Q: My husband and I are both retiring in the next few months after reaching our full retirement age for Social Security. We can’t keep the health insurance we have through our employers, but we haven’t been able to agree on what coverage is best for us. It’s often...
Having meals delivered for seniors
Q: My father has a medical condition that makes him at risk for contacting COVID, and his physician has instructed him to remain at home as much as possible. I am worried about his nutrition. Is there a way he could receive meals delivered to his home? A: Our agency...
Concerns about voting
Q: This year, I am concerned about voting in person because of COVID and the flu season. Due to my age and chronic health condition, I am not going to take a chance on exposing myself by potentially being in long lines of people waiting to vote. Can you provide...
Is it safe to keep a medical appointment?
Q: I have a follow-up medical appointment next month. This was scheduled the last time I saw my physician six months ago. I have been very careful avoiding people as much as possible ever since the pandemic started. I really don't know if I want to keep the...
Discussing home care with parents
Q: Over the last few months my sister and I have been calling our elderly parents on a daily basis to make sure they are managing during these difficult times. We have begun to realize it may not be possible for them to remain living in their own home. They both have...
Do I really need a will?
Q: Over the last several months, I have been thinking a lot about the future. If I get sick right now, I really don’t have my legal and financial affairs in order. I finally filled out my Advance Directive which I had avoided for a long time. I also put a relative's...
Tips for elder airplane travel
Q: I will be moving my mother from out of state to a facility near where I live. She gets nervous if she is in a vehicle for any length of time so it seems the only way to relocate her is by flying. Due to her advanced age, dementia and frailty I am a little...
Workshops on caregiving, chronic conditions continue virtually
Q: Earlier this year my husband was diagnosed with a neurological condition. We were told there would be ongoing deterioration still we both tried to have a positive attitude when we received the news. Unfortunately being confined to home and all the challenges the...
What help is available for grandparents raising their grandchildren?
Q: A neighbor of mine recently was awarded custody of her grandchildren. For numerous reasons, the children's parents are not involved in their care nor will they be allowed to in the future. My neighbor refused to allow the children to be put in the foster care...
Is it OK for elderly mom to go to a restaurant?
Q: My elderly mother lives in another New England state. Restrictions are being lifted in her county allowing most businesses to resume operation as long as they follow safe guidelines for social distancing. My mother and her neighbor have missed their weekly outing...