Ask Joan – Weekly Q and A Column

Q:  My friend of more than 50 years passed away a few months ago. Her husband is distraught, they were devoted to each other. I stopped to visit with him the other day and he said there wasn’t any reason for him to go on living. I don’t know if he is depressed or really…

Q:  A friend has a sister who resides in a nursing home in another state. She called me the other night and was so upset about the problems she has been having with the facility. Her sister’s clothes consistently do not come back from the laundry, the room is not always clean and on two…

Q:  One of the ladies who lives on my floor in our elder housing is the resident “know-it-all.” She actually is fun to be around and has a good heart but she can drive us crazy with some of her obscure facts. Yesterday she told us we should no longer take hot baths or showers….

Q:  My granddaughter recently had a baby which is my first great grandchild. I didn’t go to the hospital because I had a cold and didn’t want to pass on any germs. I was just informed I can not see the baby unless I have an updated vaccination for whopping cough. I think she is…

Q:  I have arthritis that has resulted in joint replacements and ongoing pain. I try and stay as active as possible even though this causes discomfort. I have had side effects from most of the narcotics prescribed and do not want to rely on any of those. I am looking for other alternatives to try…

Q:  I retired last year and have been traveling and enjoying spending more time with my grandchildren. I have decided I would like to get involved with volunteer work. My professional background was focused on nutrition and food safety so I thought about the meals program for out town’s older adults. The town needed someone…

Q:  My parents both passed away within a few months of each other. I am now the power of attorney for my disabled younger brother. My parents kept him at home his entire life and cared for him by themselves. I am at a loss of how to get help for my brother. I did…

Q:  I always look forward to visits from family who live out of state. I enjoy cooking but when you live alone it doesn’t have the same appeal. When I knew the “gang” was coming I prepared all their favorite meals. My frustration level finally came to a boil a year ago. We would all…

Q:  My mother sold her home after my father passed away. She relocated to a smaller apartment in a nearby community and is having trouble meeting people. She was once very active in her church so I suggested she find a new congregation to join. Her strange comment was she didn’t need religion she needed…

Q:  I will be traveling to visit my mother for several days. Every time I am there she asks me over and over how long can I stay and when am I leaving. I know this is probably due to her Alzheimer’s diagnosis but it is enough to drive me crazy sometimes. How do I…