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"I recommend 'Social Security Basics' by Devin Carroll. Written clearly in a well-organized layout of less than 100 pages of '9 Essentials That Everyone Should Know,' I wish my wife and I had read it before making a claim for her Social Security benefit."
You certainly do not have to just live with back pain, even if you have had it for months or years.
As a child, before video games and central air conditioning, I would sometimes complain to my mother: “There’s nothing to do!” Since in any se…
COVID-19 caught many of us by surprise ivn March. Who honestly imagined that COVID-19 restrictions would remain in effect for more than four months?
Many people have asked me if they can see a physical therapist without seeing their doctor. It’s a great question, and the answer is yes.
"Viewing grief and mourning as a problem diminishes the value of this natural process, which helps us adapt to the pain of loss."
"While few in the United States would question the value of the ability to chart one’s own course in life, self-determination must also recognize that people may make decisions that do not appear to be in their own best interests."
But fear not, because this is quite common, and there is a good explanation for it.
How far may individual expectations of confidentiality be compromised to enable public health authorities to track those who have been exposed to COVID-19?
No one who uses credit cards, has a Social Security number or shares information on social media is entirely immune from scammers or identity …
A client asked me “why do I feel like I’m losing my balance the older I get?”
"Society has minimally invested to protect the lives of older people in nursing homes; and families are denied access to visit nursing home residents who await their certain death."
"They have not allowed a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease to dampen their enthusiasm for life."
If you can’t do anything without annoying neck pain and headaches, you are not alone. This happens to many people, but the great news is it ca…
"They have not allowed a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease to dampen their enthusiasm for life."
"A knee brace can keep you from having a knee replacement, if it is a specific type of brace."
If you want to experience the journey from the beginning, you may read the first four parts of the story here: https://keystoneelderlaw.com/el…
"The lawyer explained that, generally, gifts between parents and children would violate the Medicaid rules and could result in financial hardship for the family."
"Bill was curious why Regal would not have told him about the ability to obtain Medicaid, but instead told him that he would need to pay $375 per day for care."
Hip pain really can get in the way of living life.
"If either Bill or Sue would die while the other spouse was in a long-term care facility, their present wills would expose their life savings to the cost of care for the surviving spouse, and no funds would remain for their children."
For the next five weeks, this column will tell the story of how an array of our elder care law services helped one family over four years.
The death of a loved one comes with grief that is compounded by the stress of end-stage medical decisions and planning a funeral.
Are you one of the 92% of Americans who believe that discussions regarding end-of-life issues are important?
With the “stay-at-home” order blanketing the state of Pennsylvania to stop the spread of the coronavirus, you may feel that you “just have to …
During Monday evening’s daily COVID-19 briefing, Vice President Mike Pence said that “this will be a week of heartache and hope.” By the grace…
The reauthorization of the Older Americans Act (OAA) was quietly signed into law by President Donald Trump last week.
Given the global pandemic we are all experiencing, it is understandable that you are hesitant to go to urgent care, the hospital or your docto…
I heard a news story on the radio recently about an emergency room doctor who woke up in a cold sweat thinking about how long it had been sinc…
Having a parent or other loved one in a nursing home or personal care facility can stir up many difficult emotions.
I realized that instead of critiquing the response of our political leaders or judging what other organizations could and should do, it is now time for our organization to take decisive steps.
Trusts are commonly misunderstood, especially when it comes to protection from creditors.
There are many reasons why the lower back may hurt after a knee or hip replacement.
Older adults are prime targets for fraud and scams for a variety of reasons. For example, they may be lonely and more willing to speak with st…
Valentine’s Day is now in our rear view mirror, but expressions of love are continually evident in the lives of family caregivers of older adults.
If you have pain in your feet, back, neck, shoulder, knees or some other joint or muscle in your body, whom should you contact first? Your phy…
Aging, although often defined by stereotypes, has an individual look and feel for every person. The changing demographics of American society …
The Democratic candidates for president in 2020 have presented various suggestions for improving Medicare policy. Here’s where they stand.
Many people question what options they have when it comes to knee pain that makes them limp or makes stairs difficult.
