Q: Due to my age and chronic health conditions, I have been extremely careful over the last nine months to avoid contracting COVID-19. I only go out when it is necessary, but with the holidays approaching, I don’t know how I’m going to get my gift shopping done. My...
Question: My neighbors and I have been closely following news about the progress of a vaccine for COVID-19. We have differing viewpoints on whether we feel confident in getting vaccinated when it first becomes available. We are all in the "older adults" category, so...
Like so many others, Kate P. has watched as her mother’s health has deteriorated over the past couple of years. This summer, the situation worsened. Her mother, age 77, has been struggling with failing mental health, dementias, and falling. She has gotten lost and...
Q: Our family is in turmoil over making plans for Thanksgiving. Our adult children haven't seen us in months, so they are anxious to get together. I have missed them, but I am not sure it would be wise for them to visit. My husband has several chronic conditions and...
Q: My elderly mother is a private pay resident at an upscale assisted living facility. While I understand the reasons for all the restrictions around visiting, this is very sad for me. My mother has become withdrawn and our relationship has suffered. I don't...
Q: I have been receiving flyers almost daily from insurance companies promoting their Medicare plans. I usually toss them in the trash without even looking over the information. I have good insurance through my husband's retirement benefits package, so why am I...
Q: I am concerned about my older brother. He is a 70-year-old gay man whose partner died over a year ago. It was stressful enough when he was dealing with grief, and then the pandemic started. My brother lives in an apartment building, and while his neighbors are...
Q: My husband and I recently moved into a condo in the Merrimack Valley to be closer to our adult children. He has a neurological condition and has been steadily deteriorating. I am determined to keep him at home but am becoming overwhelmed with his daily care. We...
Q: For several years, my elderly mother was able to remain in her own home with the help of private pay aides. It became clear this was not going to be an option long term due to cost and her physical deterioration. I spent considerable time touring facilities and...
Q: Several months ago, my husband was diagnosed with adult-onset diabetes. Last week, he had blood tests and a follow-up appointment with his physician. His blood sugar numbers remain elevated. My husband told his doctor he was taking his medication correctly and...