Ask Joan: Here’s a tool to assess well-being
Q. I am a caregiver for my mother. Are there any resources available that can help assess her overall well-being and quality of life? A. It’s wonderful that you’re thinking about your mother’s overall well-being, not just her health. As we age, our quality of life is influenced by far more than physical health—it’s about…
Ask Joan: Vibrant, supportive network available for veterans
Q. My husband, a veteran, and I recently relocated to the area to be closer to family. What resources are available locally to support veterans? A. Our region is home to a vibrant and supportive network for the nearly 32,000 veterans in the community. Whether your husband needs help navigating benefits, finding career opportunities, or…
Ask Joan: Overcoming guilt as a caregiver
Q. I’ve been caregiving for my parents for several years, helping them stay in their home by cooking meals, shopping, assisting with bathing, managing their medications and medical appointments, and offering emotional support. Despite all my efforts, I can’t shake the feeling that it’s never enough. How can I manage this guilt? A. It’s normal…
Ask Joan: AgeSpan has some questions for you
Usually, I respond to your questions in this column. This time, however, I have some questions for you. Every four years, AgeSpan partners with the Executive Office of Elder Affairs to conduct a comprehensive needs assessment. It is an important opportunity for me to hear from older adults and caregivers in the communities we serve…
Ask Joan: Picking a health care proxy important but difficult decision
Q. Before my husband passed last year, he and I spoke frequently about our health care wishes and decisions. Now that he is gone, I’m worried about who will help me with those decisions if I should become too sick to do it on my own. During a recent hospital stay, my doctor strongly encouraged…
Ask Joan: The Benefits of Meditation
Q. I’ve found that I’m becoming more anxious lately, and some of my friends have recommended meditation. I don’t know a lot about it but have heard it’s becoming more popular. Is this something worth exploring? A. We’ve heard from many people who are dealing with anxiety and looking for good tools to help manage…
Ask Joan: Much to contemplate before downsizing
Q. My husband and I recently made the difficult decision to sell our home. We love our house, but our children left many years ago and we find that we have more space than we need. Maintaining this large house has also become difficult, both financially and in terms of day-to-day upkeep. Before we sell,…
Ask Joan: Technology can aid communication for older adults with hearing loss
Q. My father was recently diagnosed with hearing loss. I live a distance from him, so our primary means of communication is the phone. He also loves to keep up with friends and family and particularly enjoys talking with his grandchildren. He is becoming very frustrated with how difficult it is for him to hear…
Ask Joan: Find out more about the ‘Power of Pets’
Question: I’ve owned cats my whole life, starting when I was a little girl in Methuen. My last cat, Milo, was with me for 15 years before I lost him to cancer last winter. I’ve missed having a pet in my home, and I think I’m ready to welcome a new one. I know they…
Ask Joan: Get Connected for Good Neighbor Day
For this week’s column, I wanted to share my thanks to all of you for taking the time to read, share your insights, and spread the word about services to support all of us as we age. So many of you comment on how the information has helped you, your family, or your friends. In…
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