Medicare Open Enrollment: What Changed in Response to the Coronavirus?

Q. I know that the Medicare Open Enrollment Period starts next month. Have there been any changes that I should know about in response to the coronavirus? Do you have any tips for Open Enrollment? This is my first one. Thanks for … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: 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 … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: 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 … [Read more...]

How Virginia, Maryland, and DC are Using Strike Teams to Combat COVID-19 in Nursing Homes

As of August 31, 2020, there are over 6 million cases of COVID-19 in the US and 183,000 people have died. There are many horrific tragedies that have occurred over the past six months, but one of the worst is how coronavirus … [Read more...]

More Caregivers are Experiencing Increased Burnout During Coronavirus Pandemic

Q. I have been the primary caregiver for my father with dementia for three years now. It was stressful before, but now even more so because of the pandemic.My new emotions deal with fear and anxiety over the virus and guilt … [Read more...]

Choosing a Nursing Home for a Loved One During the Coronavirus Pandemic

Q. My mother has dementia and seems to be declining rapidly. Her needs are becoming more than my father and I, and a nurse’s aide, can handle at home. We’ve decided the time has come to consider nursing home care. All of the news … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: 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 … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: 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 … [Read more...]

Now May Be a Good Time to withdraw $100K from Your Retirement Accounts, Penalty-Free!

Q. My wife, Patty, and I are in our late 50’s and have been hit hard by COVID-19. Luckily, neither of us got the virus, but financially, we have been struggling. I got furloughed from my job and Patty teaches yoga, and the yoga … [Read more...]

Virginia, Maryland, and DC Now Allow Visitors in Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

Q. Last month, we had a scare when the nursing home where my mother, Marcia (85), who has dementia, resides called and said that she stopped eating and seems depressed and withdrawn. Although she doesn’t quite know who we are, my … [Read more...]

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