Dear Angel, I recently visited my 80-year old mother, who is in the early stages of dementia. I noticed boxes of items that were mailed to her, including tons of magazines about body building and deep sea fishing (both of which don’t interest her), and a pile of sweepstakes she entered. I would like to […]
What Happens When Seniors Can No Longer Care for Their Pets?
Dear Angel, My miniature poodle, Moose, and my cat, Scooter, have been my constant companions since my husband died six years ago. They are the only warm blooded creatures that really depend on me. My dog and I usually take a two hour walk every day and I spend hours at night brushing and petting […]
Local High School Student Invents App to Identify Signs of Parkinson’s
Dear Baxter, My mother was taking pictures at my daughter’s birthday party, and felt shaky holding the camera. This has happened in other instances, also. Recently, she’s complained that her muscles are stiff, and her balance has been off. Do you know of any apps that can help identify whether or not she should be concerned about Parkinson’s? […]
Apps for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Dear Saki and Alley, My daughter with ASD often gets frustrated when playing on the iPad, because some of the apps are too fast paced, or she doesn’t understand them. Do you know of any apps that someone with ASD could enjoy? Thanks! Honor Tablett — Dear Honor, Saki and Alley no longer live at the office. They […]
Technology to Help Seniors Age-in-Place Safely
Dear Commander Bun Bun, My mother, Shirley, is in her 80’s and living alone. Recently, she reluctantly agreed to wear a device that allows her to call for help if she fell. It gives my brother and me a sense of security to know she has it, but I was told by friends and other […]
Alzheimer’s Accountability Act Signed Into Law
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 […]
Pooled Special Needs Trusts
Dear Commander Bun Bun, I am considering a pooled special needs trust (managed by a non-profit organization) for my daughter, Shannon, who is intellectually disabled. What are some of the benefits and limitations? Thanks, Sheena Eads-Attrust —– Dear Sheena, Pooled third-party trusts are an alternative to setting up your own special needs trust if you […]
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, […]
Meditation has Many Benefits for Seniors
Dear Commander Bun Bun, My neighbor, Shirley, meditates every day. She says it helps with several aspects of her health, including retaining memories. Do you know anything about this? Anita Relax — Dear Anita, Meditation has been scientifically proven in many studies to be an effective tool for mental, physical, and emotional senior health. In fact, many […]
Can You Claim a Pet as a Dependent?
Dear Baxter, My dog, Rover, is like a child to me. He is cute, loveable, and playful, and like a human child, relies on me for support. Vet bills, food, cleanup, and repairs caused by damage, have cost a lot of money this past year. Am I allowed to claim him as a dependent on […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Holiday Tips for Parents of a Special Needs Child
Dear Saki and Alley, I recently got remarried and we are going to my sister’s house for the holidays. My new stepson, Sean, is autistic and doesn’t do well with new places or changes to his routine. Do you have any suggestions for how I can help my new husband make the holidays a happy […]
Will Medicaid Pay for Assisted Living?
Dear Baxter, My father is in the early stages of dementia, and is considering assisted living. If my father is eligible, does Medicaid cover assisted living, or only nursing home care? Thanks for your help! Anita Sistance — Dear Anita, Assisted living has become an increasingly popular alternative to nursing care when our aging loved ones […]
Tech Gifts for Grandma
Dear Commander Bun Bun, The holidays are upon us. Since you are the pet who is known to be the most tech savvy at the firm, do you have any ideas for devices that I can buy for my technologically-challenged (but learning) grandmother, Alice? Thanks for your help, Holly Day-Schopper —- Dear Holly, […]
MIT AgeLab’s Amazing Innovations for Seniors
Picture: Inside the MIT AgeLab, from telematicswire.net In 1900, life expectancy was just under 50. Today, people are living well into their 80’s, 90’s, and beyond. How can we make the most of the “bonus 30 years” we now have? According to the MIT AgeLab in Boston, MA, “longevity requires new thinking.” The MIT AgeLab was […]
Updating Estate Planning Documents
Dear Ernie and Jannette, The last time I updated my estate planning documents was in 2003. Since then, both my children have gotten married and I have five grandchildren. I also bought a second home in Florida. Given these life changing events, should I be updating my estate planning documents? Best regards, Maksim Changes-Twomydocs […]