Many with diabetes aren’t aware they have it
Q: My husband was recently admitted to the hospital following a dizzy spell and falling. His blood sugar count was very high, and after several tests we found out he had Type 2 diabetes. This diagnosis was a surprise to me and my husband as he didn’t have any obvious symptoms. I am concerned that…
No changes in services planned due to merger
Q: I live in Dracut and have been getting services from your agency. The homemaker helps me with personal care, housekeeping and shopping. My daughter told me she read in the paper you are merging with another agency this summer. Can I still get my services? A: Your daughter is right! We are very excited…
Grieving spouses may need to find new life partners
Q: My mother passed away a little over a year ago after a long illness. My father was amazing as a caregiver and he was devastated after her death. They were married for almost 50 years. My siblings and I were shocked to discover Dad has been dating a woman he met at church. Now…
Cleaning out a parent’s home can be daunting
Q: My parents passed away within a short time of each other. Now my siblings and I face the daunting task of cleaning out their house to get it ready to be sold. This is the home we grew up in, after 60 years the house is filled with furniture, belongings and “memories.” We are…
Be wary of TV pitches for back and knee braces
Q: I’ve been having lower back pain for quite some time. It gets worse after too much physical activity. I’ve seen commercials on T.V. promoting back and knee braces covered by Medicare. If it isn’t going to cost me anything is there any reason why I shouldn’t call the number? A: So glad you contacted…
Telephones can be lifelines for isolated seniors
Q: I live in a small rural community with a population of less than 1,200 residents. I love our little town, but know that some elders who live in the “country” may not have someone to talk to or connect with if they need help. Years ago I lived in the Merrimack Valley and remember…
Medicare coverage for inpatient rehab varies
Q: Our church has a weekly social gathering for older adults. We provide light refreshments in addition to information gathering about topics related to aging. Several members have asked questions about who pays if they have to go to rehab in a nursing home. Does Medicare covers those costs? A: This is a complex question,…
Seek support promptly after receiving diagnosis
Q: I went to the doctor with my older sister the other day. She was scared to go alone as she was afraid of bad news. She had fallen twice and had noticed her voice was softer and she had to strain sometimes to be heard. She was frightened that these issues were symptomatic of…
Food resources to help supplement an individual’s food needs
Q: On a recent Sunday I gave an older woman who attends our church a ride home. When we arrived at her residence she was unsteady as she got out of the car. I asked if she was not feeling well and she became teary eyed as she finally admitted she hadn’t had a full…
Patient advocates can help with care planning
Q: My elderly parents live quite a distance from me. Due to chronic medical conditions they both have been hospitalized during the past year. My family and work responsibilities make it difficult to get away and travel back home each time they get sick. I make every attempt to stay involved by calling the hospital…
Recent Posts
Categories
- Aging Unbound
- Annual Golf Classic
- Ask Joan – Weekly Q and A Column
- Caregiver Events and Workshops
- Caregivers Connect
- Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia
- Changing Aging
- Community
- COVID19
- Digital Access
- For Families and Caregivers
- General
- General Ideas and Support
- Geriatric Support Services
- Grandparents / Kinship Caregivers as Parents
- Health Worker
- Healthy Aging
- Inspiring Aging
- LGBTQ+
- Long Distance Caregiving
- Making Connections
- Medicare Resources
- New to Caregiving
- Nutrition
- PCA
- Program Update
- Resources
- Scam Alert
- Self Care for the Caregiver
- Uncategorized
- Veterans
- Volunteering
- What’s New Out There
- Years of Service
Tags
Affordable housing agespan Alzheimer's awareness caregiver Caregiver Care caregivers Caregiver Support clutter Cognitive community Connection Dementia education General Caregiving golf golf classic Grandparents health healthy aging hiring Hoarding housing jobs learning Long Distance Medicare meditation memory cafe Memory Loss mental health Music and Memory Nutrition older americans month personal care report elder abuse Resources Self Care SHINE taichi tips tournament volunteer wellness Yoga
