Ask an EXPERT

Do you have questions? We have answers.

Ask an expert is a great way for business professionals to interact and share their knowledge with the community.

How Does it Work?

Visit www.nwaonline.com/askanexpert and fill out the form with your contact information. Pick an expert from our drop-down list and submit a question. This question will be submitted to the expert. Answers will publish on Mondays in the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

“Heading into 2023, I haven’t been able to spend as much time with my parents as I would have liked this last year, and I’m seeing things that they are going to need long-term care sooner rather than later. Any advice on what we should be doing right now to be ready?” June Answer:

June, Happy New Year to you! The timing of your question couldn’t be better with the new year. Although every situation is different, I do have a few general tips to get you pointed in the right direction. First, it is essential that they have solid estate planning documents in place before the need for long-term care arises. This includes a good power of attorney documents and a full set of healthcare documents, including a healthcare power of attorney, medical records release, and living will. It might also include some documents specifically designed to help them avoid probate court should they pass before the need for long-term care arises. Second, we might consider retitling some assets now to protect them from future long-term care costs, but we need to be careful here. Look back rules and gifting penalties can cause trouble if you retitle assets too close to the time of application for benefits. You should work with experienced counsel if you go this direction. Third, keep in mind that you don’t have to go it alone! Even if it seems too late to retitle assets given the look back rules I mentioned, there are things we can do at the time of need – to protect income and assets. In most cases, the worst thing you can do is just start down the private pay route and watch them run out of money. Check out our website at ElrodFirm.com to learn more, and give us a call for a free strategy session!

“I feel a bulge in my vagina caused by pelvic organ prolapse, but I don’t want to have surgery. Are there any other options?” Answer:

Pelvic organ prolapse occurs when the female pelvic organs descend into or through the vagina. Women with this condition may complain of pressure in the vagina or inability to empty their bladder. A thorough evaluation of bladder and bowel function along with a pelvic exam is performed to determine the extent of the pelvic organ prolapse. Non-surgical treatment options include pelvic floor physical therapy and/or the use of a vaginal pessary. Pelvic floor physical therapy helps patients with pelvic organ prolapse to strengthen the pelvic floor muscles. A pessary is a silicone device used to support the prolapsed pelvic organs. There are many types of vaginal pessaries, including different size and shape options that may be considered during a pessary fitting. The goal of a pessary is to comfortably reduce the pelvic organ prolapse. Pessary maintenance can be performed by the patient or provider depending on the situation. When using a vaginal pessary, vaginal estrogen cream may be prescribed to improve the vaginal tissue and make pessary use more comfortable. If you are interested in discussing treatment options, please call our clinic at 479-404-1100.

“I am having issues with my drain. Can you help with any tips?” Answer:

Wishing you a Happy New Year! Going into to the new year things happen. Clogged pipes are one of them. Happy New Year! This time of year, things happen. Clogged pipes are one of them. We’ve all been there: You’ve flushed your toilet and the water slowly starts to rise! It’s time to grab that plunger. Although it might seem self-explanatory, there are proper plumbing techniques to follow when attempting to unclog something. Here are our do’s and don’ts:

DO • Use natural ingredients as an alternative to drain clearers. • Use a drain filter. • Call a plumber if you need more help! DON’T • Use chemical drain cleaners. • Use a plunger if you’ve poured a chemical unclogger into the drain. • Use too much force.

Drains not moving even after you’ve tried home remedies? It’s time to call a professional. While most clogs happen due to minor buildup and are easily removed, severe buildup can make it difficult for household solutions to get the job done. To know whether you need professional drain unclogging services, here are a few signs to look out for: - Frequent clogging - Standing water in sinks and tub - Overflowing toilets - Foul odors coming from drains - Low water pressure. If you are having drain issues that you can’t resolve, call us. We have a $99 drain clearing special. Contact Atchley Air, your trusted AC/Heating professional in the River Valley, today at 479-235-6464! On game day call the Hogs! When your furnace or AC needs work, call us!

Article written in conjunction with atchleyair.com, Ft. Smith’s Air Conditioning & Heating Experts, Atchley Heating & Cooling.