Beware of fraudulent offers for COVID-19 testing from door-to-door, grocery store, telephone and mail order offerings— It is probably a scam! Lawrence, MA: The Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol (MA SMP) Program warns the public to be wary of anyone other than a...
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Alternative ways to attend worship services
Q: I am a person of deep faith. Churches are closed which is leaving many individuals with a sense of loss. Regardless of which religion a person follows, how can someone stay in touch with their beliefs when no longer able to attend services? A: The pandemic our...
Correct in postponing bridge group
Q: I belong to a bridge card group that meets twice a month. Last week most of the members decided we should hold off on getting together for awhile in consideration of each other's health. One member thought we were over-reacting. Were we right in making this...
Do I really need a colonoscopy
Q: I have a group of friends who have a lot in common. We are all in our mid-seventies, active and in fairly good shape. None of us have any chronic medical conditions other than arthritis. Two of us are soon due for a colonoscopy which neither of us are looking...
Legislative Proclamation for Hoarding Disorder Awareness Week Signed for 2020
For a second year in a row, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker has signed a legislative proclamation, declaring May 25 – 29, 2020 to be Hoarding Disorder Awareness Week. The legislative Proclamation came into existence due to the diligence of Eileen Dacey,(MSW,...
Pets can benefit elder owners
Q: My elderly mother's dog passed away several months ago. She sometimes forgets the dog is no longer here and she gets very upset when she can't find him. I think it would be a good idea to get her a new pet but my other siblings disagree. They are concerned walking...
How a Grandchild Can Receive Social Security Disability Benefits Under Their Grandparents’ Benefits
Nationally there are more than 3 million grandparents who are raising and financially supporting their grandchildren, and that number is increasing every year. Grandparents who are receiving either Social Security disability benefits or Social Security retirement...
Dividing assets among siblings
Q: Over the last several years my parents would talk with me and my siblings, asking if there was any specific items in the house we wanted. They met with an attorney and put the house and investments in a trust. Unfortunately they never passed on the list regarding...
What should we consider, when moving after retirement?
Q: My husband and I will be able to retire within the next two years. Our children are grown and living in other areas of the country. We have talked at great length and have decided we want to move but have no idea where we should go. What should we consider when...
Isolation due to weather can lead to a host of problems
Q: I am in my seventies, live alone, am healthy and stay active for most of the year. The problem I face is living in a rural area that tends to almost "shut down" every time a heavy snow storm hits. When several days pass without being able to get out of the house I...