Ask Joan – Weekly Q and A Column

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…

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…