Adult children often struggle to begin a conversation about finances with an aging loved one. For many families, financial matters were never discussed in front of “the children.” As a senior loved one gets older or begins to experience health problems, however, these conversations become increasingly more important. In the event of a crisis, would… Read more »
Dear Jane, Since my father’s recent passing, my mother is no longer able to live alone. She was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease about a year ago. Although she takes medication for high blood pressure and cholesterol, she’s otherwise in good health. This winter, she did catch the flu that was going around Central Ohio and had to be admitted… Read more »
Dear Cassie: My father will be having hip replacement surgery later this month. I’m trying to figure out how much a nursing and rehab center will cost and how much of it his Medicare will pay for? He lives in Central Ohio just outside Columbus. Can you help? It all seems so confusing! Renee Dear… Read more »
Dear Regina: I went home to visit my mother in the Columbus area over the holidays. It was my first in-person visit with her since last spring. Besides losing weight, she seemed a little disorganized and nervous during my stay. I’m not sure if this is just normal aging or signs that she needs help… Read more »
Dear Kara: My mother’s health has been steadily declining over the last few years. While she doesn’t have any life-limiting illnesses, she has a number of small health concerns. They have caused her to struggle with mobility and stamina. She is also a little bit confused at times. We have gradually begun making many of… Read more »
I was diagnosed with Osteoarthritis two years ago. I’ve been trying to find ways to manage it since then. It seems like I will be fine one day and then in pain the next. I would like to find a few natural treatment methods that help so I don’t have to resort to prescription medication…. Read more »
Your patient requires skilled nursing care, but the family has no resources and is unsure how to cover the costs for it. What can you tell them? Medicare Coverage of Skilled Nursing Care Your patient must meet the following criteria before Medicare will cover their care in a skilled nursing facility: They have Part A Medicare with… Read more »
Dear Janet: My father suffered a stroke three months ago. While he is doing remarkably well, I’m not sure how safe he is driving. My mom won’t really talk about it, but I sense she is afraid of his driving since the stroke. I took a look at their car when I visited their Columbus… Read more »
If you chose to spend time visiting a senior loved one at their home over the holidays, you may find yourself wondering how safe they are living alone. Adult children often find themselves in the position of trying to evaluate an older family member’s home environment for safety. Do the stairs have strong handrails? Is… Read more »
