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Maybe you’re not being heard. Fully one third of adults over 65 and about half of those over 85 have significant hearing loss.

When your parent says “I don’t need any help” try gently pointing out that they no longer pursue the activities they enjoy like playing bridge, going shopping, choosing library books, etc. Then tell them how much more pleasant life would be with some help so that they could stay in their home and maintain independence.

As a caregiver, closely monitor your own body language. Assure that your facial expression, body movements, and tone of voice are calming and reassuring. Persons with dementia will mirror what you are showing them.

If you need to touch the person or approach them, move slowly. Always explain in advance what you are going to do before you do it. For example, “I’m going to hold your hand now. Is that okay?”

Plan more active days for your loved one. Consider hiring a home companion to do activities or using an adult day center.

Keep to a set routine as much as possible. Try to replicate the routine your loved one maintained throughout the majority of life.

This month’s news story focuses on an exchange between Senator Al Franken (D-Minn.) and Thomas Minnery, from Focus on the Family. And you know it’s big news because it made it to YouTube and gained a few hundred thousand hits.

On July 23, The Alliance of AIDS Services-Carolinas held another Drag Bingo fundraiser, hosting a nearly sold out crowd and bringing in more than $7,000 to help people living with HIV/AIDS. Among the supporters at the events were the Human Rights Campaign, The Kiwanis Young Professionals of Greater Raleigh, and our own Law Offices of Jeffrey G. Marsocci, PLLC. “As a long standing supporter of The Alliance, we show our commitment not only by words of support but also through our presence,” Client Services Director Kathleen Marsocci said. “In these tough economic times and with all of the budget cuts affecting victims of this terrible disease, it is more important than ever for everyone willing to stand together and help.”

By Dayo Aladeniyi, Legal Intern

In today’s world of DIY (do-it-yourself), it would seem there is no easier way to save money than DIY legal services, such as creating your will. In an effort to effectively use the new genre of e-lawyering, a forum whereby lawyers can meet clients and practice online, lawyers are presenting new software programs to help consumers perform legal services themselves. Cost is a substantial impediment for people seeking legal services. So websites such as LegalZoom and Rocket Lawyer appear to be a solution. Due to the minimized costs of these products, people think they can avoid the hassle of paying a lawyer to create a will for them. However, Consumer Reports recently did a study with LegalZoom, Rocket Lawyer, and Quicken WillMaker Plus. They found that these software programs are not an adequate substitute for having a lawyer draft a will specifically designed for each client.

Recently, former Clinton Administration lawyer J. Paul Oetken became the first openly gay judge confirmed by the U.S. Senate for the federal bench. What was most remarkable about his nomination and confirmation is that it was unremarkable. No screaming crowds of protestors. No televised grilling by the Senate Judiciary Committee. No talking heads on radio and TV shows blasting or praising him. In fact, the vote to confirm him only had 13 Senators, all Republicans, voting against with 80 voting in favor.

Last week I had the opportunity to both present and learn at The Estate Plan’s annual Advanced Institute, and this year it was held in Nashville, Tennessee. While there are always huge opportunities to learn about cutting edge estate and tax planning issues, we were fortunate enough to arrive early and do a few non-work things. On the Saturday before, we stopped off in Lynchburg to tour the Jack Daniel’s Distillery and see their world famous “Tennessee Whiskey” being made. We were also fortunate enough to get the guided tour from Dusty, a grandson of the second Master Distiller whose mother and brother also work at the distillery.

Raleigh Geriatric Care Management is pleased to announce that the Adult Children of Aging Parents Support Group resumes. The support group is made up of adult children of aging parents and caregivers who give and recieve both emotional and practical support and exchange information. People who have been through , or are going through, a [...]

Growing up, I had plenty of history, and some of my favorite lessons were from Schoolhouse Rock. By the time I was seven I knew that the U.S. House and U.S. Senate had to pass identical legislation before sending it to the President because of a cartoon piece of rolled up parchment sang “I’m just a Bill.” (Yes, I’m Only a Bill. And I’m sittin’ here on Capitol Hill.) I knew about the battles at Lexington and Concord Massachusetts, and the “Shot Heard ‘Round the World” (was the start of the Revolution. The Minute Men were ready, on the move. Take your blanket, take your gun, report to General Washington…). But probably most important to me as a High School Sophomore in U.S. Government class were the diverse cartoon people singing about their country and community. You know the one. “We the People… in order to form a more perfect union…” Definitely aced the part of the test writing down the whole pre-amble to the Constitution.