Q. My siblings and our families are going to spend Christmas this year with our mother at our family home in Virginia Beach. She lives alone with her dog, Rascal. Since Thanksgiving, the last couple of times I called her, she seemed a little out of it, but insists everything is okay. I checked with […]
What That Pain Could Really Mean
Kate has been experiencing sharp pain in her left thigh for a couple of weeks. She is a busy caregiver, who doesn’t feel like she has the time to go to the doctor for herself. She attributes the pain to lifting her father into his wheelchair, or possibly stress, or the aches and pains that […]
#GivingTuesday
Giving Tuesday is a global day of giving where you can support your favorite charity. Today we ask you to donate to support Reiki Outreach Services for Elders, Inc. (ROSE), a 501(c)(3) charity that I founded whose mission is to bring the gentle yet powerful healing properties of Reiki to elders in elder-centric communities. This […]
An Alternative Way to Alleviate Chronic Pain
Q. My mother, Grace, suffers from chronic back pain and arthritis. Sometimes, she is so stiff that she cannot move without wincing in pain, and has to stay in bed all day. She has tried everything, including visiting doctors and specialists and taking prescription painkillers. She has even considered complementary and alternative treatments, such as […]
Brain Training to Keep Seniors on the Road Longer
Q. When I was growing up, my father used to always be the one to drive our family everywhere. We would never fly, because it was “too expensive,” and I think it was also because dad loved driving. To this day, he and my mother drive their RV across the country, and if you need […]
Election 2016 Roundup- Five Major Issues Affecting Seniors
In just a week from today, we’ll be casting our votes for the person who will lead this country for the next four years. If you’re still undecided because you are not entirely thrilled with any of the candidates this year, you can take one last good look at the issues instead of the person […]
What is the Difference Between Alzheimer’s and Dementia?
Recently, Gina’s mother told her the devastating news that her Uncle Jack had been diagnosed with dementia. When Gina’s husband got home from work, she quickly told him about her uncle’s “Alzheimer’s” diagnosis. Gina, her mother, and her husband began using the terms “dementia” and “Alzheimer’s” interchangeably, as if they meant the same thing, where […]
Federal Initiatives for Autism
Dear Commander Bun Bun, My son has Autism Spectrum Disorder. I know there are lots of private initiatives out there to raise money and awareness. What I don’t know is whether there are any federal initiatives that may be in progress. Are you aware of any? Thanks! Ina Sheatives — Dear Ina, On the Autism […]
Making Health Care Decisions for Someone Else
A lifelong family friend asked Jane if she would be her health care agent under an Advance Medical Directive (AMD) she was planning to sign. Jane didn’t know what to say or think, so she said, “Sure. I would be happy to.” But she didn’t really know what she was getting herself into. When someone […]
Meditation and Alzheimer’s
Dear Baxter, My sister meditates daily. She told me that, among other benefits, it helps prevent Alzheimer’s. Is this true? Do you know of any research about this? Thanks for your help! Maddy Tayshun — Dear Maddy, A new study has found that intense concentration and relaxation could lead to a growth of new brain […]
How Can I Reduce My Risk of Alzheimer’s?
Q. Several of my relatives on my mother’s side of the family have had Alzheimer’s, including my aunt, my uncle, and both my grandparents. My father’s sister currently has it too. I am concerned for myself and my own children, and I want to do whatever I can to reduce our risk of the disease, […]
Do New Electronic Medical Record Systems Make It Difficult to Access Advance Directives?
Q. I have heard several horror stories about Advance Directives being unavailable when needed, as more hospitals are implementing new systems to store and access electronic medical records. Or, in other cases, patients’ documents are being rendered unreadable by incompatible software. What if a patient’s doctor uses one record system and the emergency room another? […]
Is HIPAA Keeping Pace with Technology?
Dear Angel, There is so much technology available these days where you share health information. Things such as wearable fitness trackers, social media sites, and health apps did not exist when Congress enacted the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) in the 90’s. When it comes to HIPAA and privacy of personal health information, […]
Caution: The Hidden Dangers of Heartburn Medicine
Jim Palmer, former player for the Baltimore Orioles and TV commentator, has something in common with millions of other individuals, including myself. He has GERD (Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease), which occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus. Similar to my personal situation, Palmer had suffered from frequent and persistent heartburn for many years that […]
Help! My Husband Was Recently Diagnosed with Bipolar Disorder
Q. I was 25 years old when I met my now husband, Elliot. We became best friends and two years later, then we got married and had a baby. Fifteen years and three children later, I began to notice lots of changes in his personality and mood. He agreed to see a psychiatrist, got a […]
New Mental Health Bill Introduced in Congress
Dear Commander Bun Bun, I am a caregiver for my brother, who has schizophrenia. I heard something about a bill to help caregivers like myself and those with mental illnesses. Do you know anything about it, and if so, can you provide information? Thanks, Bill Forus —– Dear Bill, Nearly 10 million Americans have serious […]
Muhammad Ali’s Vision Was Realized
For more than 20 years, Rachel’s father has had Parkinson’s Disease. When she first moved to the DC area in 1998, her father walked with a cane, and although his hands shook a little, he was still able to dance with her at her wedding. Rachel knew that this was only the beginning, and as […]
The Most Important Awareness Day of the Year (and only 20- 30% realize it!)
Anne is 71 years old, and her health is rapidly declining. When her time comes, she is confident that she wants to donate her organs to help someone else live a longer and healthier life. She also wants to be buried next to her second husband, Joseph. Anne has three children — two from her […]
Have You Hugged Your Certified Elder Law Attorney Today?
. . . well, if you haven’t, then maybe you should. Why? Because, today is “Be Kind to Lawyers Day.” “Be Kind to Lawyers Day” falls on the second Tuesday of April every year. This was the date of choice, ironically, because it is strategically sandwiched in between April Fool’s day and Tax Day, […]
Now You Can Clone Grandma — April Fool’s Joke . . . or Not?
Q. I am very close with my 100-year-old grandmother, Emily. She is a remarkable, accomplished woman who went to college (which was rare in her time) and became a successful brain surgeon. She is also a very talented artist. I visit her every week and we talk for hours. Despite the fact that she is […]
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