Ask Joan – Weekly Q and A Column

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…

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 be healthy for their…

Many years ago my mother casually mentioned to me that she wanted to be cremated when she dies. My step-father was alive at the time and he was adamantly against this. My mother’s health is failing and I have told my step-siblings of my mother’s wishes. Their beliefs are in line with their late father’s…

Q. After a long wait an apartment in elder housing finally came available for my father. We thought it would be best to move him to be closer to where we live. Both my husband and I are working so it wasn’t feasible for him to move in with us since he needs more support…

Q.  More than 40 years ago I was in an abusive relationship. Very few people are aware of the circumstances because I was embarrassed and ashamed of what was happening to me. Eventually I was able to move on with my life, met and married a wonderful man. The problem is I have occasional nightmares and…

Q.  Following a total knee replacement the orthopedic surgeon prescribed amoxicillin to be taken prior to any dental work. The other day when I picked up the refill at the drug store the pharmacist spoke with me about whether or not I should continue to take the antibiotic. He seemed to think this was no…

Q.  My elderly mother has several chronic conditions although she doesn’t let this slow her down. She remains quite active in her church, local senior center and a card group. She got her flu shot in the fall and seems to think she shouldn’t have to take any further precautions. I know that several of…

Q.   I always thought of myself as a strong, independent woman. After my husband passed away I no longer feel safe in my own home. Every little noise at night makes me jump and I have trouble getting enough sleep. I do not want to move so I need to find ways to make me…

Q.  Due to my mother’s decline in both physical and cognitive health I make frequent trips to spend time with her and monitor her functional status. The last visit as soon as I opened the front door I was met with a blast of heat. The temperature in the house was up to 80 degrees. I…

Q.  I should have written to you long ago, frankly I’ve been in denial and need some direction. My parents had been very active and independent until this past year. I would stop over at the house every week to see what I could do to help them out. Now I realize they need much…