Critter Corner: What is a POLST Form and Does it Replace an Advance Directive?

Dear Hayek, When reading about Advance Medical Directives, I saw something about a POLST form. What exactly is that, and if we have one, do we need an Advance Directive also? Thanks! Paul Stuh --- Dear Paul, A POLST … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: New Virginia Law Helps Seniors Who are Victims of Financial Exploitation

Dear Magic, I have heard about many instances of financial exploitation of aged or incapacitated adults, including my uncle who suffers from mild cognitive impairment and doesn’t always make the best financial decisions. Are … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: How Much Should an Agent Under a Power of Attorney Be Paid?

Dear Ernie and Jannette, Both my parents signed Power of Attorney documents naming my sister as their financial agent. They now both have dementia and live in an assisted living facility. My sister wants to pay herself to do … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: What Can Go Wrong if You Handwrite Your Own Will?

Dear Angel, My husband insists on us writing our own Wills. He said that handwritten Wills are legal in Virginia and that we don’t need help from an attorney. Is this correct, and if so, can you tell me some of the things that … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: Choosing a Guardian for Our Children

Dear Hayek, We have young children and are considering doing a Child Protection Plan for each of them. We know we need to name guardians for our children, should we die or become incapacitated. The problem is that I cannot … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: How to Make a Smart Phone Easier to Read for a Senior

Dear Bebe,   I recently bought my mother a smart phone for her birthday. I figured it would be a great way for her to communicate with the grandchildren, and to have in case of an emergency. There are also some great … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: Why Am I No Longer Getting My Social Security Benefits Statement?

Dear Hayek, I used to receive a document in the mail from the Social Security Administration every year that explained my benefits. I haven’t seen one in a long-time. Is this something that they eliminated, and if so, how can I … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: Can an Eye Exam Predict Alzheimer’s?

Dear Ernie and Janette, I read somewhere that a simple eye exam can predict whether or not someone will get Alzheimer’s. Is this true? Thanks! Cici Cleary --- Dear Cici, You are correct. It may be possible to … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: Has Mom’s Social Security Number Been Suspended or Cancelled?

Dear Magic, The phone rings a lot at my mother’s house (she has quite the social life for a 90-year old woman!) One call she received the other day sounded official to her, she explained to me, but she couldn’t get to the phone … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: What Happens When a Person with Autism Becomes an Adult?

Dear Bebe,   My niece, Amelia, has an Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), but is high-functioning. What happens to most children with ASD when they transition to adulthood?   Thanks! Will … [Read more...]

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