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 who should inherit which possessions and…
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 choosing a…
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…
Talk about end-of-life decisions with loved ones
Q: I was surprised to learn my stepmother does not have an advance directive. Several years ago she had to make difficult decisions when my father was dying, she was his Health Care Power of Attorney. I can’t understand why she hasn’t taken the same steps to make sure her wishes are honored since she…
Sometimes a white lie can help
Q: Our family and my mother’s physician have determined it would be best to move her to a memory care facility. Over the past year her physical health has deteriorated and confusion has increased. I have already mentioned this to her but she had no reaction to the news. She either did not understand what…
Massachusetts is expanding several Medicare Savings Programs also known as “MassHealth Buy-in” programs
Q: My wife and I have incurred considerable medical debts over the past two years. Most of our savings have been depleted trying to pay all the bills. We have limited funds coming in every month but seem to be just over the income guidelines for most subsidy programs. We have cut back as much…
What can I do when an emergency response system is refused?
Q: My children and I are concerned about my stepmother. She continues to live in her own home alone since my father passed away. She still appears to be mentally sharp but has had falls in the past few years. Fortunately she hasn’t been seriously injured so far. I have mentioned it might be a…
Do I need long-term care insurance?
Q: My husband and I are trying to determine if it would be in our best interest to purchase a long-term care insurance policy. We have seen my elderly mother’s assets plummet over the last few years since she has been paying privately for the care she needs to stay at home. We never would…
Pfizer Employees Participate in Gift Giving for Our Elders
Employees from Pfizer of Andover MA have once again risen to the spirit of holiday giving with their Wish List project. This is the 4th year Elder Services of Merrimack Valley and North Shore has been on the receiving end of the generosity of Pfizer. With the merger of our two agencies, North Shore Elder Services…
Consider ability carefully before taking on full-time caregiving
Q: My elderly mother now requires more care than community services are able to provide in her home. My siblings seem to think since I am retired and widowed I am the logical person to move in with Mom and provide the additional care she needs. I feel like they are all ganging up on…
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