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where my mother, Marcia (85), who has dementia, resides called and said that she stopped eating and seems depressed and withdrawn.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...]

Virginia Allocates $246 million to Help Long-term Care Facilities After COVID-19 Pandemic

At a retirement community in Springfield, the last scheduled event that Lea (88) attended was a Valentine’s Day dance in February. Since then, there have been no more potluck dinners, card games, special outings, or other social … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: 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 … [Read more...]

Keeping Seniors Safe as Things Reopen

Q. My granddaughter, Hailey, called the other day and she sounded happier than she has been in months. Her small business and other stores and restaurants in the DC Area are beginning to reopen starting today (Friday, 5/29). She … [Read more...]

Should Nursing Homes Reopen to Visitors?

Q. My mother, Betty, is in a nursing home in Richmond. Although she has advanced dementia, I could tell that she always enjoyed our family’s visits. Her face always brightened when she saw me, my wife, and her grandchildren. She … [Read more...]

Critter Corner: New Fairfax County Grocery Shopping and Pharmacy Pick-up Service for Older Adults

Dear Magic,My 85-year-old neighbor, Ruth, goes to the supermarket, but not often. Even with her facemask and rubber gloves, she doesn’t want to risk anything. She is not technologically savvy, so she cannot order online. I’ve … [Read more...]

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