Author: optalishealdev

Do My Senior Parents Need Immediate Help?

family smiling and sitting on chair drinking tea

Dear Tess, My sister, who lives in the Columbus area, usually helps out Mom and Dad, because my husband and I live out of state. Although we try to visit during holidays, my sister is the one who takes care of my parents on a regular basis. When we visited at Thanksgiving, I was appalled… Read more »

Keeping Your House After Applying for Medicaid

a hand holding a paper home

Dear Tracy: It looks like my grandfather will soon need skilled nursing. Our family has tried to help my grandmother keep him safe at home for as long as we can, but it’s becoming too dangerous for her to manage. He falls a lot and she is simply not able to help him get back… Read more »

Assisted Living Costs in Central Ohio

piggy bank and calculator

If you’re looking for information about the cost of assisted living in Columbus, Ohio, you might have a difficult time getting an answer. That’s because assisted living costs can vary depending on the individual’s needs. However, you can get an idea of the assisted living price ranges from the Genworth Financial Cost of Care Survey… Read more »

How to Pay with the Ohio Medicaid Assisted Living Waiver

stethoscope and paperwork

Dear Jaclyn, My dad is living at an assisted living community and someone recently told us that the Ohio Medicaid assisted living waiver can help cover the cost. I’ve never heard of this before—could you tell me more about it? I’m wondering if Dad is eligible and if so, how we can apply. Sincerely, Nancy… Read more »

5 Holiday Survival Tips for Central Ohio Caregivers

image of ornaments

The holiday season is a time most of us look forward to all year long. For caregivers, however, the extra demands on their time can make the season feel overwhelming. To help central Ohio caregivers enjoy the holidays this year, we have pulled together a few tips. Holiday Survival Tips for Central Ohio Caregivers 1. Set… Read more »

Not in the Holiday Spirit? That’s Okay.

Dear Georgette: My father passed away this fall, and my mom is still grieving his loss. They were married for over 50 years. While my husband and I have small children and feel like the holidays should still be a time to celebrate, my mom wants no part of Christmas. We are struggling to try… Read more »

Do’s and Don’ts When Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s Disease

daughter and mother leaning into each other

If a central Ohio senior you love has Alzheimer’s disease, helping to provide care and support for them can present more than a few unique challenges. Because of the physical damage the disease causes to the brain, everything from judgment to speech can be impacted. For adult children and caregivers, figuring out how to manage… Read more »

Showing Appreciation for Caregivers

staff and resident smiling at each other giving high fives while playing cards

Dear Mike: With the holiday season approaching, my family would like to do something to show our gratitude for one of the nurses that cares for my mom at her nursing home. While the whole staff is just terrific, this nurse has gone above and beyond to support my mom. We would like to give her… Read more »