled nursing all in … [Continue reading]
Have You Prepared for Your Digital Afterlife? Most People Haven’t.
Q. My mother is very tech savvy. She is always on Facebook posting pictures, articles, and recipes. She uses online bill pay to pay most of her bills, and Microsoft Office 365 to keep a daily diary in Word and her monthly budget in Excel. She uses … [Continue reading]
Preparing for Death on Social Media
Dear Commander Bun Bun, I was recently on Facebook and noticed a friend who had passed away a few years ago still has an active account. Isn’t there anything family members and friends can do to memorialize a loved one on social media when he or … [Continue reading]
Military Families Feeling Financially Stretched by Elder Care
Captain David Steere’s father was a Class of 1931 Naval Academy Graduate. At the end of his life, he was living in assisted care and having trouble making ends meet. David is now retired from the Navy himself, and is concerned about his own ability … [Continue reading]
What Exactly is a CCRC and Is It Right for My Mom?
Dear Ribbit, We are looking for the right living arrangement for my mother. We have considered assisted living (AL), but she will likely need more care that an AL facility can provide in a couple of years. I heard about Continuing Care Retirement … [Continue reading]
Comparing Aging-in-Place vs. Assisted Living
Q. My father passed away last year, and my mother has lived alone ever since. Her colonial-style home is becoming difficult to navigate due to her mobility issues. She has fallen several times and we are worried about her. She would like to continue … [Continue reading]
First Federally-funded Study on LGBTQ Aging Released
Marsha Wetzel lost her life partner of 30 years to colon cancer, as well as her home. Finding a tiny room in a senior living community seemed like a lifesaver. When she mentioned to other residents that she had raised a son with her partner, Judy … [Continue reading]
“Confusion Over Medicare Improvement Standard Persists”- Case Reintroduced and New Settlement Reached
Q. My father had a pretty major stroke several weeks ago. After being hospitalized for about 4 days, he was sent to a nursing home for rehab and has been receiving physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy. He is still unable to … [Continue reading]
What Medicare Covers
Dear Angel, I am a little confused about what Medicare actually covers. Can you provide details for me about this? Does Medicare pay for long-term care, at all? Thanks for your help! Metta Kayer ------ Dear Metta, Medicare is our … [Continue reading]
Spreading the Love: Dementia Patients Find Comfort in Pets and Family Visits
Renee Eder, our public relations director, has a history of dementia in her family, including her paternal grandmother, uncles, and aunts, and she knows about the love and compassion those with the disease need. During the holidays this past year, … [Continue reading]
Cost of Long-Term Care Insurance is Increasing. . . Even More than Before!
Q. Our neighbors are both retired Federal employees. Recently, when we had dinner with them, the topic of long-term care insurance came up, and they told us about a huge rate increase last year. Now, they are paying MORE THAN DOUBLE the cost of their … [Continue reading]
The Brain’s GPS: Why Alzheimer’s Patients Wander
Janet, who suffers from Alzheimer’s, lives at the Juniper House Memory Care unit in Oregon. She is among her unit’s 16 residents who have exhibited the symptoms of Sundown Syndrome, where individuals with Alzheimer’s get agitated, disoriented, and … [Continue reading]
Advance Directives Mean Less Costly Care
Q. My aunt died ten years ago without an advance directive. I will never forget the fight between her husband and the rest of the family about life saving measures before she died. He insisted that she would have wanted them, when the rest of the … [Continue reading]
Preparing for Your Role as a Healthcare Agent
Dear Ribbit, Welcome to the Critter Corner writing staff! My sister asked me to be her healthcare agent when she completed her Incapacity Planning documents years ago. She recently had a stroke, and I felt ill prepared if my services had been … [Continue reading]
The Cost of Aging: Professionals Express Concern About Older Americans’ Financial Health
Each year the United States of Aging Survey – conducted by the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging, National Council on Aging (NCOA) and United Healthcare – polls U.S. adults 60 and older for their insights on how older Americans are … [Continue reading]
- « Previous Page
- 1
- …
- 59
- 60
- 61
- 62
- 63
- …
- 112
- Next Page »