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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 necessary...
Q: Several years ago I had a total knee replacement. I thought that would not only resolve severe pain but also put an end to several falls I had been having. Unfortunately I have fallen several times recently and now I am really frightened of a serious injury. I have...