I have many concerns about Medicare. But today I am interested in understanding the “WHY” behind this: why I should go on Medicare or the why I shouldn’t go on Medicare.

There are many frustrating issues that accompany aging. Many of them are beyond our control. We have to endure or figure out a work-around for so many things that we can no longer do either mentally or physically. As a Caregiving expert, I work with clients and families to look at what items continually blow up their schedules to look at what can be done to change or contain the circumstances surrounding these daily issues.

As an RN who has worked in assisted living and memory care, I have talked with many families who have to place their loved ones in these types of community-based care because they have come to the end of their ropes and are exhausted and unable to safely care for their loved ones. Often, the elder is resistant to the process and refuses to willingly make this move. The family is torn between trying to defer to the desires of this person they care about so deeply and trying to ensure that their needs are met. This can lead to guilt, frustration, anxiety, anger, and grief.

Dear 65, this does not need to be a frightening time, but a time of finding answers and understanding the Medicare Maze. By seeking answers and understanding the intricacies of Medicare, you are taking a proactive step towards making informed decisions that are tailored to your individual needs. Knowledge is the key that will empower you to confidently choose the coverage that best suits you. There are resources, professionals, and support systems available to guide you through the Medicare maze and ensure that you make choices that align with your health and financial goals.

As I get closer to you, I have many concerns and one significant one is MEDICARE! Questions like What, Why, How, Who and When constantly occupy my thoughts. What exactly is Medicare? Why should I consider enrolling in Medicare? How can I enroll in Medicare? Who can I rely on for guidance with Medicare? Why do I feel so baffled?

Besides supporting families, I am a trained elder mediator. A professional like myself can help you and your family, or a client, who cares for a person living with dementia. It may be suitable for situations where an aging family member’s welfare is at risk. This may be due to disagreements among relatives and/or close friends or advisors.

There are many couples where both spouses receive Social Security benefits. What happens to those benefits when one of them passes away? The first thing to do is call or go to your local Social Security office and let them know the beneficiary has passed away. If any benefits have been received for that beneficiary in the month they passed, that money will need to be returned to Social Security, as well as any further benefits received on behalf of the decreased beneficiary. This information cannot be provided to Social Security online.

As a beloved Veteran becomes older and needs more care, some families are dealing with Veteran’s Administration (VA) healthcare benefits earned by their vet in connection to their military service. Navigating the ins and outs of VA healthcare benefits can be daunting.

Caring for an adult Loved One with health issues can be overwhelming. Besides the physical care and mental support you give your loved one, you may also be tasked with overseeing their financial and medical care needs. There are documents your Loved One can provide that can help you navigate their financial and medical care wishes once they are no longer able to do so for themselves.

Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) is a federal government program funded by payroll taxes. Its pays benefits to disabled insured workers and certain family members. The key word being “insured.” Just because you have work, doesn’t necessarily mean that you are an insured work by Social Security Disability rules.