Ask Joan: Seniors benefit from the power of pets
Question: When my husband died seven years ago, I got my dog, Lily, for companionship. I’m retired now and living on a fixed income. I’m worried I won’t be able to afford to keep her, and that would just be devastating to me. Is there a program out there that might be able to help me out and keep…
Aging Unbound: Colleen Ranshaw-Fiorello
For more than 17 years, older adults in Georgetown have counted on Colleen Ranshaw-Fiorello to do the right thing, and time after time she delivered. In her role as the town’s Council on Aging director, Ranshaw-Fiorello has built relationships, built programs, and helped build what she considers her crowning achievement – a new Senior Center. …
Ask Joan: Caregivers can get extra help at home with PCA Program
Question: I find myself struggling to care for my 76-year-old aunt , who lives with m y family and has severe arthritis. I feel I’m being squeezed between the responsibilities of taking care of my children and m y aunt. She requires a great deal of care, and I’m exhausted. What can I do to help…
Ask Joan: Volunteering is healthy for you, your community
Volunteers are part of the lifeblood of our organization. We couldn’t do what we do without them, and I feel fortunate our agency benefits from their generosity. We’re not the only ones who benefit from their hard work. The people we serve in our communities certainly do, and the volunteers themselves get much satisfaction from…
Ask Joan: October 7 is Ageism Awareness Day
For the past few months, we’ve been promoting ageism awareness with the slogan “Aging: So cool everyone’s doing it!”And everyone is!As the saying goes, time waits for no one, and aging happens to all of us, every day. We shouldn’t view aging as an ongoing series of losses but be aware of the possibilities and…
Ask Joan: Long-term care ombudsman advocates for residents
Q: For several years, my mother was able to remain in her own home with the help of private pay aides. It became clear this would not be an option long term due to cost and her physical deterioration, so I moved her into an assisted living facility. I have since noticed some issues –…
Honoring a son and friend at the Golf Classic
For one foursome at the 27th Annual AgeSpan Golf Classic, the tournament means more than a chance to participate in a worthy cause. It’s also a chance to honor a lost friend.Since 2015, a group of North Reading High School graduates has gathered from across the country as a tribute to their dear friend, Thomas…
Ask Joan: Fear of falling can leave seniors at home alone
Question: About a month ago, my mother fell and hurt herself. Nothing serious, just a slight bruise, but now she’s apprehensive about leaving the house because she’s afraid she’ll fall again, and it might be more serious. I’m not sure what I can do to ease her fears. Do you have any suggestions? Answer: I’m so glad…
Ask Joan: Look for blue envelopes from MassHealth for renewals
Question: I received something in the mail asking me to renew my MassHealth coverage. I know there have been a lot of health-care scams targeting older people. I just wanted to check to make sure this is legitimate before I do anything about it. Do you know if this is for real? Answer: This is…
Aging Unbound: Rhina Espaillat
It’s safe to say Rhina Espaillat, a self-proclaimed Trekkie, has lived long and prospered in the literary world. Over nine decades of writing, the Newburyport resident has published 21 books, won numerous awards, and later this fall, Boston College will dedicate a room in its library to her works. At 91, she is just as…
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