SeniorTruth

Question: I recently read a number of ads and promotions about quick fixes to health problems. At age 74, I have osteoarthritis, peripheral neuropathy, a heart condition and bad knees. Are these short-cut remedies of any value? 

Since Medicare’s open-enrollment window runs from November 15 to December 31, it’s time to decide to keep, switch or modify your current Medicare plan. Be sure you understand any new options for covered services and evaluate their pros and cons.  Here’s a quick review:

Question: As a successful engineer, program manager and expert witness, I have always experienced excitement and pleasure from work throughout my life.  This past January, as a 70-year old woman, I decided to take a sabbatical (also known as retirement) from my consulting practice.  It has taken me eight months to clear my desk.  [...]

Question: My grandfather needed $2,000 cash, but couldn’t get to the bank. At my suggestion, he wrote a check out to me. When I got to the bank, the teller refused to cash it. Did I do something wrong?

Question: My grandmother lives in a nursing home and is upset that she can’t find her favorite sweater.  I think it might have been stolen. What should I do?

Question: I’ve been very ill for quite some time. Should I experience another serious episode, I do not want to receive emergency life support. How can I make sure that my wishes will be respected?

Question: The Medicare Summary Notice I just received shows the name of a doctor I’ve never heard of, and certainly never met. Should I be concerned?

Question: My grandmother’s landlord has threatened to evict her because her apartment is so cluttered. Can he evict her for this?
Answer: If a tenant’s cluttering becomes an issue, the landlord’s legal responsibility to maintain rentals that are safe and secure warrants his concern.

These days, because the costs of living seem to be higher than ever before, a record number of senior homeowners are considering reverse mortgage loans that convert their home equity into available income. Although reverse mortgages may provide an affordable way to obtain needed funds, they can sometimes turn out to be much more expensive [...]

Question: When I pass away, I want my son to inherit the family home. Is there any way for him to maintain the property tax protections that have allowed me to pay much lower taxes than my next-door neighbors who haven’t lived here as long?