The beginning of state primaries/caucuses kicks off in Iowa on Monday. As the Democratic candidates continue to tout their agendas and seek vo…
You have known for a while that every responsible adult should have an estate plan. Determined not to leave your family with burdensome court …
Painful, achy feet is a pretty common issue with which many people suffer. Thankfully, this is definitely something that can get better with t…
When you were in elementary school, did you groan in despair when the teacher gave an assignment to write a report? Perhaps a specific topic w…
Aging care in the community for those who require some assistance with everyday tasks is available through a number of different venues. The t…
What is the benefit of seeing a physical therapist as a first line of defense?
New Year’s Day is a natural time to reflect upon our lives, to revise previous goals and to establish new ones. We remember our experiences an…
If you used the online Medicare Plan Finder at www.medicare.gov to help you choose a Medicare health or drug plan for 2020, you may end up with higher than expected costs.
Many people begin to notice in their 60s, 70s and beyond that (what seems like suddenly) their balance seems to be deteriorating. Along with t…
“It’s A Wonderful Life” is one of America’s classic holiday films.
Who wouldn’t want to avoid shoulder surgery?
Voice assistant technology has advanced rapidly in recent years, and the question naturally arises as to how this technology can be used to he…
Individuals who are receiving Medicare coverage for rehabilitation that is provided in a nursing home setting may not always understand polici…
When it comes to the secret to living with less back pain, we have been asked this very question many times.
Thoughts about a possible need for nursing home care are intimidating to many older adults. Nursing homes become the last resort when all opti…
In our society, the term “caregiver” has been traditionally associated with the role of women. As our older population continues to expand, th…
Is your neck stiffness keeping you from turning your head to drive or sleeping through the night?
Your older adult family member living “independently” at home could benefit from some assistance such as companionship, housekeeping services,…
Have you ever been confused by an Explanation of Benefits statement from your health insurance company? Between premiums, deductibles, coinsur…
We walk from here to there and everywhere we need, we walk for exercise, walk the golf course or just walk in our yard without giving it a sec…
Every 65 seconds, someone in the United States develops Alzheimer ’s disease. One in three older adults will die with Alzheimer’s disease, acc…
Natural changes in an individual’s physical and cognitive state occur as a result of aging.
If you’re looking at getting a knee brace to keep you from having a knee replacement, it is possible it could help, if it is a specific type o…
Medical Assistance (MA) services that are provided in Pennsylvania will be undergoing a change beginning in January of 2020.
It is important for aging persons to understand annuities.
If you are about 60 years old or older, it’s likely that you have noticed that your balance and coordination while you are walking or doing ev…
Many times when the Keystone Elder Law phone rings off the hook with unusual calls, the question is asked. “Is it a full moon?”
The role of nutrition and hydration at the end of life can be a controversial issue for many people.
Have you ever had pain in your back, knee or some other muscle or joint in your body? Like most folks, you probably thought to yourself “I’ll …
This column examines two additional areas of need identified by the National Institute on Aging; practical tasks and physical condition.
Fear, anger and inadequacy are some common feelings we experience when we must deal with our own or a family member’s mortality.
When it comes to hip pain that keeps someone from walking without a limp or walking up or down the stairs, it is unfortunately a common occurrence.
Death and dying are not common topics of family conversation in American culture. Even when a loved one is critically ill, many families strug…
*Editor’s Note: This column originally ran in February 2016.
When it comes to getting rid of back pain, you can absolutely do it without shots, pills or surgery. In fact, the majority of people can get r…
Last week’s column introduced the concept of frailty and its relationship to aging in place. While frailty can be present at any age, it is mo…
Aging in place, or an individual’s desire to live in a location of choice for as long as possible, is currently a popular concept among older …
Isn’t it interesting that we don’t realize how much we need our arm and shoulder until we can’t lift a coffee cup from the cupboard, put on a …
Does where you live affect your health? Environmental factors such as water and air quality may immediately come to mind, but additional commu…
Last week’s column discussed Advance Care Directives for end stage medical treatment. The directive prepares for the possibility that a person…
If you’ve noticed your balance is not so good and you’re afraid you’re going to fall, you are certainly not alone—and most people notice a dec…
This is the second of a series of articles on end-of-life care, and a revision of an article that was first published almost exactly six years ago.
