FARR LAW FIRM

Protecting Seniors and their Families by Preserving Dignity, Quality of Life, and Financial Security.

Fairfax:703-691-1888 Fredericksburg: 540-479-1435
Rockville: 301-519-8041 Annapolis: 410-372-4444
DC: 202-587-2797 Toll-Free: 800-399-FARR
ReviewsGet In Touch
How Much Do You Value Peace of Mind?
Take Our Asset Protection Assessment Now!
mastheadblog26

Elder Law, Medicaid, Estate Planning, and Much More: Explore Topics Below by Clicking a Category

2023 Key Elder Law Numbers

by

Every year, the Farr Law Firm releases the newest figures for Medicaid, Medicare, and Social Security. Below are figures for 2023 that are frequently used in the Elder Law practice, including the figures for spousal impoverishment, penalty divisors, and more, for Virginia, Maryland, and DC. Medicare premiums and co-pays, Social Security Disability, and Supplemental Security […]

Tougher Scrutiny and Federal Penalties Being Planned for Failing Nursing Homes

by

Q. Last year, during his State of the Union address, President Biden discussed a major overhaul of nursing home quality, including minimum staffing levels and steps to beef up inspections. Since then, I haven’t heard about any of these quality measures being implemented. My mother will need nursing home care in the near future, and […]

Can a Mortality Prediction Model Lead to Fewer Unnecessary Medical Interventions?

by

Imagine knowing how long a loved one with dementia is going to live. Would you want to know? What would you do with that information, and how can it be helpful? Predictions from a prognosis prediction model were followed by the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) for over a decade and may help clinicians […]

What to Do When Your Loved One Becomes Violent Due to Dementia

by

When some think of dementia, they may think of it as a mental illness. Confusing the two occurs frequently as certain mental illnesses and dementia share many of the same symptoms, including difficulty concentrating, confusion, and personality and emotional changes. It’s important to note that while dementia does affect mental health, it is not a […]

Introducing the Dementia Doula

by

If you’re familiar with the word “doula,” you probably think of it as referring to a person who provides guidance and support to a pregnant woman. From admission through delivery, a doula stays at her patient’s side providing comfort and support to the mother, her partner, and the newborn baby. But there are more doulas […]

Groundbreaking Alzheimer’s Research Revealed at 2022 Alzheimer’s Association International Conference

by

Currently, more than 6 million Americans are living with Alzheimer’s disease. For years, researchers have been working tirelessly to advance science that will lead to earlier detection, preventions, and additional new treatments for Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Last month, more than 9,500 researchers attended the Alzheimer’s Association International Conference (AAIC) 2022 both in […]

Can Equine Therapy Improve Quality of Life in Individuals with Dementia?

by

At several therapeutic riding centers across the country, horses have been interacting with an unlikely group of visitors  ̶  people with early stage dementia or mild cognitive impairment and their caregivers. Interacting with horses — called equine therapy, horse therapy, and sometimes hippotherapy (ancient Greeks wrote about the benefits of horse riding, calling this practice […]

Sensory Overload — How People with Dementia Are Impacted by Noise

by

At the age of 46, Kris Bakowski was diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease. Kris has been blogging about her diagnosis since 2003 to advocate for awareness and help educate others living with the disease and their caregivers. In one of her blogs, Kris discusses the topic of sensory overload. Since her diagnosis, she has been […]

How Knowledgeable and Prepared Are Americans for Long-Term Care? An AARP Survey Explains

by

In the ’80s or even the ’90s, if someone asked a person about long-term care, often they would respond that they don’t need help with lawn care. You read that right: lawn care. This is because the term “long-term care” was not yet in most people’s vocabulary. Today most people are aware of long-term care, […]

Significant Improvements to Safety and Quality Care for Long-Term Care Residents

by

Last week, the Biden administration announced several nursing home reforms that will improve staffing and accountability at nursing homes throughout the country. Advocates are calling these the most significant reforms in decades. As part of Biden’s plan, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has updated a guidance on minimum health and safety standards […]

The Doorway Effect: Why Moving Can Be Especially Challenging for Those with Dementia

by

Note: This article is the third part of a three part series sharing the wisdom of Katya De Luisa, a dementia educator and author of “Journey through the Infinite Mind–the Science and Spirituality of Dementia.” Read part 1 and part 2 here. Q. The other day, I was watching TV when a commercial came on […]

Should People with Dementia Be Able to Die with Dignity?

by

Q. During a conversation the other night, my father said that if he was ever diagnosed with dementia that he wouldn’t want to live that way or burden the family. I know that Death with Dignity is legal in a growing number of states, but can people with dementia choose physician-assisted death in those states? […]

Part 2: How to Respond When a Person with Dementia Asks if Someone Has Died

by

Note: This article is the second part of a three part series sharing the wisdom of Katya De Luisa, a dementia educator and author of “Journey through the Infinite Mind–the Science and Spirituality of Dementia.” Read part 1 and part 3 here. What should you do when your loved one with dementia believes someone who […]

Part 1: The Infinite Mind — Communicating Creatively with Dementia Patients through Art Therapy

by

Note: This article is the first part of a three part series sharing the wisdom of Katya De Luisa, a dementia educator and author of “Journey through the Infinite Mind–the Science and Spirituality of Dementia.” Read part 2 and part 3 here. “We never lose those we love, whether through dementia or death. They are […]

Skip to content