Consider an outside advocate to speak for patient
Q: My husband is seriously ill and the long-term prognosis is not very encouraging. The physician involved in his care has decided he is not a suitable candidate for surgery due to his age. My adult children disagree and believe their father will not live much longer without the surgery. They are also upset with…
Let’s talk about End of Life and Advance Care Planning
Because it’s always too soon until it’s too late. Whether it is denial, avoidance or procrastination some of us just plain don’t want to deal with an issue that is as intensely emotional as considering completing End of Life wishes documents. Unfortunately as the saying goes “It’s always too soon until it’s too late”. We are…
Eye care costs can be a concern but no one wants to put a price on losing their vision
Q: I’ve been wearing glasses since I was in grade school. I always had yearly examinations and updated my glasses whenever there was a change in my vision. Since I have been on Medicare I have gone for longer periods of time before visiting my Opthamologist because of insurance coverage. Lately I have been noticing…
Tackle a home clean-out in stages
Q: My widowed 92-year-old mother continues to live in her own home. Her health has been deteriorating, while I hope she will still have years to live I am realistic at the same time. I will have the responsibility of cleaning out the house when she passes or requires nursing home care whichever comes first….
This Magic Moment Memory Cafe
This Magic Moment Memory Café presents Paint Your Springtime Day with guest artist Karen Keenan Takis from Express Yourself. The Memory Café is for caregivers and their loved ones to escape the cold and enjoy a couple of hours relaxing and being creative. Free Admission. Light refreshments and resource information will be provided. Tuesday, April…
Southeast Asian Caring for the Caregiver event was a success!
“It’s not a Curse – It’s Dementia” was the theme for the Southeast Asian Caring for the Caregiver event at The Community Family in Lowell – facilitated by Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley Family Caregiver Support Program and the Merrimack Valley Alzheimer’s Association Community Partnership. Over 75 caregivers enjoyed breakfast and were able to…
Take steps to avoid social isolation after move
Q: Over the past year I have been giving serious thought to relocating to a warmer climate. My friends and family don’t think this is a good idea since I am widowed and would be all alone in a new area. I am relatively healthy and so far fairly independent. I would like suggestions of…
March is Brain Injury Awareness Month!
I thought I would first start with sharing a personal story with you. This is Jim’s story and he shares his experience following his brain injury and how the Brain Injury Association of Massachusetts (BIA-MA) has helped support him through his journey and provided him with the help and resources he needed in order to…
Insurance may cover cost of lost food
Q: My mother and her neighbors were without electricity for more than 4 days. All of the food in the refrigerator was spoiled and had to be thrown out. Her housekeeper is making a list for the grocery store to replace the items lost. She called and asked me if there was anyway to recoup…
Beware of scams targeting the elderly
Q: Last Christmas several family members all pitched in to buy my elderly mother a top of the line laptop and printer. We thought this would be a good way for her to stay in touch with all of her grandchildren who are in college or have moved away for new jobs. She took a…
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