To avoid getting caught by surprise, keep regular appointments
Q: My husband was recently rushed to the hospital. His blood sugar level was extremely high and we were informed he had Type 2 diabetes. This had never shown up on any blood tests in the past. I am feeling somewhat guilty and wondering if I just didn’t notice some changes in him. Are there…
The Walsh Family – Standing Up to Alzheimer’s Together
The path of caregiving is fraught with twists and turns and ups and downs and most often, unique in and of itself. That path can be challenging in its navigation. Brendan and Kay Walsh of Salem are facing the uncertainty of their path ahead but they are facing it together. It was August of 2018….
How to help homebound adults during flu season
Q: I am a volunteer with my church’s elder visitors program. We have numerous older parishioners who are no longer able to get out and attend Sunday services. One individual I frequently see expressed concern that she hasn’t gotten a flu vaccination as of yet. She is virtually homebound and has no idea of how…
To balance life and caregiving, lean on those around you
Q: Growing up the holidays were always very special with my family. After I married I asked my mother if I could start hosting Thanksgiving at my house. I would spend days working on the menu and getting ready for our extended family to arrive. I am anxious and depressed because I don’t think I…
Family role vital for transition to assisted living facility
Q: My elderly mother will be making the transition from her own home to a memory care unit in an assisted living facility within the next few months. This has been a very heart wrenching decision for me. I have tried my best to keep her in the community but she has deteriorated to the…
Check your Medicare plan each year
Q: Several years ago when my husband and I both retired we signed up for a Medicare plan several of our friends recommended. In the beginning neither of us took prescriptions on a regular basis or had any on-going health conditions so the plan met our needs. Last year my husband’s health started to deteriorate…
What to do when things go missing in a nursing home
Q: My mother was recently placed in a long term care facility because her needs could no longer be met at home. The other day when I visited her she looked very unkempt and was wearing clothes that were not hers. I carefully marked all of the clothes that I brought for her and told…
Menopause doesn’t mean skipping care
Q: My mother who is in her late sixties seems to believe since she has gone through menopause she no longer needs to see a gynecologist for annual exams. She also refuses to have a mammogram which her primary physician recommended. Do you have any information so I can try to change her mind. This…
What to say when it’s time to talk about nursing homes
Q: I read your column regarding what to look for in choosing a nursing home which will be very helpful to me. My problem is I don’t know how to approach this topic with my mother. I am so worried she is going to be angry with me and not have the capacity (due to…
Research is essential in choosing care facility
Q: My 94 year old mother lives out of state in her own home. Her trust has been paying for 24 hour care for over two years. Funds will only last a year or so longer since it is very expensive to keep her at home. Her attorney thinks within a year it will be…
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