Seniors

Dear Savvy Senior, What’s the best way to distribute my personal possessions to my kids after I’m gone without causing hard feelings or conflict? I have a lot of jewelry, art, family heirlooms and antique furniture, and three grown kids that don’t always see eye-to-eye on things. Planning Ahead Dear Planning, Divvying up personal possessions…

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Dear Savvy Senior, What tips can you recommend to help make a home safer for aging-in-place? My 76-year-old mother wants to stay living in her own home for as long as possible, but she doesn’t have the money for any big renovations. Concerned Son Dear Concerned, There are dozens of small adjustments and simple modifications…

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NewsUSA Joanne C. was 74 when she had a stroke two years ago that left her paralyzed on the entire right side of her body. She refused to accept that she’d end up in a wheelchair and began rehabilitation, determined to get her life and body back to where it was before her stroke. Joanne’s…

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Dear Savvy Senior, Are there any financial assistance programs that can help grandparents who are raising their grandkids? I’m raising two grandchildren and could use some help. Struggling Grandma Dear Struggling, Money is often an issue for the millions of U.S. grandparents who are raising their grandchildren today. To help with the day-to-day expenses, there…

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Dear Savvy Senior, Since retiring a few years ago, my husband has become increasingly irritable and apathetic. I’m concerned that he’s depressed, even though he may not admit it. Where can we turn to get help with this, and what, if anything, does Medicare pay for? Concerned Spouse Dear Concerned, Depression is unfortunately a widespread…

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Making the most of Medicare Open Enrollment   Family Features Eating well and regular exercise are part of a healthy lifestyle, and so is making sure you have the right health care coverage. Medicare’s annual Open Enrollment period is a good time to review your current coverage and decide if there may be a better…

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Dear Savvy Senior What can you tell me about assistance dogs for people with disabilities? My sister, who’s 58, has multiple sclerosis and I’m wondering if an assistance dog could help make her life a little easier. Inquiring Sister Dear Inquiring For people with disabilities and even medical conditions, assistant dogs can be fantastic help,…

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BPT Caring for someone with Alzheimer’s or other dementias is exceptionally demanding, and especially challenging. The caregiving needs of people living with Alzheimer’s are not only often more extensive, but are often needed over many years – even decades. A recent survey by the Alzheimer’s Association indicates many caregivers are not getting the help and…

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Dear Savvy Senior, What are the eligibility requirements to get Medicaid coverage for nursing home care? Caregiving Daughter Dear Caregiving, The rules and requirements for Medicaid eligibility for nursing home care are complicated and will vary according to the state where your parent lives. With that said, here’s a general, simplified rundown of what it…

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Dear Savvy Senior, How do I find an old 401(k) that I think I contributed money to at a former employer? Approaching Retirement Dear Approaching, If you think you may have lost track of a 401(k) retirement account, you aren’t alone. As Americans jump from job to job, many leave scraps of their company sponsored…

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