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? 

Question: I have been reading a lot about seniors working in retirement.  As a 72-year old educated woman with lots of skills, what do I need to understand about this new time?  I may need to return to work.  

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: 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?

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?

Question: I have a good female friend, 72 years old, who drinks about three glasses of wine a day. Since her husband died, she has a third or fourth glass of wine at her bedside and sips it before going to sleep.  She says wine is better than sleeping pills.  Her behavior and activities haven’t [...]

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?

Question: What can I do to protect myself from those pesky telemarketers?

Answer: It seems that more and more businesses are trying to sell products, and charities are seeking donations, by telephoning people at home. Seniors, who are no longer employed and spend more time alone, are definitely being sought out by these telemarketers. [...]