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...]
How the CARES Act Helps Older Adults
Q. My husband owns a small business and recently the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) established by the CARES Act helped provide his business with funds to pay 10 weeks of payroll costs. This act pretty much saved his … [Read more...]
When a Pandemic Makes You Feel Like an Inmate
Mark, 82, moved into assisted living a month ago, just before the coronavirus pandemic. He needed more help than could be provided in his home by his daughter. He also wanted his daughter to have the opportunity to go back to work … [Read more...]
Will Getting a REAL ID be a REAL problem for Seniors Who Can’t Make it to the DMV?
Q. My mother is 73, lives in Virginia and doesn’t have any immediate travel plans, but her driver’s license has expired. She is housebound for the most part due to physical ailments and doesn’t drive. I have been hearing a lot … [Read more...]
Important Laws that Help Seniors May Soon Be Expiring
Q. I recently moved to the DC area to be closer to my children and grandchildren. I figured since I was in DC, I would follow government and public policy a little closer, mostly focusing on issues that affect seniors. I began … [Read more...]
Critter Corner: 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 … [Read more...]
What the ACA Verdict Means for Seniors
Q. I recently read that a federal court ruled to strike down the Affordable Care Act? Sounds kind of scary if you ask me. How is this going to affect seniors and people with disabilities? A.You are correct. US District Court … [Read more...]
Is the Charitable Tax Deduction Gone for 2018?
Q. I give to charities every year during the holiday season. However, I’m concerned about the ramifications of doing so this year with the new tax law. Can I give as I usually do and take tax deductions, or is there something … [Read more...]
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 … [Read more...]
Internet Scams Targeting the Elderly
Q. My Aunt Julie was recently the victim of tax-related fraud. She explained what happened and I knew right away that it was a scam targeting the elderly. Someone claiming to be from the IRS called her and told her that she owed … [Read more...]