Q. I am in my mid 60’s and I admit that I am generally quite negative-thinking and cynical. I have constant nagging back pain even though the doctors say there’s nothing wrong with my back.  My grandchildren live 1,000 miles away and I never get to see them.  My friends and neighbors call me Mr. […]

Q. Recently, my friend Anna called and informed me that her 6-year-old son, Jeremy, was diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). She told me about some of his symptoms, including temper tantrums, outbursts, and the challenges he faces socially and academically. Since I had never experienced it, I honestly didn’t know how to react […]

After experiencing discomfort, 75-year-old Stan visited his doctor and was ultimately rushed to the hospital and into surgery to remove a blockage from his large intestine. After a short time, he was transferred to a nearby rehabilitation facility for short-term rehabilitation covered by Medicare. During the first week of his stay, he developed a urinary […]

Q. Five years ago my friend Jennifer, who is 91, met ten-year-old Emma when Emma was selling Girl Scout Cookies door-to-door. Emma never knew her own grandparents, and Jennifer’s family lives 1,000 miles away. They had the most remarkable conversation about art and ballet that day, all while sharing a box of Thin Mints. Ever […]

Memorial Day is a U.S. federal holiday where we take time to remember the men and women who died while serving in the United States military. The holiday, which is celebrated every year on the final Monday of May, was formerly known as “Decoration Day” and originated after the American Civil War. On Memorial Day […]

Q. I recently retired after 35 years as a federal employee. I funded my retirement plan, paid off my home, and amassed enough savings to cover future expenses and hopefully leave a financial legacy to my loved ones. When it comes to estate planning, I want to make sure I do it right. What are […]

When we think of legal guardianship or conservatorship, several scenarios typically come to mind: an elderly parent with dementia; an adult who has been severely injured and can no longer take care of himself; and, increasingly, young adults who are making unsafe, dangerous, or destructive decisions. Today, we will discuss Casey Kasem, an ailing former radio personality whose wife and children […]

Q. My wife, Joanne, was recently in a car accident. Luckily, it wasn’t serious. What would happen if one of us were in a serious car accident? How would the emergency personnel know that she is diabetic and that I have Parkinson’s Disease? What if we are hurt or shaken up and cannot communicate with […]

The Administration on Aging estimates that there are between 1.75 million and 4 million Americans over the age of 60 who are LGBT. Although many LGBT seniors are satisfied with their lives, there are still many who remain closeted despite the recent societal advances our country has made in accepting this community. These aging members […]

As Lisa Abeyta’s father’s Alzheimer’s is progressing, his ability to communicate and cope with unfamiliar surroundings and noises is diminishing. Noises of laughter and happy conversation that used to make him smile now cause him distress. Despite these disturbing changes, one thing is positive and encouraging—his ability to communicate with Lisa’s dog, Roscoe. When Lisa’s father visits her home, Roscoe immediately greets him at the door. Until recently, Lisa didn’t realize that Roscoe has an incredible ability to give voice to her father, who has lost most of his verbal communication skills. She is simply amazed […]

May is National Pet Month, a celebration of the benefits that pets bring to people’s lives and vice versa. It is an ideal time to celebrate the health benefits of animals for seniors, which can include relaxation, socialization, companionship, and even lower levels of blood pressure and cholesterol. We hear a lot about assisted living facilities and nursing homes […]

There are more than 42 million unpaid family caregivers in the United States, including spouses, adult children, and others. A recent report, issued by the United Hospital Fund and the AARP Public Policy Institute, focuses on spousal caregivers. The report reveals how spousal caregivers desire to take care of ALL of a spouse’s needs, and […]

Music has been found to connect people with Alzheimer’s to memories, enabling them to open up to loved ones and even enhancing their quality of life. Sometimes, the response is immediate and shocking. In fact, according to Geri Hall, a clinical nurse specialist at the Banner Alzheimer’s Institute, “music activates a part of the brain that stays active despite the dementia, calming those who are distressed, […]

Michelle Singletary, who writes a financial column for the Washington Post, often shares personal stories to spare others from making financial mistakes. In a recent column and interview on WBUR, she wrote about the importance of estate planning, and emphasized the need to “take action today.” In the article, Ms. Singletary described how her mother […]

Q. I recently read a sad article in the Washington Post about an Alexandria woman named Anne Bailey Farr (not sure if she is a relative of yours?), who is facing charges in connection with the death of her 98-year-old mother, who was found by police on her bedroom floor. When questioned, Farr stated that […]

What would happen if you were in an accident, or had a stroke, or for another reason you suddenly became incapacitated or comatose, and were unable to make decisions for yourself? It is difficult to think about, but if this happens, some people want to be kept alive at all costs; while others would prefer […]

Certain websites, including Yahoo, USMagazine.com, Pinterest, among others, were recently exposed to a major security bug called Heartbleed. The bug has the potential to expose private information to cybercriminals, including passwords and access to credit card information that users enter into websites, applications, email, and even instant messaging services. Heartbleed could be one of the […]

Last October, the President signed HR 2167 – “The Reverse Mortgage Stabilization Act of 2013”. As a result, changes have been made to make it harder to qualify for a reverse mortgage. To be eligible for a reverse mortgage you must be at least 62 years old, own your own home (or owe a relatively […]

Q. This year, Grandma Pearl will be joining us for Easter dinner. She has Alzheimer’s and her caregiver will be joining us, as well. We are concerned that the dinner could present challenges for her, since she is on a regimented meal time schedule each day. Can you suggest any tips to make the meal […]