Q: During a recent trip I made a brief stop at an Interstate Rest Area. There was heavy traffic and the parking lot was crowded. After leaving the facilities, I hesitated for a moment because I realized I hadn't taken notice of which aisle I had parked in (I was in a...
Concerns about abuse of an elder should be reported
Q: One day last week an elderly neighbor showed up at my door in tears. She said her husband had left in the morning to run errands and hadn't returned to fix her lunch...she was hungry. I brought her inside and she continued to tell me he gets angry with her all the...
New Medicare cards doesn’t mean program change
Q: Several of my friends have told me they heard we are getting new Medicare cards. Some are convinced this means the program is changing. Are they taking away any of our benefits we are currently getting? A: There is no basis for their concerns at this point....
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
It’s never too late to care for your heart
Q: As an aging adult I am sadly aware of the number of friends and relatives who have passed away over the last few years. What has come as a big shock to me is two close friends have recently been hospitalized for cardiac events. Both of these individuals appeared to...