Kristen R. Matthews, Esq

Overcoming Challenges in Guardianship Cases for Older Adults

When an older adult with dementia or another cognitive disability can no longer make important decisions for themselves, such as how to manage their money or what kind of care they need, a trusted person may have to step in and make these decisions for them. If the incapacitated older adult has a valid health care and […]

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Medicare Open Enrollment Scams: How to Protect Yourself

Medicare’s open enrollment period, which runs from October 15 through December 7, is the time for millions of Americans to review their health coverage, compare plans, and make changes for the upcoming year. A second open enrollment period for Medicare Advantage plans will follow from January 1 through March 31. Unfortunately, these times also bring a surge

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Affordable Housing Is Getting Scarce for Older Adults

In a recent webinar about the status of federal housing assistance for older adults in the United States, nonprofit organizations Justice in Aging and the National Low Income Housing Coalition partnered to offer attendees a brief overview of the housing pressures currently facing older Americans. The presenters also outlined the federal policy threats that exist and potential opportunities for improving the

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Getting Help for a Parent With Memory Loss

When an aging parent shows signs of memory loss, confusion, or cognitive decline, getting them to seek help can be a challenge. Delays in obtaining a diagnosis of dementia are common, with Sci Tech Daily reporting that it takes an average of three-and-a-half years between noticeable symptoms of cognitive decline and a diagnosis. Yet obtaining timely diagnoses

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The Effects of Family Caregiving on Older Adults

Most people tend to marry someone who is within a few years of their own age. As a result, many married couples share the same cultural touchstones, social memories, and general values. Certain phases of life often coincide as they grow older together, as they may share similarly timed career paths and enter retirement around

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Why Seniors Are Choosing to Work Past Retirement Age

Many Americans are worried they won’t have enough money saved to retire, and a cohort of the oldest workers is proving this concern to be legitimate. Nearly half a million Americans over the age of 80 are still working, while the 75-plus demographic is the fastest-growing segment of the workforce. For some, the choice to

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Consider These Medical Expenses When Planning for Retirement

Many retirees pride themselves on years of careful financial planning, yet one major area often catches them off guard: the cost of health care. According to a recent Wall Street Journal article, even those who’ve saved diligently can be blindsided by three areas of medical expenses: costly prescription drugs, travel-related health care burdens, and the rising

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Approaching Retirement Age? View the Senior Happiness Index

Takeaways While states such as Florida, North Carolina, and Arizona have seen the largest influx of retirees as of 2023, these states are not necessarily among the very happiest places for older adults in the United States, according to new data. Caring.com released its 2025 Senior Happiness Index, which sheds light on the states where seniors are the most content,

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How a Proposed Medicare Part E Could Benefit Americans

In June 2025, House Democrats Jimmy Gomez (CA) and Don Beyer (VA) reintroduced the Choose Medicare Act, with Senators Jeff Merkley (OR) and Chris Murphy (CT) sponsoring its Senate companion. The bill would establish a Medicare Part E: a public-option version of Medicare that would be available to all individuals and employers as an alternative to private

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