Dear Ernie and Jannette, I heard that the Alzheimer’s Accountability Act was signed into law recently as part of a federal funding bill. Does this mean more money for Alzheimer’s research? Thanks! Nida Cure-Now — Dear Nida, Sadly, Jannette has gone to froggie heaven, so it is just me answering your question. – Ernie Alzheimer’s is […]
Non-Borrowing Spouses Can Still Face Eviction Due to Previous Reverse Mortgage Rules
Amy (59) and her husband, Frank (66), decided to get a reverse mortgage, sometimes known as an HECM (Home Equity Conversion Mortgage), last summer to supplement Fred’s Social Security. Amy was left off the reverse mortgage, due to her age. Later, she and her husband read about how a change has been made to the rules […]
Can Stipulations in a Will be Changed 100 Years Later? Maybe — Read About The Sweet Briar College Nightmare
Q. I visited my niece, Natalie, last year at the picturesque Sweetbriar College, a liberal-arts women’s institution in rural Virginia. I am a history buff and I remember during a tour of the campus they mentioned how more than 100 years ago, the land was left by the plantation owner’s daughter to honor the memory of her own daughter. She stipulated in the Last Will and Testament that the land cannot […]
Families in Turmoil Over Alzheimer’s Care — Glen Campbell
Imagine this scenario: You have a loved one who has dementia and needs more care than you can provide. Your family members don’t agree on what to do, and your loved one can no longer express an opinion. Court proceedings follow, and a family that was once united is now at odds. Unfortunately, this happens way too […]
What is Partnership Qualified Long-Term Care Insurance?
Dear Saki and Alley,I heard about Virginia’s Partnership Qualified Long-Term Care Insurance. Can you tell me more about it as part of a Medicaid Asset Protection Plan? Thanks! L.T. Cayre —– Dear L.T., Virginia’s Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership Program allows consumers to obtain Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance as part of a Medicaid Asset Protection Plan, […]
Can Someone Recover from Autism?
When Tyler was one, his parents began to notice certain behaviors that seemed atypical. He didn’t make eye contact or wave hello or goodbye, and he often seemed to be in his own world. As a toddler, he began lining up his toys, having tantrums, and walking on his toes. When he was a bit […]
Help Someone Else and You Might Go to Jail
Ray is a loving father and a good friend who enjoys helping others. He helped his son build a deck, assisted his friend in finding a home, and even does his daughter’s taxes on Turbo Tax each year. However, when it comes to estate planning, incapacity planning, and/or Medicaid planning, Ray realized he could not […]
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 told me there’s a Medicare Part G that pays for free long-term care, […]
Spending Forever with Your Pet
Dear Saki and Alley, I am very attached to my cat, Jessie. We have been through thick and thin together. When I die, I would like to be buried with her. Is this a possibility? Love, Mike Att-Forever —————– Dear Mike, 62% of households own and love pets, including cats, dogs, birds, fish and more. When it comes […]
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, and I was perplexed by his recommendation. She has been living fine for a decade with her lung […]
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 sad. I have physical and financial limitations that keep me […]
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. He sings her favorite songs, feeds her home-cooked Italian food, and pays a private aide to be there when he cannot. […]
New Apps for Seniors with Memory Loss
Q. I bought my mother, Charlotte, a tablet for Christmas last month. I thought it was an ideal gift for her, since she is beginning to experience memory loss, and was told that she could benefit from apps that help her exercise her mind and take her medication. I visited her the other day, and […]
Would You Want This In Your Advance Medical Directive?
Jerome Medalie can’t imagine life with Alzheimer’s. And, he has made it known that he doesn’t want to be around if he can’t “recognize his loved ones” or “articulate coherent thoughts and sentences.” He did so formally and legally in his Advance Medical Directive. According to a recent New York Times blog post, if Jerome […]
The Healing Power of Music — “Alive Inside”
Music has power—especially for individuals with dementia. When used appropriately, it can help shift mood, manage stress, reduce agitation, stimulate positive interactions, and can even triumph where prescription medication falls short. Even in the late stages of dementia, the healing power of music has been known to spark compelling outcomes. How do we know this? […]
Is Tai Chi for Me?
Dear Ernie and Jannette, My neighbor, Harry, is 80 years old and has gotten really into Tai Chi. He says it helps him stay fit, maintain balance, and avoid falls. I am 77, have arthritis and high blood pressure, and am not sure if Tai Chi is for me. Before I sign up, do you […]
Can Pets Get Dementia?
Earl and Linda’s silver poodle, Sophia, is fifteen years old. Recently, they have come home from work to find Sophia wandering aimlessly through the house and have noticed the trouble she is having finding the doggie door. Sophia used to jump up and twirl on her back legs for a treat, but she seems to […]
Ask the Expert: Forgetfulness: When to Call a Doctor
Q. My mother, Meg, has not been herself lately. Last week, when going to the neighborhood post office, she got completely disoriented and lost. She asks the same questions over and over again and often repeats stories. She even forgot the ingredients for dad’s favorite soup last week, which she has been cooking for 40 […]
Helping Seniors with Winter Hazards
Dear Commander Bun Bun, My 80-year-old mother is having a rough time with this winter weather. Do you have any suggestions to help her deal with winter hazards? Thanks for your help, Cole Dowthere —- Dear Cole, The frigid winter weather we are experiencing can present severe challenges and potential hazards for seniors. Luckily, there […]
Common Estate Planning Mistakes Baby Boomers Should Avoid
Baby boomers, or those born between 1946 and 1964, are starting to retire in droves. For these people (and everyone else), it is important to create an estate plan to help protect assets and ensure that wishes are met in the event of death or incapacity. In doing so, it is critical to avoid mistakes […]
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