SeniorTruth

Work experiences can serve as a starting point in creating that next chapter of life.  James Birren, the founder and former dean and executive director of USC’s Ethel Percy Andrus Gerontology Center said it well, “You don’t know where you are going if you don’t know where you have been.”

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 am a 63 year-old woman and a successful business owner.  As an only child without family, I am concerned about who will be there for me in my old age?   I already have a durable power of attorney for health care but feel that is not sufficient.  I’ve been reluctant to address [...]

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: 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.

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?

Here’s the story on assisted living.  Such facilities generally serve people 60 and older by providing room, board, housekeeping, supervision and assistance with personal hygiene.  They are designed for those who can no longer living independently, but do not require around-the-clock nursing care.

Question: The doctor informed me that Mom’s illness is terminal and that, if she would like, Medicare will cover her hospice care needs. How is hospice care coverage different from other Medicare?