Informal Home Care Could Result in Medicaid Ineligibility

Betty Jensen was an elderly woman with dementia, who resided in her home in Muskegon, Michigan. In May 2011, when she needed assistance, her concerned grandson, Jason, acted on her behalf and hired a non-relative, Teresa … [Read more...]

Seniors Should Consider Cruise Ships Rather than Nursing Homes

About 2 years ago my wife and I were on a cruise through the western Mediterranean aboard a Princess liner.  At dinner we noticed a senior lady sitting alone along the rail of the grand stairway in the main dining room. I also … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: Technology to Help Seniors Age-in-Place Safely

 Dear Commander Bun Bun,    My mother, Shirley, is in her 80’s and living alone. Recently, she reluctantly agreed to wear a device that allows her to call for help if she fell. It gives my brother and me a sense of … [Read more...]

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 … [Read more...]

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. … [Read more...]

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 … [Read more...]

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 … [Read more...]

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, … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: 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 … [Read more...]

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. … [Read more...]

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