Hearing Loss May Foretell Dementia

The American Medical Association has reported a study that found that people suffering from hearing loss are more likely to suffer a decline of cognitive ability (dementia). The more serious the hearing deficit, the greater the mental impairment.

What does that mean? For baby boomers with parents who are showing signs of being “hard of hearing”, it means that procrastination in getting important legal documents prepared and signed must stop. You’ve been given a clear warning. Make sure your parents (and you, too) have wills or living trusts and powers of attorney for finances and health care. Don’t wait until they are no longer competent. You will have waited too long.

If I can help, please let me know.

Money Management & Old Age

As we age our sharpness for financial affairs dulls particularly if dementia is involved. Bills are paid late, if at all. Checks are written and not posted in the ledger. So overdrafts frequently occur. And we become more vulnerable to solicitations from suspect charities.

You can help a parent or other loved one I this predicament if you are willing to step in.

There are services available which will help seniors organize their financial affairs (sort of like “bookkeeper plus”). Costs are rather modest. You, of course, can directly help, too. You should have the person’s financial power of attorney.

I can help with all of these needs and concerns.