This week, we discussed it. My brothers and sisters. My mother. It’s our time. Is wasTime for THE Talk. No, no, no! Not the birds & bees talk! It’s time to look for ways we can keep my increasingly frail mother safe, healthy and
Category: blog
How Old is Elder?
For you newcomers, you should know that some of my writing is only tangentially related to legal subjects. That is because my practice, while specifically focused on Elder LAW is really about elder ISSUES. Many of the problems brought to me have less to … Continue reading...
The Use and Abuse of Antipsychotic Drugs in the Elderly
The use and abuse of antipsychotic drugs, particularly in the elderly, is a widespread problem.
Physical restraints are generally illegal, especially in the aged and frail because it is so easy injure them using physical bed restraints (tying them to the bed!) They have … Continue reading...
Sibling Wars: Power of Attorney (POA)? Or Responsibility?
I frequently get calls that start out like this:
Me <answering phone>: “Hi, this is Doris”
Caller: “Uh, hi. Is this the lawyer’s office?”
Me: “Yes, how can I help you?”
Caller: Oh, uh…(gets over surprise that lawyer answers her own phone) Can you … Continue reading...
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
Delighted to announce that I am now a member in good standing in the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and also in the Virginia Chapter (VAELA).
Among other things, my acceptance into NAELA provides me with the premiere resources to stay abreast … Continue reading...
On Death and Dying Well
This is going to be a tough post. I’m going to talk about death and dying. I’m going to tell you some stories of clients and friends who have died recently and what it was like.
In the course of my work, I spend … Continue reading...
Respite Care: 4 Ways to Prevent Caregiver Burnout
What is “Respite Care?” Home Care. Health Care. Nursing Care. Most of us can understand these terms.
But what is “Respite” Care? Some new marketing buzz word? Well, to be honest, Respite Care is partly a marketing buzzword, but there is some substance at … Continue reading...
“Choosing” a Nursing facility- troisième partie
It’s been more than a week, I know. Things got a bit busy and since I am chief cook, bottle washer and everything else around this office, I have to set some priorities. Blogging is way down the list when clients are demanding my … Continue reading...
“Choosing” a Nursing Facility Part Le Deux: They tried to make me go to rehab but I said ‘no, no, no’
Last week, I wrote about how it is that we really have very little to say in the matter when the decisions are made about taking our aging loved one to a nursing or rehabilitation center when they have a serious health issue arise.… Continue reading...
“Choosing” a Nursing Home? Bwah-ha-ha-ha-ha!
Lately, I seem to see lots of articles, blog posts and general hot air on “choosing a nursing home.”
Bad news for most of you. Very unlikely you’ll get much choice in the matter. I don’t recall ever seeing people walking through the front … Continue reading...