Dear Angel, My mom is eligible for Medicare this year and is exploring her options. She is not sure whether to get a supplemental plan, or if original Medicare is enough. What are your thoughts on this? Thanks, Iz Ittanuff — Dear Iz, Most people on Medicare feel that original Medicare is not sufficient, and […]
My Dad Doesn’t Recognize Me; is it Still Worth Visiting?
Dear Magic, My dad is in a nursing home, and has dementia. I visited him a lot when he first got there, but my visits have tapered off a bit. I’m not sure if he knows who I am anymore, or if there is a benefit to him if I visit. Visiting him can […]
Update Your Estate Planning Documents Now!
Dear Magic, My husband and I came to Evan’s office to do our estate planning several years ago. We have had some family changes since then, such as our children got married and had children of their own. With all this happening and with the new tax plan going into affect, does our estate planning […]
Should You Get a DNR Tattoo?
Dear Ribbit, I read something about people in Florida getting tattoos that tell doctors that they do not want to be resuscitated. Is this something more people should consider? If someone doesn’t have a tattoo, how do medical professionals find out that someone has a DNR order entered in their medical file? Dana Riordor —– […]
Exercise for Seniors with Dementia?
Dear Angel, My mom has always been into fitness. Every day for years, she would take a mile walk in the morning around the lake. She was diagnosed with dementia a few years ago. I know she would love to continue to exercise. But, now I am afraid she will lose her way. What are […]
How Will the New Tax Law Affect Healthcare?
Hi Bebe, I recently read your article about the new tax law. It didn’t talk much about healthcare. Do you know how the tax overhaul will affect healthcare? Thanks for your help, Heath Kerr — Dear Heath, The new tax law will actually be the most important health care legislation enacted since the Affordable Care […]
Surviving Holiday Stress
Dear Magic, You are such a calm bunny. I am not sure how you do it, especially during the holiday season. My grandchildren are coming for a visit this year, and there are eight of them! Decorations need to be put up, baking has to be done, and presents have to be purchased. I should […]
Often Overlooked Tax Breaks for Seniors
Dear Ribbit, I read recently that Trump’s Tax Plan may eliminate the ability for seniors to deduct their medical expenses. That would certainly be a horrendous result, as my husband and I depend on that deduction. For future reference, what are some other things can seniors deduct? Thanks, Dee Duxions Dear Dee, As we all […]
Best Holiday Gifts for Seniors
Dear Magic, I have a huge family, so every year, each of us chooses a person to buy gifts for. This year, I chose my 80-year-old great aunt, Mildred. I have no idea what to get her. I am pretty sure she has everything! Do you have any ideas for the best gifts for seniors […]
Many Hospice Workers Lack Their Own End-of-Life Directives
Dear Bebe, Hospice workers come into contact with people who are dying every day. I read recently that many of them don’t even have their own advance medical directives. Is this true? Seems like a no-brainer to me! Noah Directivs-Ovtherown — Dear Noah, What you read is correct. Many hospice care workers, who deal with […]
Caregiving for a Veteran
Dear Ribbit, My husband is an partially disabled veteran and I am his caregiver. Sometimes, it can be stressful, and I can use all the help, support, and educational resources I can get. A friend told me she thinks that there’s some type of program that offers “comprehensive assistance” for family members who provide […]
Connecting with Our Grandkids in the Digital Age
Dear Magic, Similar to most children these days, our grandchildren are really into their phones, tablets, and computers. My husband and I are reluctant, however, to use Facebook, texting, Skype, and to learn how apps work, because we’ve been fine without them for all this time. Also, we have a hard time using them. Is […]
Tips for Affordable Care Act Open Enrollment
Dear Magic, I will be shopping for 2018 health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) exchange. I can tell it’s going to be complicated this season, since it was shortened to just 45 days. Do you have any tips for this year’s open enrollment? Thanks, Paul Lissy-Shopin —- Dear Paul, Open Enrollment begins on […]
The CCC Program When You’re Already in a Nursing Home
Dear Angel, My mother received a letter in the mail about the mandatory Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC Plus) Medicaid Managed Care Program. However, she is in a nursing home. Can she remain living at her current nursing facility, and what if anything will change? Al Reddy-Thayer Dear Al, Commonwealth Coordinated Care Plus (CCC Plus) […]
Does Medicare Really Not Care About Long-Term Care?
Dear Bebe, I read in a couple of Mr. Farr’s blogs that Medicare doesn’t cover long-term care. I thought that it did cover some long-term care services. Can you clarify? Thanks! Metta Caire —- Dear Metta, Medicare pays for health care for people age 65 years and older, people under age 65 with certain disabilities, […]
Keeping Emotions Out of the Estate Planning Conversation
Dear Ribbit, I understand that discussing estate planning with adult children can be an emotionally charged conversation. However, I know it’s a critical topic to address with family members. In my situation, my daughter is very sensitive and has always thought my wife and I favor her brother. It’s not true. We honestly don’t favor one child over the other. We do, however, want to leave him certain things, such […]
When Will I Receive My Replacement Medicare Card Without my Social Security Number?
Dear Bebe, I heard Medicare will be replacing our current cards with cards that don’t have our Social Security number on them. Do you know the timeframe for getting a replacement card? Thanks, Ann Nucard — Dear Ann, You are correct. Medicare beneficiaries will be getting new ID cards soon that won’t carry their Social […]
Is Nursing Home Compare a Reliable Tool?
Dear Magic, My father’s Alzheimer’s is getting worse and he will likely need skilled nursing home care in the near future. I found Nursing Home Compare in a Google search. Can I rely on this resource to help me find the right nursing home for my dad? Thanks Bess Tome-Fordad —- Dear Bess, Nursing Home Compare […]
The High Stakes of Caregiver Stress
Dear Ribbit, My father has dementia, and right now, my mother is his primary caregiver. I could tell that she is extremely stressed in her role. I know that can’t be good for my father. Have there been any studies about how caregiver stress affects loved ones with dementia? Thanks for your help! Phil N. […]
Is There a Drug that Treats Aging?
Dear BeBe, I know you are an older cat at 17. I’m also getting old — way too quickly. There seems to be a pill for everything. Is there anything out there that can slow down aging? Thanks for your help! A. “Jing” Tufast — Dear Jing, There very well may be a drug to treat […]
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