Dear Kiwi and Mango, The holidays are my favorite time of year. This year, my family will exchange gifts as normal, but we are realizing that we have way too many things. We are a bit late for this year, but in the future, we’d like to do something a little different as a family […]
The Best Holiday Gifts for Nursing Home Residents
Dear Hayek, This year is my mother-in-law’s first Christmas in a nursing home. What are some thoughtful gift ideas to brighten her holidays, and what are some things we should keep in mind when shopping for her? Thanks so much for your help! Hollie Daise — Dear Hollie, Happy holidays! As you know, your time […]
How to Talk to a Child or Grandchild about a Loved One’s Dementia
Q. My father, who has Alzheimer’s, is coming to stay with us for the holidays this year. My children, who are 7, 10, and 13, saw him last year, but his symptoms have gotten a lot more severe since then. We didn’t say anything then because we didn’t think they’d understand. Now, we feel like […]
Happy Holidays from the Farr Law Firm
Is Mom Okay? Things to Look Out for When You Visit for the Holidays
Q. My siblings and our families are going to spend Christmas this year with our mother at our family home in Virginia Beach. She lives alone with her dog, Rascal. Since Thanksgiving, the last couple of times I called her, she seemed a little out of it, but insists everything is okay. I checked with […]
What Are Some Holiday Gifts That My Grandparents Would Enjoy?
Dear Commander Bun Bun, Every year, I find it hard to find gifts for my grandparents. I used to buy books for them, but their eyesight is declining. Do you have any suggestions you can share? Thanks! Chris Mass-Giffs —- Dear Chris, Grandparents are special and they play a major role in our lives, so […]
Happy Holidays from The Farr Law Firm
Will Christmas Gifts Disqualify Grandma?
Q. My grandmother is really excited about Christmas this year. In the spirit of the season, she is considering making a truly meaningful gift of $5,000 to the local animal shelter, and giving another $5,000 to her church. She also told me that she will be giving my husband and me $2,000 for a backyard […]
Happy Holidays From The Farr Law Firm!
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 […]
Reducing Holiday Stress for Seniors & Caregivers
Mary Ellen’s father, Hal, suffers from dementia and his health is declining rapidly. Her husband travels often and her mother recently had knee replacement surgery and has trouble getting around. Every night after work, she drops her children off at dance, tae kwon do, or soccer, and goes over to her parents’ house to help […]