Q: Several years ago when my husband and I both retired we signed up for a Medicare plan several of our friends recommended. In the beginning neither of us took prescriptions on a regular basis or had any on-going health conditions so the plan met our needs. Last year...
Q: My mother was recently placed in a long term care facility because her needs could no longer be met at home. The other day when I visited her she looked very unkempt and was wearing clothes that were not hers. I carefully marked all of the clothes that I brought...
Q: My mother who is in her late sixties seems to believe since she has gone through menopause she no longer needs to see a gynecologist for annual exams. She also refuses to have a mammogram which her primary physician recommended. Do you have any information so I can...
Q: I read your column regarding what to look for in choosing a nursing home which will be very helpful to me. My problem is I don’t know how to approach this topic with my mother. I am so worried she is going to be angry with me and not have the capacity (due to...
Q: My 94 year old mother lives out of state in her own home. Her trust has been paying for 24 hour care for over two years. Funds will only last a year or so longer since it is very expensive to keep her at home. Her attorney thinks within a year it will be necessary...
Q: Several years ago I had a total knee replacement. I thought that would not only resolve severe pain but also put an end to several falls I had been having. Unfortunately I have fallen several times recently and now I am really frightened of a serious injury. I have...
Q: I’ve had to give up a lot of the activities I used to enjoy because of arthritis. The one thing I look forward to is planting in my raised garden beds. All the news about the EEE virus and Lyme disease makes me nervous. Should I be fearful about being outside...
Q: Both of my parents were diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease when they were in their eighties. Lately I have noticed trouble remembering the names of people, this was never a problem when I was younger. I talked to my physician about this when I had my annual...
Q: I am thinking about taking early retirement, my company is offering a generous buy out option. I am over 62 years of age, my understanding is I could apply for Social Security benefits. A few people are telling me I should wait until full retirement age to collect...
Q: Lately I have been getting nuisance calls from solicitors and recordings on both my landline and cellphone. I only give out my cell number to a few people for emergencies so when it rings it alarms me. One of the perks for me since I retired is I can stay up later...