Dear Magic, My 85-year-old neighbor, Ruth, goes to the supermarket, but not often. Even with her facemask and rubber gloves, she doesn’t want to risk anything. She is not technologically savvy, so she cannot order online. I’ve helped a few times by picking her up some essentials, but I am so busy with my job […]
How the Families First Coronavirus Response Act (FFCRA) Helps Feed Seniors in Need
Dear Angel, I heard about the CARES Act and how it helps seniors, as well as small businesses, and others during the coronavirus pandemic. Are there any other laws to help seniors with nutrition services? They are needed now more than ever, since it’s safer for seniors to remain in their homes to protect themselves […]
When Dad Does Not Want a Feeding Tube
Dear Hayek, My father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s nearly ten years ago. His worsening condition and the coronavirus pandemic have prompted him to get his incapacity planning, estate planning, and long-term care planning in order. He and my mother heard that Parkinson’s patients lose the ability to swallow in the final stages. My father’s joy […]
Should I Update My Incapacity Planning Preferences Because of the Coronavirus Pandemic?
Dear Ernie and Jannette, I have seen friends and family fall ill with coronavirus. Luckily, they all survived. It got me to thinking that I need to review and update my advance directives at this time to make sure what I wanted before is still relevant if I should get coronavirus. I did my planning […]
How to Relieve Stress During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dear Oakley, We’ve been home for a month now and every day is the same. I honestly don’t know what day it is anymore, and I’ve lost that excitement that usually came with Fridays or the anxiety when Monday comes again. It feels like I’m the star of the movie, “Groundhog Day,” where every day […]
Can Coronavirus Affect Pets?
Dear Angel, I am the proud mom of three dogs, who are getting lots of attention with my husband and I working from home, and with the kids here too. They mostly stay in the house but enjoy long exercise walks around dinner time. We also have a gray outdoor cat, who visits each day. […]
How Docubank is Protecting Our Clients During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dear Magic, I read Mr. Farr’s recent article about the importance of estate planning and incapacity planning during the Coronavirus pandemic. I’m convinced that it’s certainly wise to do my planning now. One thing I’m concerned about, however, is how the hospital and my loved ones would access my documents should the need arise. Do […]
Some Uplifting Nursing Home Stories Amid Coronavirus
Dear Hayek, My grandmother is in a nursing home and I am worried about her. I write her letters and talk with her via phone and FaceTime, but I can tell she is still lonely. Are there any uplifting stories you can share about nursing homes during this difficult time? I’m hoping for some creative […]
Steer Clear of these Coronavirus Scams
Dear Angel, My mom is home alone during the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. She gets lots of calls that seem suspect. For instance, someone called her trying to sell her face masks and someone else called asking for donations, claiming they were from the CDC. What are some of the most common COVID-19 scams out there […]
New VA Training Effort Launched for Providers and Caregivers of Veterans
Dear Ernie and Jannette, I am a caregiver for my husband, an army veteran named Steve. He gets regular treatment for a mild traumatic brain injury and for persistent migraines. He has countless appointments through our local Veteran Affairs (VA) hospital. We work together to make sure he’s getting what he needs and can keep […]
End-of-Life Doula Shares Advice on Talking About Death and Dying
Dear Magic, I just found out that a close friend of mine’s mother has terminal cancer. My friend often wants to talk about it, and I try to be a listening ear. Sometimes she asks me for advice, and to tell you the truth, I don’t know what to say to her. Do you have […]
How to Assess if Your Senior Loved One Is Being Well Cared for in Assisted Living
Dear Oakley, My mother has been in assisted living for a few months. I don’t hear much about how she is doing and due to my hectic work schedule, I don’t visit as much as I would like. I am planning on going with the family this Saturday to see her. Are there any good […]
Medicare Care Planning Benefit for People with Alzheimer’s
Dear Magic, My mother, Ingrid, was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. We know that there is no cure and that it only gets worse as time progresses. We’d like to plan in advance to make sure she gets the support services and medications she needs, and any non-medical treatments to improve her quality of life. We’d also […]
Should a Loved One with a Dementia Diagnosis Have a Pet?
Dear Hayek, My grandmother Ruth has a small black mixed-breed pup named Angus. She is very fond of Angus and takes him everywhere. Ruth was diagnosed with dementia a couple of years ago. She still takes good care of Angus, but what happens when it becomes more severe and she forgets to walk him or […]
New Exciting Technology Emerges for Seniors and Caregivers in the 2020’s
Q. I am a caregiver for my 80-year old mother who is in the early stages of dementia. I consider myself to be technologically savvy, but I am not quite sure what is out there that can help me in my role. You used to publish lots of articles on new technologies, but it’s been […]
How Wearables Contribute to the Well Being of Older Adults
Dear Rune, I have read in many places the benefits of exercise, including staving off dementia and living longer. I decided to dust off my sneakers and get back out there. My son and his wife both have Apple watches and my granddaughter wears a FitBit. What are the benefits of wearables, such as fitness […]
Are NORCs the Future of Successful Aging?
Dear Magic, I saw in our community newsletter that our neighborhood is considering becoming a NORC. We have a large population of seniors and various resources to help with transportation, meals, home care and more. What is being a NORC all about? Isn’t it just people aging in place? Thanks for your help! Hae Jin […]
Can I Delay Enrollment of Medicare if I Have Not Yet Claimed Social Security?
Dear Oakley, I’m turning 65 and I have not yet claimed my Social Security benefits because I thought it would make good financial sense to wait. Can I choose to wait to enroll in Medicare as well? Thanks! Juana Waite — Dear Juana, Unfortunately, if you are turning 65, you cannot wait to enroll in […]
Plan Ahead to Live Longer
Dear Hayek, I read somewhere that if you plan ahead for the end of life that you will live longer. Is this true? Thanks! Liv Lawnger — Dear Liv, According to a recent study, what you say is true, but the study only applies to terminally ill patients. Still, as I will explain, planning in […]
What We Can Learn from Critter Corner Pets in 2020
Dear Magic, I have really enjoyed reading Critter Corner over the years. The pets at the Farr Law Firm sure are knowledgeable about things related to aging, elder law, estate planning, and special needs planning. I was wondering if you and some of the other pets would impart your wisdom about life lessons, especially as […]
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