This article is the first of a series that will discuss the status of physician-assisted death legislation, the importance of legal documents …
Most people would agree that planning ahead for a significant life event makes sense. Preparation increases the likelihood that we will obtain…
In recent years, the mistreatment of older adults has received increased attention from the government, professionals who work with this popul…
If you’re asking yourself, what options do I have besides surgery, pills or shots for my knee pain that makes me limp and makes stairs difficu…
Older adults are prime targets for scammers for a variety of reasons. For example, they may be lonely and more willing to speak with strangers…
Does the thought of aging create a feeling of uncertainty with regard to “What’s next?”
If you’re wondering why your heel/arch hurts after rest but gets better with walking, that’s a good question. You would think it would be the …
When a friend of mine reached age 60, he began to fill notebooks with questions and ideas about his retirement.
An Irrevocable Funeral Trust (IFT) is a useful tool for people who are facing the high cost of skilled nursing care.
There are several reasons why you may feel low back pain when standing and walking, which may cause you to limp, keep you from performing stai…
As we observe Elder Law Month in May, it seems appropriate to share some common misunderstandings or myths about long-term care.
May is Elder Law Month, according to the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA).
There are a number of factors that contribute to jaw pain while eating, yawning or simply opening your mouth.
Note: Medicaid regulations vary from state to state. This information is based on regulations in Pennsylvania.
Planning for post-acute care following the hospitalization of an older adult can be confusing. Some of the challenges that families experience…
While there are multiple causes for dizziness, such as medications, heart problems, fatigue, migraines or dehydration, one of the most common …
When an older adult has been hospitalized and follow-up care is needed after discharge, families are often bewildered by how to locate, access…
Spring is a season of renewal for most of us. But for some whose time and attention is focused on the needs of an increasingly frail older per…
Are my flat feet causing my foot pain?
A conversation about falls would not be complete without mentioning the condition of dizziness.
If last week’s column about falls has you concerned about your own or a loved one’s risk of falling, there are a number of assessment tools th…
How do you fix a shoulder that’s keeping you awake at night and making you unable to reach over your head during the day.
Can you guess what will happen to one out of every four Americans age 65 and older this year? Every 11 seconds, this same situation will cause…
As the average lifespan increases and medical advances allow people with chronic health conditions to live longer, the potential of requiring …
My heel pain is causing me to limp and preventing me from walking for exercise. How do I fix it?
If you are one of the 55.15 percent of Cumberland County residents who are a designated organ donor on your driver’s license or state identifi…
Change. Do you welcome it, generally resist it or accept that it will happen and “go with the flow?”
If low back pain for two weeks transitions to pain while coughing and sneezing, weakness in a leg and difficulty sitting for more than five mi…
*Note: This column previously ran in August 2016.
*Note: This column previously ran in August 2013.
If you’re looking to get rid of knee pain and get back to walking and exercising without the need for surgery and medications, you’re not alone.
When illness, disability or the frailties of aging strike, even the most independent individuals may feel vulnerable when faced with navigatin…
Have you ever caught yourself humming a familiar tune without consciously thinking about it?
Pennsylvania’s average cost of nursing home care is now $10,420 per month, according to information provided recently by the Department of Hum…
I confess that I have not yet preplanned my funeral. Eventually, I will stop procrastinating and get around to it.
If your big toe is becoming painful on the inside of the joint as it begins to drift inward and the second toe is drawing back, affecting walk…
Often the only stories that are broadcast by the media about long-term care facilities highlight extreme events and inadequate care.
Surprisingly it is very common to have low back and leg pain without being able to identify a specific injury or incident that caused it.
When one considers the characteristics of America’s Santa Claus, which qualities attract the most attention?
Underlying all of the material trappings of the holiday season is a focus on hope, peace and family/loved ones.
Do holidays bring to mind special memories of past family celebrations and anticipation of upcoming events, or a dread of the same old rituals?
