Dear Angel, My grandmother, who lives in California, indicated in her Advance Medical Directive that when she dies, she wants to be cremated and scattered with my grandfather at their favorite spot in Virginia. Is it possible to fly with cremated remains or send them in the mail? Thanks, Flynn W. Ashes — Dear Flynn, […]
Celebrating July 4th With a Loved One Who Has Dementia
Dear Commander Bun Bun, Every year, our neighborhood has a big July 4th celebration, with a fireworks display and a picnic. This year, my mother moved into our home and she has dementia. Do you have any recommendations for celebrating the 4th with someone with dementia? Thanks! Indy Pendens-Daye — Dear Indy, The July 4th […]
What are some of the free preventative health services provided under the Affordable Care Act (ACA)?
Dear Angel, I heard the good news about yesterday’s ruling that the ACA is here to stay. Can you tell me about some of the preventative health services I am eligible for under the ACA? Thanks, Anita Call Adocta —– Dear Anita, The ACA mandates expanded preventive health services for all Americans, including Medicare beneficiaries. […]
8 Things You Can Do to Prevent Elder Abuse
Dear Commander Bun Bun, I heard that elder abuse can include physical, financial, emotional, or psychological abuse, or abandonment and neglect, and am alarmed at how common it is. What are some ways to prevent elder abuse in my family and in the community? Best, Anita Stoppitt —- Dear Anita, Every year an estimated 5 million older Americans are victims of elder […]
What are a Trustee’s Responsibilities?
Dear Angel, My mother, Alice, asked me to be the successor trustee for her Revocable Living Trust. Before I accept the responsibility, I want to know more about what it entails. Do you know about the duties of a trustee and can you briefly describe them? Thanks! Watson Volved —- Dear Watson, Having been asked […]
Want to lower your risk for Alzheimer’s? Babysit your grandkids!
Dear Commander Bun Bun, I take care of my 3 year old grandson, Jake, every day, and boy does he keep me moving. I read somewhere that spending time with grandchildren can help stave off Alzheimer’s. Have you heard anything about this? B.Z. Nanna —– Dear B.Z., Grandchildren keep seniors joyful and active. And you […]
Services for Family Caregivers of Post 9/11 Veterans
Dear Baxter,I am a caregiver for my mother, who is a post-9/11 veteran and sustained a traumatic brain injury in the line of duty. Do you know of any benefits for caregivers in my situation?Thanks, Karen Forr-Mahero —– Dear Karen, Please thank your mother for her service to our country, and thanks to you for […]
Ask the Expert: VA to Offer One-Stop Website for Veteran’s Benefits
Q. My father, Joe, is a Vietnam veteran. He gets frustrated and confused when he tries to navigate all the veteran’s benefits websites and figure out what he may be eligible for. Even the VA Website doesn’t have everything he needs, and he has had bad experiences calling them, sitting on hold, getting transferred to […]
Protecting My Mother from Scams
Dear Angel, I recently visited my 80-year old mother, who is in the early stages of dementia. I noticed boxes of items that were mailed to her, including tons of magazines about body building and deep sea fishing (both of which don’t interest her), and a pile of sweepstakes she entered. I would like to […]
What Happens When Seniors Can No Longer Care for Their Pets?
Dear Angel, My miniature poodle, Moose, and my cat, Scooter, have been my constant companions since my husband died six years ago. They are the only warm blooded creatures that really depend on me. My dog and I usually take a two hour walk every day and I spend hours at night brushing and petting […]
Local High School Student Invents App to Identify Signs of Parkinson’s
Dear Baxter, My mother was taking pictures at my daughter’s birthday party, and felt shaky holding the camera. This has happened in other instances, also. Recently, she’s complained that her muscles are stiff, and her balance has been off. Do you know of any apps that can help identify whether or not she should be concerned about Parkinson’s? […]
Do I need to file taxes for a deceased relative?
Dear Commander Bun Bun, My mother passed away in 2014, and I am the executor for her estate. I typically wait until the last minute to file my taxes. Even though she is no longer with us, do I need to file taxes for her, as well? Thanks for your help! Filene Taxus ——— Dear […]
Apps for those with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
Dear Saki and Alley, My daughter with ASD often gets frustrated when playing on the iPad, because some of the apps are too fast paced, or she doesn’t understand them. Do you know of any apps that someone with ASD could enjoy? Thanks! Honor Tablett — Dear Honor, Saki and Alley no longer live at the office. They […]
Technology to Help Seniors Age-in-Place Safely
Dear Commander Bun Bun, My mother, Shirley, is in her 80’s and living alone. Recently, she reluctantly agreed to wear a device that allows her to call for help if she fell. It gives my brother and me a sense of security to know she has it, but I was told by friends and other […]
Alzheimer’s Accountability Act Signed Into Law
Dear Ernie and Jannette, I heard that the Alzheimer’s Accountability Act was signed into law recently as part of a federal funding bill. Does this mean more money for Alzheimer’s research? Thanks! Nida Cure-Now — Dear Nida, Sadly, Jannette has gone to froggie heaven, so it is just me answering your question. – Ernie Alzheimer’s is […]
Pooled Special Needs Trusts
Dear Commander Bun Bun, I am considering a pooled special needs trust (managed by a non-profit organization) for my daughter, Shannon, who is intellectually disabled. What are some of the benefits and limitations? Thanks, Sheena Eads-Attrust —– Dear Sheena, Pooled third-party trusts are an alternative to setting up your own special needs trust if you […]
What is Partnership Qualified Long-Term Care Insurance?
Dear Saki and Alley,I heard about Virginia’s Partnership Qualified Long-Term Care Insurance. Can you tell me more about it as part of a Medicaid Asset Protection Plan? Thanks! L.T. Cayre —– Dear L.T., Virginia’s Long-Term Care Insurance Partnership Program allows consumers to obtain Long-Term Care (LTC) Insurance as part of a Medicaid Asset Protection Plan, […]
Meditation has Many Benefits for Seniors
Dear Commander Bun Bun, My neighbor, Shirley, meditates every day. She says it helps with several aspects of her health, including retaining memories. Do you know anything about this? Anita Relax — Dear Anita, Meditation has been scientifically proven in many studies to be an effective tool for mental, physical, and emotional senior health. In fact, many […]
Can You Claim a Pet as a Dependent?
Dear Baxter, My dog, Rover, is like a child to me. He is cute, loveable, and playful, and like a human child, relies on me for support. Vet bills, food, cleanup, and repairs caused by damage, have cost a lot of money this past year. Am I allowed to claim him as a dependent on […]
Spending Forever with Your Pet
Dear Saki and Alley, I am very attached to my cat, Jessie. We have been through thick and thin together. When I die, I would like to be buried with her. Is this a possibility? Love, Mike Att-Forever —————– Dear Mike, 62% of households own and love pets, including cats, dogs, birds, fish and more. When it comes […]