Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Q. I know November is National Home Care and Hospice Month, and I’d like to recognize the people who do that kind of work. Can you share what they do and how they help older adults stay independent? A. I’m happy to have...
Ask Joan: Staying warm this winter on a fixed income
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Q. Now that the weather is getting colder, I have been worrying about my heating bill. I am a 78-year-old widow on a fixed income, and I have always been careful about keeping the heat low, but I don’t know if that will be...
Ask Joan: Don’t be fooled by AI-assisted Medicare scams
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Q. I’ve heard scammers are using new technology like AI to trick people with Medicare. What should I watch out for during open enrollment? A. You’re right to be on alert during Medicare Open Enrollment. Scammers are more active...
Ask Joan: Sharing financial matters with family is important
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Q. As my parents get older, I’m realizing I don’t know much about their financial situation. What steps can I take now to make sure I can help them later if needed? A. It can be awkward to talk with our parents about money, but...
Ask Joan: Good Neighbor Day Fast Approaching
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Q. I recently saw on social media that Good Neighbor Day is coming up and it’s had me thinking of an older woman on my street who lives alone. We’ve both lived here for years, and I know she is still living in her home, but I...
Ask Joan: Staying connected to grandkids away at college
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Q. My granddaughter just headed off to college. I am so proud of her! I have always lived nearby and we’re very close. How can I keep our connection now that she’s off at college? A. Heading off to college is a big milestone....
Ask Joan: Alcohol can interact with medications
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Q. My mother still likes to have a glass of wine or two most days, which seems okay, but I’m wondering what the risks are given her age. A. Many people enjoy a glass of wine every now and then. Alcohol can affect each of us...
Ask Joan: Sleep is the elixir for good health
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Q.I know my parents struggle with getting good sleep as they get older. Is there anything I can suggest for them? A. Sleep plays such a vital role in our physical, mental, and emotional health. But as we age, getting restful...
Ask Joan: Practical Steps to Create a Safer, More Organized Home
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Q. I struggle with helping my parents keep their living space organized. What are some steps I can take to get them moving in the right direction? A. As people age, their homes often accumulate belongings, making it difficult to...
Ask Joan: What accessory dwelling units mean for older adults
Joan Hatem-Roy, Chief Executive Officer Q. I read that Accessory Dwelling Units are now permitted by-right statewide in Massachusetts. How can older adults take advantage of this new law? A. Massachusetts’ new law permitting Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) by-right...
