Q. I am a full-time caregiver for my father, Frank, who has Alzheimer’s. I am able to work from home, but I often feel like I have two full-time jobs, since caregiving for dad is a full-time job in itself. At work, I am entitled to two weeks of … [Continue reading]
$10,000 – $12,000? That’s for a Year, Right?
Q. I read in one of your recent newsletters that nursing homes in the metro DC area cost $10,000 - $12,000 a month. I think you made a typo, and I wanted to bring it to your attention. Those amounts are for a year, right? If nursing homes cost THAT … [Continue reading]
Do Dogs Hold the Key to Successful Aging in Humans?
Dear Baxter, My labrador retriever, Jessie, lived until she was 17 years old, making her a centenarian in human years. I heard of another lab that lived until 18, or 109 in human years. Have any studies ever been done on how our oldest canine … [Continue reading]
Being Her Brother’s Caregiver
A year ago, Helen Ries’s mother died unexpectedly, and she became the primary caregiver of her brother, Paul Knoll. Knoll has Down syndrome and had lived with his parents most of his life. Ries admits that her first year as a caregiver wasn’t easy, … [Continue reading]
Do Not Resuscitate Orders Being Placed Without Patient Consent?
All of us can be lulled into believing we’ve got plenty of time, until something unexpected happens. Whether it’s a car accident, a heart attack, a fire, or a stroke, those who procrastinated and didn’t plan in advance often kick themselves for not … [Continue reading]
Rest in Peace, Sweety
A year ago, Jeannie and I adopted a cat, Sweety, from one of our clients who passed away, and whose family was unable to care for her. This is just one of the many ways in which we sometimes are able to help our clients. Sadly, our beloved Sweety … [Continue reading]
If You Don’t Visit Your Parents, It Could Affect Your Credit Score
Imagine you were really busy with your job, your children, and your everyday life (which is the case for many of us!). Your parents are in their 80’s and, although you love them very much, you rarely get to visit them, let alone call them. Then, you … [Continue reading]
Laser Shoes, Magic Carpets, & More: Technology to Combat Falls
Q. My parents are snowbirds. Every spring, I pick them up at the Lorton Auto Train and drop them off at their home, and in November, they go back to Florida for the winter. My father has had Parkinson’s for almost 20 years now, and the debilitating … [Continue reading]
Home Modifications for Fall Prevention
Dear Angel, We just found out that my father will be moving in with us. He is in his 70’s, has Parkinson’s, arthritis, and is in a wheelchair a lot of the time. We don’t have much money to renovate, but we want to make sure our home is safe and … [Continue reading]
The Estate Planning of Prince, Harper Lee, and David Bowie
In 2016 so far, we have said farewell to some of the most legendary names in music, film, literature, and television, including Prince, Harper Lee, and David Bowie — all within the first four months of the year. While nothing can make the horrific … [Continue reading]
Military Caregivers: Challenges and Strategies
Q. My father, Steve, is a retired Marine who is recently widowed. My mother used to provide care for him full-time until she passed away suddenly. My brothers and sister live far away, and my father needs assistance now. He has Parkinson’s Disease, … [Continue reading]
Burial and Memorial Benefits for Veterans
Dear Baxter, My wife and I were talking about where we would like to be buried when we die. We are both honorably-discharged veterans. Do you know about our options? Thanks for your help. Barry L. Forvetz ---- Dear Barry, The Veterans … [Continue reading]
The Most Important Awareness Day of the Year (and only 20- 30% realize it!)
Anne is 71 years old, and her health is rapidly declining. When her time comes, she is confident that she wants to donate her organs to help someone else live a longer and healthier life. She also wants to be buried next to her second husband, … [Continue reading]
April 29 Marks the End of a Major Social Security Loophole
Q. I remember reading an article that you published last fall about The Bipartisan Budget Act of 2015, where you mentioned that the end of file-and-suspend would be happening in six months. I am concerned about the impending deadline. Can you explain … [Continue reading]
Can My Sister Retire on Social Security Alone?
Dear Commander Bun Bun, My sister seems to think that she can live on Social Security alone. Do you think that is possible, and if so, do you have any tips I can share with her? Thanks, Nada Nuffmunney --- Dear Nada, Millions of … [Continue reading]
Have You Hugged Your Certified Elder Law Attorney Today?
. . . well, if you haven’t, then maybe you should. Why? Because, today is “Be Kind to Lawyers Day.” “Be Kind to Lawyers Day” falls on the second Tuesday of April every year. This was the date of choice, ironically, because it is … [Continue reading]
How Caregivers Can Collect Social Security Benefits and Reduce Work Hours
Q. My mother had a stroke and really needs my help until we can find other arrangements. I’m afraid I’ll lose my job and wind up unemployed if I take time off work to care for her. Do you know if I have any rights under the Family Medical Leave Act … [Continue reading]
Should I Have a Caregiver Contract?
Dear Angel, I will be quitting my job to care for my father next month. He will be paying me, since I have no other income to support myself. My dad used to have a caregiver through an agency, and the agency had a written contract. But as an … [Continue reading]
Is it Dementia or Adult ADHD?
Ginny is a 58-year-old widow who struggles each day with where she puts her keys, her cell phone, her purse, and even sometimes her coffee cup after she fills it with coffee. She often has trouble following conversations, and after about 15 minutes, … [Continue reading]
Now You Can Clone Grandma — April Fool’s Joke . . . or Not?
Q. I am very close with my 100-year-old grandmother, Emily. She is a remarkable, accomplished woman who went to college (which was rare in her time) and became a successful brain surgeon. She is also a very talented artist. I visit her every week and … [Continue reading]
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