Dear Raider, I want to talk about Estate Planning and inheritances with my family, as I believe that these are important topics. But before I do so, I want to get my family to communicate better in general. My husband brings his work home and works late, and my kids are doing their own things, […]
How Should You Discuss Trusts, Inheritances, and Stipulations with Children and Grandchildren?
Q. I will be leaving my eight grandchildren money in trusts and have certain stipulations and incentives I decided to include. I’d like to talk to them and their parents about it, but I am not sure how to broach the topic and have an effective conversation and keep family harmony. Do you have any […]
Approaching Dementia with Understanding, Acceptance, and Compassion
A year ago this week, I wrote about Katya De Luisa, a dementia educator, caregiver coach, and author of “Journey through the Infinite Mind – the Science and Spirituality of Dementia.” Besides being an art therapist who works with dementia patients, De Luisa writes books that are designed to inform, encourage, and empower those who […]
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 […]
Learning to “Speak Alzheimer’s”
Dear Angel, My mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s a couple of years ago. She used to be a college professor and is a brilliant woman. I began noticing that when someone hears of her Alzheimer’s, they ask me questions that she could very well still answer for herself. How can I convey to others that […]