Dear Hayek, I read that once a senior is declared incapacitated and has a guardian placed on him or her, it is really hard to terminate the situation. Is that really the case? I heard about some positive change … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: Supported Decision-Making Instead of Guardianship in DC
Posted on August 13, 2019 · Leave a Comment
Critter Corner: New Virginia Law Removes Age Cap on Autism Coverage
Posted on August 9, 2019 · Leave a Comment
Dear Magic, Our daughter, Rachael, has Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Since she was a toddler, we have been taking her for every early intervention therapy there is, including Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), speech, and … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: Tips and Resources for Fall Prevention
Posted on July 26, 2019 · Leave a Comment
Dear Hayek, My husband was diagnosed with Parkinson's a few years ago. I know that loss of mobility is one of the unfortunate symptoms of the debilitating disease, which often results in falls. Do you have any tips and … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: Making Your Legacy Letter Meaningful
Posted on June 28, 2019 · Leave a Comment
Dear Magic, I hope to pass down my values and beliefs to future generations as part of my Estate Planning documents. I heard about a Legacy Letter as a way to do so. I want to be prepared before I embark on my planning and I … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: What is a POLST Form and Does it Replace an Advance Directive?
Posted on June 21, 2019 · Leave a Comment
Dear Hayek, When reading about Advance Medical Directives, I saw something about a POLST form. What exactly is that, and if we have one, do we need an Advance Directive also? Thanks! Paul Stuh --- Dear Paul, A POLST … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: New Virginia Law Helps Seniors Who are Victims of Financial Exploitation
Posted on June 14, 2019 · Leave a Comment
Dear Magic, I have heard about many instances of financial exploitation of aged or incapacitated adults, including my uncle who suffers from mild cognitive impairment and doesn’t always make the best financial decisions. Are … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: How Much Should an Agent Under a Power of Attorney Be Paid?
Posted on June 7, 2019 · Leave a Comment
Dear Ernie and Jannette, Both my parents signed Power of Attorney documents naming my sister as their financial agent. They now both have dementia and live in an assisted living facility. My sister wants to pay herself to do … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: What Can Go Wrong if You Handwrite Your Own Will?
Posted on May 31, 2019 · Leave a Comment
Dear Angel, My husband insists on us writing our own Wills. He said that handwritten Wills are legal in Virginia and that we don’t need help from an attorney. Is this correct, and if so, can you tell me some of the things that … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: Choosing a Guardian for Our Children
Posted on May 24, 2019 · Leave a Comment
Dear Hayek, We have young children and are considering doing a Child Protection Plan for each of them. We know we need to name guardians for our children, should we die or become incapacitated. The problem is that I cannot … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: How to Make a Smart Phone Easier to Read for a Senior
Posted on May 17, 2019 · Leave a Comment
Dear Bebe, I recently bought my mother a smart phone for her birthday. I figured it would be a great way for her to communicate with the grandchildren, and to have in case of an emergency. There are also some great … [Read more...]
