In Diana Gabaldon’s book, “A Breath of Snow and Ashes,” one of the character’s mothers awoke at her own wake. She took notice of her uncomfortable coffin, lack of brooch that she hoped to wear when she was buried, and lack of food for guests. She sat up and admonished her son who was scared […]
A Moon Landing, an Anniversary, and a Reconciliation
Fifty years ago, Apollo 11 launched from Cape Kennedy carrying Commander Neil Armstrong, and lunar module pilots Michael Collins and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin to the first lunar orbit. Many of us remember Armstrong describing the event on television as “…one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.” A recent documentary was released […]
The State of Long-Term Care
Susan and Joe never thought that they would need long-term care. They were both healthy eaters, marathon runners, and world travelers. To their surprise, when Joe was 67 years old, he developed Parkinson’s. At first, it wasn’t too bad, and he continued enjoying his hobbies with his wife. But as his condition worsened, his motor […]
Is Alzheimer’s Linked to Gum Disease?
Barbara recently went for her semi-annual dental cleaning and check-up and was told she has gingivitis (gum disease). She wasn’t surprised, as she has had a history of tooth decay and gum disease since she was a child. She always took care of her teeth, but she was told she is “more susceptible” to such […]
Can Dementia Symptoms Come and Go?
Q. My husband, my kids, and I visited my mother this year for the holidays. Mom was diagnosed with dementia last year, so I took some of Magic the bunny’s advice from Critter Corner on how best to celebrate the holiday with her. We gave her space during the festivities, and for the most part, […]
Family Feuding Over the Power of Attorney Decision
Maddie was asked by her mother to assume the role of agent under her Power of Attorney, entrusting her to act on her mother’s behalf and to place her mother’s interests ahead of her own when the time comes. Maddie lives the closest to her mother and has proven to be both responsible and trustworthy. This […]
2019 Medicare Changes: New Elder Care Services May Be Added to Some Medicare Advantage Plans
Q. I read somewhere that lots of changes are on the horizon for Medicare Advantage plans in 2019. What are some of the new services being added, and when will I have an opportunity to change to a different plan that has more of what I need next year? Thanks for your help! — A. […]
How Can You Reduce Your Capital Gains Taxes?
Diane, at age 80, resides in the home she has lived in for nearly 40 years. When she initially purchased the home after her husband’s death, it cost only $25,000 (and she since put in $45,000 in improvements); today it’s worth at least $675,000. Diane’s only child, Michael, moved in with Diane several years ago […]
Should new Virginia residents Update their Out-of-State Estate Planning Documents?
Dear Ernie and Janette, I recently moved to Northern Virginia from Florida to be near my children and grandchildren. Although I really miss the warmer weather, I adore having family close by. I went to an estate planning attorney when I was in Florida and got all my documents done. Do I need to update […]
Taxes in the DMV Area For Retirees
Dear Bebe, My husband and I live in our family home in Northern Virginia, and are both recently retired. What state exemptions and deductions are available for retirees? Could you also tell me about Maryland and DC, since we have family and friends in both places. Thanks for your help! Virginia Seenyor —- Dear Virginia, […]
Why Am I Left in the Waiting Room?
Patricia Hardy Johnson was the mother of three daughters: Kathy Wolens, Deirdre Mistri, and Carol Alexander. Prior to her death, Patricia Johnson maintained several investment accounts with Citibank worth nearly $850,000 that were managed by Morgan Stanley Smith Barney (MSSB). Ten years ago when she fell ill, Ms. Johnson sent a typewritten letter to her […]
Veterans Benefits for Alzheimer’s and Dementia
Q. I read that Veterans who experienced brain trauma in the course of their service are at a 60% higher risk for developing dementia, while those who have experienced PTSD are twice as likely. My father is a Vietnam Veteran who suffers from PTSD. His family also has a history of dementia. With his risk […]
Will You be a Financial Burden to Your Adult Children?
Lois has a long history of money mismanagement, but she’s gotten much better about saving money as she’s gotten older. When her mother died, Lois inherited a modest sum, and was quite disciplined with the money. She didn’t buy the shoes she wanted or take the trip she desired. She wasn’t going to do those […]
Estate Planning for Every Stage of Life
Q. I am a middle age divorcee who lives in a condominium complex with people of all ages, some who rent and others who own. My next door neighbors are a 60-year-old couple who have been married for 35 years, and on the other side of me is a single mom with a daughter in […]
Yikes! Our Top 10 Scariest Articles of 2018
Believe it or not, in Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Special Needs Planning, there are some news stories that sound more like the scary plots of horror movies than real life. The topics can be so horrifying that suddenly, you need to turn on all the lights just to read the news stories and do […]
The 7 Stages of Alzheimer’s
Q. I recently heard that Sandra Day O’Connor, the first female Supreme Court Justice, announced that she has Alzheimer’s disease. Her son explained how she overcame so many obstacles in her life that she was convinced that she could power through Alzheimer’s as well, but sadly you can’t. He describes how she still loves having […]
2019 Key Elder Law Dollar Amounts
Every year we release the key dollar amounts that are frequently used in elder law, including Medicaid figures, long-term care insurance deductibility limits, Medicare premiums, Social Security Disability, and Supplemental Security Income. Since most of these figures have been released, we are happy to provide details on what has changed for the coming year. Be […]
What Older Voters are Focusing on in the Midterm Elections
Q. I’ve been voting since I was able to do so, which is more decades ago than I’d like to mention. After all, voting is a responsibility! I know that seniors like me care about a broad range of issues, not just those commonly associated with aging. Can you run through some of the issues […]
Things You May Not Know About Long-term Care
With nearly 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 every day from now until 2030, long-term care is a top concern of current and soon-to-be retirees, or at least it should be. You never know what sort of health issues life might throw at you, and even if you’re relatively wealthy […]
If You Collect Social Security, You’re Getting a “Raise!”
Q1. My husband and I rely on Social Security for about half of our monthly income. I heard that the cost-of-living adjustment announcement by the SSA is happening this week. Do you happen to know how the COLA is determined and how much they are raising it? Q2. Also, on the topic of Social Security, […]
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