Legal

New paint, a few shrubs and a fresh doormat. Some home improvement projects are in the do-it-yourself category. A new patio, kitchen remodel or home addition, those are another matter for most of us. We've got a handy checklist for finding a home contractor plus descriptions of who can do what when it comes to calling in a pro. ...

All long-term care costs rose sharply in 2020, but assisted living facility costs increased the most, according to an annual Cost of Care Survey. The across-the-board rises were due, in part, to increased costs brought about by the coronavirus pandemic.  ...

By taking ownership of your downsizing experience, you will invest in the process and feel more positive about the outcome. Even if your family is involved in helping you make the transition, you should do whatever you can to work together to make the experience yours. If necessary, get help from a moving company you trust. Stay organized by creating a system for going through your items, and consider sketching out a floor plan for furniture placement. ...

The transition to parenting our parents usually begins slowly. There are four important items to consider as this shift begins. ...

Both Medicare Part D (prescription drug coverage) and Medicare Advantage plans have defined service areas, which may or may not cover more than one state. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program, with each state having its own eligibility rules. This means you cannot keep your Medicaid plan when you move to a new state. ...

Whether or not we spend half our lives responding to devices, we all transact a lot of our daily business online — buying items on Amazon, paying our bills through online bank programs, accumulating and using airline miles, reallocating our investments, saving photos, listening to music, watching movies or planning trips. And that's not even mentioning dating sites or social media, such as Facebook, Instagram or LinkedIn. So, what happens to all these connections and information if you become disabled or die? ...

A home is most peoples’ single biggest asset, and it holds so much meaning and memories. If a single person enters a nursing home with a house but no money, many people don’t know that the new regulations say that the house is a countable asset, and the person won’t qualify for assistance. ...

Our  September/October issue — our Fifth Anniversary edition and our biggest ever — is now available for online reading and will be on newsstands this week (Marc's, Giant Eagle, Discount Drug Mart, Dave's Markets and 600+ other locations). Don't miss it! Inside, we'll introduce you to our interesting and inspiring Boomer Impact Award winners who've shown us how to age successfully and robustly in Northeast Ohio. And that's just the beginning. Enjoy our Fifth Anniversary edition and thank you for giving us so much to celebrate as we embrace Better Living After 50. ...