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 occupational therapy. We are thankful that these are mostly covered by insurance, or we’d likely be broke. Rachael is in middle […]
Tips and Resources for Fall Prevention
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 resources you can recommend to help me read ahead about fall prevention? Thanks! Mo Bilitee — […]
Making Your Legacy Letter Meaningful
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 want it to be more meaningful than just a […]
What is a POLST Form and Does it Replace an Advance Directive?
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 (Physician Order for Life-Sustaining Treatment) form is a medical order for the specific medical treatments you […]
New Virginia Law Helps Seniors Who are Victims of Financial Exploitation
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 there any state laws to help protect them? Thanks! Hal Pimm — Dear Hal, Virginia recently passed legislation to help protect […]
How Much Should an Agent Under a Power of Attorney Be Paid?
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 things like take them to the doctor, pick up their prescriptions, do some occasional shopping, and […]
What Can Go Wrong if You Handwrite Your Own Will?
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 can go wrong if you write your own Will by hand, […]
Choosing a Guardian for Our Children
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 think of anyone who would be right to assume the role. Our parents on both […]
How to Make a Smart Phone Easier to Read for a Senior
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 apps to challenge her brain, to track medication intake, and to keep better […]
Do Caregivers Have a Higher Life-Expectancy?
Dear Magic, I read somewhere that caregivers have a higher life-expectancy than non-caregivers. With all of the stress that goes into caregiving, how can this be true? Thanks for your help! Liv Longer — Dear Liv, What you read is true! Studies show that by helping others, we’re actually helping ourselves, too. There is Great […]
Dispelling Myths About Medicaid
Dear Angel, I have heard several things about Medicaid, and I wanted to see if they are true. One thing that I’ve been told is that Medicare will cover my health care costs, including long-term care. Another is that you need to be broke to qualify. Lastly, my understanding is that I could give up […]
Why Am I No Longer Getting My Social Security Benefits Statement?
Dear Hayek, I used to receive a document in the mail from the Social Security Administration every year that explained my benefits. I haven’t seen one in a long-time. Is this something that they eliminated, and if so, how can I access this information? I am 56 years old and planning for early retirement. Thanks […]
Can an Eye Exam Predict Alzheimer’s?
Dear Ernie and Janette, I read somewhere that a simple eye exam can predict whether or not someone will get Alzheimer’s. Is this true? Thanks! Cici Cleary — Dear Cici, You are correct. It may be possible to accurately screen patients for Alzheimer’s using a simple eye exam in the not-so-distant future, according to new […]
Has Mom’s Social Security Number Been Suspended or Cancelled?
Dear Magic, The phone rings a lot at my mother’s house (she has quite the social life for a 90-year old woman!) One call she received the other day sounded official to her, she explained to me, but she couldn’t get to the phone in time. A person from the “Judiciary Department” left a message […]
Gift Tax Limit for 2019
Dear Magic, Our daughter is getting married, and she and her fiancé are buying a home. She asked if my wife and I could contribute what we would pay for a wedding ($30,000) towards a home instead, since she only wants a simple exchange of vows at the courthouse. When it comes to taxes, what […]
How Do I Know if Assisted Living is Right for My Dad?
Dear Ernie and Jannette, My father is considering assisted living. He wants me to help him choose a facility. I honestly don’t know where to begin or if assisted living is even right for him. How can I know? Thanks!Anita Knowmore—Dear Anita, Determining if assisted living is right and choosing an assisted living community for […]
Why Should I Bother with Estate Planning?
Dear Bebe, My mom keeps telling my wife and I that we should make an appointment to get our estate planning done. I am in my early 40’s and in good health, and have a 10 year old child. Why should I think about estate planning now? Please convince me that I need it and […]
Did Karl Lagerfeld Just Leave $210 Million to His Cat?
Dear Angel, I heard that Karl Lagerfeld, Chanel’s late artistic director, left the bulk of his £150 million fortune (approximately $210 million dollars according to today’s exchange rate) to his cat, Choupette. It makes me wish that I was her (the cat!) I have a beautiful, loyal, sweet, and smart labradoodle named Chewy, who I […]
How Does the Tax Act Change Things for Seniors?
Dear Magic, I am working on my 2018 taxes now. I understand that the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act is in effect for this year’s taxes. How does this tax reform affect U.S. citizens ages 65 and older? Any financial credits still available for family caregivers? Thanks! Chan Jess—Dear Chan, The new tax laws are […]
Questions to Ask at a Family Meeting
Dear Ernie and Jannette, My wife and I have a family meeting planned where we will be discussing senior housing and end-of–life options for her mother, who is in the initial stage of Alzheimer’s, so now is a good time to figure out the best way to proceed. I know with all of the different […]
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