Brendan and Kay Walsh The first in our month-long series celebrating Older American’s Month and Making Their Mark are Brendan and Kay Walsh of Salem, MA. Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2018, Kay has been on a mission to talk about hers and Brendan’s experiences and...
Q: My mother isn't a resident in Massachusetts but I am hoping you might have some suggestions on how to handle a problem with the care she is receiving at home. Originally we hired two private pay workers, they both have been more than satisfactory. Later additional...
Between 2-6% of the population struggles with hoarding behavior making it a highly common mental health issue. Because this is such a common and often misunderstood mental health diagnosis, Governor Baker has proclaimed May 25 – May 29, 2020 Massachusetts’ second...
Q: My elderly mother who has Alzheimer's disease lives about 12 hours away from me. In the past I would travel down to visit her three to four times a year. Due to the pandemic I wasn't able to be with her on Mother's Day. Under normal conditions I would never have...
Q: I am aware your agency is considered an essential service. My late parents received help at home and I was very grateful. What has been your experience working with older adults and their caregivers during this pandemic? A: Thank you for your question. This is such...
In looking back, was it only a few months ago that we would describe life as being ‘normal’? How is it possible that we are experiencing nostalgia for things that happened only a few weeks ago – things that may not have even mattered that much. It seems embarrassingly...
Q: Since I retired several years ago my social support system has narrowed considerably. I have become very emotional lately. Every day when I learn about the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 going up, how many people have passed away and the awful conditions...
Q: There is so much going on right now. How important is it for us to fill out the 2020 Census? Does this impact services for older adults like myself? A: Everyone may not realize participation in the census is actually required by law. Beyond the fact this is...
It was only a few months ago, although barely remembered now, that we were thinking about our goals or resolutions for the New Year, 2020. I was one of those people carefully choosing a plan for meeting my goals. Then the bus we did not see coming, named COVID 19,...
Q: I always take precautions when I leave my home for grocery shopping by wearing a mask and keeping distance between myself and other people. In spite of all my efforts, if I get sick I worry what will happen to my pets. I live alone and have no family in the area so...