Q. I visited my niece, Natalie, last year at the picturesque Sweetbriar College, a liberal-arts women’s institution in rural Virginia. I am a history buff and I remember during a tour of the campus they mentioned how more than 100 … [Continue reading]
Families in Turmoil Over Alzheimer’s Care — Glen Campbell
Imagine this scenario: You have a loved one who has dementia and needs more care than you can provide. Your family members don’t agree on what to do, and your loved one can no longer express an opinion. Court proceedings follow, and a family that was … [Continue reading]
He’s Disabled But Has Full Mental Capacity- Why Can’t He Initiate His Own Trust?
Q1.My friend, Ken, is physically disabled, but has full mental capacity. His parents and grandparents are no longer around. He would like to initiate a Special Needs Trust for himself, since he wants to ensure that he is protected against the risk of … [Continue reading]
Pooled Special Needs Trusts
Dear Commander Bun Bun, I am considering a pooled special needs trust (managed by a non-profit organization) for my daughter, Shannon, who is intellectually disabled. What are some of the benefits and limitations? Thanks, Sheena … [Continue reading]
Estate Planning for Childless Couples
When many people think of estate planning, they assume that a person’s heirs are his or her children. But what happens when a couple has no children? Do they need to plan too? The answer is yes. At the very least, they should answer two questions: … [Continue reading]
Did I Read That Right? Rates for Long-Term Care Insurance Rose 9% This Year!
Q. My wife and I like to plan ahead. Unfortunately, both of her parents and three of her aunts died of Alzheimer's, and we want to make sure we are prepared should one of us need long-term care in the future. We are aware of the astronomical costs of … [Continue reading]
What is Partnership Qualified Long-Term Care Insurance?
Dear Saki and Alley,I heard about Virginia's Partnership Qualified Long-Term Care Insurance. Can you tell me more about it as part of a Medicaid Asset Protection Plan? Thanks! L.T. Cayre ——- Dear L.T., Virginia’s Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership … [Continue reading]
Government Raises the Bar on Nursing Home Ratings
Q. My father has dementia and will need skilled nursing care in the near future. There are so many nursing homes in this area to consider, and I have heard differing opinions from friends and family. How can we really know which one is best, and how … [Continue reading]
Meditation has Many Benefits for Seniors
Dear Commander Bun Bun, My neighbor, Shirley, meditates every day. She says it helps with several aspects of her health, including retaining memories. Do you know anything about this? Anita Relax —- Dear Anita, Meditation has been … [Continue reading]
Can Someone Recover from Autism?
When Tyler was one, his parents began to notice certain behaviors that seemed atypical. He didn't make eye contact or wave hello or goodbye, and he often seemed to be in his own world. As a toddler, he began lining up his toys, having tantrums, and … [Continue reading]
Ask the Expert: Can You Deduct a Toupee from Taxes?
Q. My boyfriend, Richard, became self-conscious about his baldness last year and went out one day and purchased a toupee. We also took in a foster cat, landscaped our property, and installed an in-ground pool to help us stay fit. I know these things … [Continue reading]
Can You Claim a Pet as a Dependent?
Dear Baxter, My dog, Rover, is like a child to me. He is cute, loveable, and playful, and like a human child, relies on me for support. Vet bills, food, cleanup, and repairs caused by damage, have cost a lot of money this past year. Am I allowed … [Continue reading]
Help Someone Else and You Might Go to Jail
Ray is a loving father and a good friend who enjoys helping others. He helped his son build a deck, assisted his friend in finding a home, and even does his daughter's taxes on Turbo Tax each year. However, when it comes to estate planning, … [Continue reading]
Want Free Long-Term Care? Try Medicare Part G.
Q. Nursing homes are so exorbitantly expensive. There is no way I can afford long-term care for myself, when the time comes, or for my husband, Morty. Is there any way to qualify for free long-term care in this country? A friend told me there's a … [Continue reading]
Spending Forever with Your Pet
Dear Saki and Alley, I am very attached to my cat, Jessie. We have been through thick and thin together. When I die, I would like to be buried with her. Is this a possibility? Love, Mike Att-Forever ————————- Dear Mike, 62% of … [Continue reading]
VA Proposes Major Changes to Aid and Attendance Program
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is proposing significant changes to needs-based benefit programs, including an asset limit, a look-back period, asset transfer penalties, and deductible medical expenses, as follows: Look-bank … [Continue reading]
Before You Sign a Continuing Care Contract
Continuing Care Retirement Communities (CCRC), also known as Life Care Communities, offer older adults a spectrum of services and care facilities, typically starting with independent living arrangements, then advancing to assisted living, and then … [Continue reading]
Hospice Care For Mom? But, She Isn’t Dying.
Q. My mother, Roxanne, 76, has suffered from lung disease for ten years. She still has her wits about her, and spends her days knitting, reading historical novels, and sipping tea. Recently, her doctor recommended hospice care, and I was perplexed by … [Continue reading]
Beating the Winter Blues
Dear Saki and Alley, I get depressed at this time of year, ever since my husband passed away. I had a full house for the holidays and everything seemed great, but now that it is over and the tree and decorations are gone, I am sad. I have physical … [Continue reading]
How Nursing Homes are Collecting Debts- More Reason to Plan Ahead
Lillian Palermo, a 90-year old retired insurance executive, entered a nursing home after she began experiencing dementia, falls, and surgical complications. Her husband, Dino, who is eight years her junior, visits her every day. He sings her favorite … [Continue reading]
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