If you become dizzy or nauseous or the room feels like its spinning when you turn in bed or turn your head quickly to one side, the symptoms c…
November is National Family Caregivers Month. Columns this month will feature updated versions of some of Keystone Elder Law’s previous articl…
November is National Family Caregivers Month. Columns this month will feature updated versions of some of Keystone Elder Law’s previous articl…
November is National Family Caregivers Month. Columns this month will feature updated versions of some of Keystone Elder Law’s previous articl…
If you have a stiff or painful lower bank when getting out of bed that can prevent you from standing up straight at first, then you’re certain…
November is National Family Caregivers Month. Columns this month will feature updated versions of some of Keystone Elder Law’s previous articl…
November is National Family Caregivers Month. Columns this month will feature updated versions of some of Keystone Elder Law’s previous articl…
One question patients ask me every day relates to their heel hurting when they get out of bed in the morning. Sometimes the pain is so bad, th…
Various theories and approaches exist for working with individuals who are experiencing symptoms of dementia. Previous articles have discussed…
Everyone experiences pain. Whether it’s a headache, a torn ligament, a sprained ankle or sore muscles, pain is just a fact of life for many pe…
Sitting causes me to have constant pain and burning between my shoulder blades and headaches in the back of my head. I have to sit for my job …
An older loved one is having difficulty managing in the family home. Decisions about finding support for your loved one, either through servic…
Caring for an individual who is experiencing symptoms of dementia requires patience and ingenuity.
If you’re wondering how you can get your life back when your knee is getting so stiff and painful that you can’t walk without a limp, walk up …
Addicts who overdose from injecting opioids such as heroin and fentanyl are not usually older persons. But Medicare-age persons are part of “D…
Why do I feel dizzy, lightheaded and sick to my stomach when I turn my head suddenly, or get up from sitting or lying down?
It comes as a shock to many people when they learn that in Pennsylvania and most other states, prenuptial agreements are disregarded if one of…
The health care needs of retired Americans have led to growing costs of staggering proportions that are already too big to manage with an outc…
Here’s a look at why physical therapy is better than medication, shots, braces and surgery.
Symptoms of dementia are often subtle during the early stages of a disease process and progress gradually. Surprisingly, people who are experi…
The combination of a growing aging population with increasing care needs, and not enough family members and paid caregivers to meet current de…
There are many reasons why people get headaches, but I will focus on a very common reason why some people get headaches on a frequent basis.
CBS News cited Census data to list Pennsylvania as the 11th most heavily-armed state, with 88,732 registered firearms among 5,928,814 people.
Health care coverage has been a hot topic in politics for a number of years now. Since the passage of the Affordable Care Act, some confusion …
My hip is painful and causes me to limp. Do I need a hip replacement?
I often receive telephone calls from individuals who are seeking information regarding care for a spouse or aging parents. The demographics of…
Independence is one of the fundamental principles upon which our nation was founded. Independence continues to be a core value in American cul…
For someone with constant hip pain, “do I need a hip replacement” is a great question. The answer is sometimes yes and sometimes no.
Disputes between a nursing home operator and its resident can escalate to litigation. While the nursing home can sue the resident and some rel…
Mom and Dad are generally slowing down. Perhaps the changes associated with aging are magnified by the presence of one or more chronic health …
Many parents dream of the day they will become grandparents and can dote on their grandchildren. Many of us have fond memories of time spent w…
When it comes to foot, arch or heel pain, custom foot orthotics can help with that.
When an individual suffers an event which requires hospitalization, a spouse is usually overwhelmed. Rehabilitation in a facility is often rec…
Here are the top 10 reasons to see an elder law attorney:
Long-term care insurance is optional insurance you can buy to pay for care that is not reimbursed by health insurance or Medicare. When a pers…
Over the years, we are increasingly seeing a problem involving the parents of children with special needs who was cared for and lived with the…
Let’s talk about the process of dying, and especially your wishes for end-of-life care.
Last week, Karen Kaslow shared some excellent suggestions from local home care agencies about how to have a positive home care experience. Thi…
When older adults begin to need some assistance, we often encourage them to obtain help sooner rather later.
The 2018 Winter Olympics ended recently, and every athlete who participated is to be commended for the years of effort that preceded their par…
Recently, while perusing birthday greeting cards, I came across a number of cards that poked fun at growing older.
Whether you are bemoaning another six weeks of winter as predicted last Friday by Pennsylvania’s Punxsatawney Phil and Canada’s albino groundh…
Have you noticed that a loved one seems to be behaving strangely? Have others suggested that you don’t seem to be in a pleasant mood?
As we entered the new year earlier this month, I remarked to a friend that the years seem to be passing by more quickly as I get older.
As an aging adult, are you excited or apprehensive about another new year?
During the extended sub-freezing temperatures, I heard from “Sam,” a faith-based volunteer who serves Meals on Wheels.
Serving as a guide to help our clients make wise decisions as they face long-term care issues is challenging. No two fact patterns are exactly alike.
