Dear Magic, My grandpa, Steve, is in the early stages of Alzheimer’s. Recently a friend that he grew up with came to visit. They told stories and shared memories of when my grandpa was a teenager. He remembered some of them vividly and was even able to recall the name of his dog. Yet, […]
What is the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment for 2021?
Dear Oakley, What is the Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment for 2021, and how is COLA calculated? Thanks so much! Maura Monney — Dear Maura, The Social Security Administration announced this week that the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for benefits in 2021 will be 1.3%. For the average retirement benefit, that amounts to just a […]
What New Technology Can Help My Mother Age-in-Place Safely?
Dear Magic, In the past, you’ve published lots of articles on aging-in-place technology. My mother is aging-in-place and I worry about her, since we try not to visit her due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Are there any new technologies we can purchase for her for peace of mind and to help keep her safe, since […]
Things to Keep in Mind When Planning for Your Pet
Dear Angel, I have five children: two humans, two dogs and a cat. That’s right, I consider my pets as my children. I plan to meet with Mr. Farr to plan for them all. I’m just wondering: what are some things to keep in mind when planning for pets? Thanks for you help! […]
Does COVID-19 Have Any Connection to Parkinson’s Disease?
Dear Hayek, My uncle, Ronnie, died of complications from Parkinson’s Disease last year. He suffered for a long time with deteriorating mobility, speech issues, and inability to swallow. Eventually, he was diagnosed with dementia and succumbed to his illnesses. It was sad watching him, and now I am concerned about something I heard–that coronavirus may […]
Social Security Strategies for Solo Agers
Dear Angel, I am 61 and considering whether to take my Social Security benefits next year or to wait. I am single and don’t have any children. Do you have any tips for someone in my situation? Thanks for your help! Earl Lee-Orwaite — Dear Earl, Many seniors wonder whether to take Social Security benefits […]
Grandparents Are Experiencing Better Emotional Well-Being Than Others During The Pandemic
Dear Magic, My grandmother lives alone in a rural part of Virginia. We are concerned about her emotional well-being during the coronavirus pandemic, but don’t want to visit in fear of bringing germs to her home. I hear that older people are managing the best out of everyone on the mental and emotional front. Have […]
Things I Wish I’d Known Before I Became a Caregiver
Dear Hayek, My mother, who has dementia, is moving in with me. Is there anything I should know before I embark upon this new role? Thanks for your help! Thanks! Juana Knowe —- Dear Juana, It is very kind of you to care for your mother with dementia in your home, and understandable that you […]
Should We Leave Our Money to Our Children Outright?
Dear Magic, My wife and I are planning to do our estate planning soon. We want to leave our money, property and valuables to our children. They are teenagers now. What’s the best way to do so? Should we leave our money to our children outright or is a trust a better option? Thanks for […]
Virginia’s Nursing Homes Prepare for New Testing Requirement
Dear Angel, My father is in a nursing home in Spotsylvania County. I am concerned about his safety during the coronavirus pandemic. One concern is staff coming to work sick or asymptomatic, which happened in a nursing home where his friend resides. How often are Virginia nursing homes supposed to conduct testing of staff? Thanks […]
Extra Financial Assistance for Caregivers at This Time
Dear Oakley, I am a caregiver for my aunt who has dementia, and who is also a veteran. I used to work part-time in addition to caregiving, but lost my job during the COVID-19 pandemic. Do you know of any extra financial assistance programs during this time? Thanks for your help! Keir Giver — Dear […]
Protecting Our Daughter’s Inheritance If She Gets Divorced
Dear Magic, Our daughter got married a couple years ago, but she doesn’t seem happy. Her husband goes out a lot, drinks too much, and gambles regularly. He also spends nearly every dollar he brings in. We have a sizable inheritance to leave to our daughter and we want to protect it from him and […]
Are Teachers and Other Frontline Workers Rushing to Do Estate Planning?
Dear Ernie and Jannette, I recently saw in many publications, including CNN and Newsweek, that teachers and other frontline workers (including dental hygienists, flight attendants, and others) are rushing to do estate planning. Have you found this to be the case? I am a first-grade teacher who may have to go back soon (maybe not […]
Keeping Your Brain Healthy
Dear Magic, I have read that early-onset dementia has become a lot more prevalent. I am concerned because I am 52 and very forgetful. I know there is no known way to prevent dementia from happening, if it’s going to happen. But what are some things I can do to keep my brain healthy for […]
When a Loved One or Pet is Distressed by Fireworks
Dear Hayek, Tomorrow is the 4th of July and despite the coronavirus, I heard that our new neighbors will be putting on a big fireworks display. I’m concerned about my husband, who has dementia, and our senior dog, Hodge. What are some ways to deal with firework distress on the 4th of July? Thanks for […]
Charitable Giving During the 2020 Tax Season
Dear Ernie and Jannette, We want to support our favorite local charities and small businesses as much as we can while they are reviving themselves from all the changes in their business environments. We would like to give now, but are wondering if the CARES Act or the new landscape of Required Minimum Distributions change […]
Futuristic Post-Pandemic Changes Coming to Senior Living?
Dear Angel, With the spread of COVID-19 in nursing homes and assisted living facilities, and the danger it poses to residents, some things need to change now and for the future. What changes are being implemented and/or planned? Thanks! Chan Jess — Dear Chan, While it’s uncertain how or when the COVID-19 pandemic will end, […]
Fairfax County Offers Virtual Senior Center for Active Seniors
Dear Oakley, I am 80 years old, but still very active. Before the pandemic, I used to enjoy taking exercise classes, attending seminars on topics of interest, touring historical sites, and interactingwith other seniors. I know things are starting to open up again, but I don’t feel comfortable leaving my home yet. My granddaughter showed […]
“Grandkids on Demand” Help with Loneliness
Dear Magic, Maury, a man I used to work with, is in his 90’s and lives alone. I touched base with him recently over the phone, and I can tell he has been lonely during the pandemic. He always told me how he wished he had gotten married, so he could have children and grandchildren […]
Resources for Veterans (and others) with PTSD During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Dear Hayek, My father is a veteran with PTSD who is being cared for at home by my mother. I know the COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t been easy on them, having to stay at home all time and not being able to see their grandchildren in person. What can my mom do to help my dad […]
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