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Ask Joan - Weekly Q and A Column | Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s or Dementia | For Families and Caregivers | General | Healthy Aging | New to Caregiving

Ask Joan: Getting more comfortable as a caregiver
ByVeronica Reed November 4, 2025November 4, 2025

Q. My wife was recently diagnosed with early-stage dementia. I have had to help her with things here and there as her condition has developed, but I never expected to be her caregiver. In my generation, men just didn’t learn how to do a lot of these things. How can I adjust to this new…

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Community | General | Health Worker

Rooted in Care: The Transformative Power of Community Health Workers
ByVeronica Reed October 31, 2025October 31, 2025

When Milagros got the keys to her apartment at the Methuen Housing Authority in the fall of 2025, it marked the end of a housing search that took years. It was also the first time in her life she had a place to really call her own. In her 68 years, life has thrown a…

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Ask Joan - Weekly Q and A Column | General | General Ideas and Support | Healthy Aging | Medicare Resources | Scam Alert

Ask Joan: Don’t be fooled by AI-assisted Medicare scams
ByVeronica Reed October 28, 2025October 28, 2025

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 during this time and increasingly, they’re using AI. The Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) Program reports…

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Ask Joan - Weekly Q and A Column | General | Healthy Aging

Ask Joan: National Drug Take Back Day: A chance to get rid of expired, unused meds
ByVeronica Reed October 21, 2025October 21, 2025

Q. I was visiting my parents recently and went into their medicine cabinet to get some aspirin. I noticed that they had quite a few expired medications in there. My mom told me she wasn’t sure what to do with them. I know I should help them with this, but I’m not sure where to…

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Ask Joan - Weekly Q and A Column | General | Healthy Aging | Resources

Ask Joan: Fabulous lifelong learners honored by AgeSpan
ByVeronica Reed October 14, 2025October 21, 2025

In just about a month, AgeSpan board members, staff, volunteers, partners, and supporters will gather for one of my favorite days of the year: the AgeSpan Annual Luncheon. It’s our opportunity to come together to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year and look forward to the work we continue to do together to create…

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Community | General

Empowering Families Through the Personal Care Attendant Program
ByVeronica Reed October 7, 2025October 7, 2025

When mom starts to need help getting dressed in the morning, preparing her meals, or keeping her medications straight, it’s often a daughter or another family member or friend who steps in to help. Spending time helping with these activities of daily living can be very rewarding, but for a caregiver, it can also mean…

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Ask Joan - Weekly Q and A Column | Changing Aging | General | Healthy Aging

Ask Joan: Ageism Awareness Day coming up on Oct. 9
ByVeronica Reed October 7, 2025October 7, 2025

Q. I just started a new job where I will be managing people of all ages. My new team has a lot of young workers at the start of their careers, but also many who are in their 60s and even a few in their 70s. I am not sure how they will work together….

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Ask Joan - Weekly Q and A Column | For Families and Caregivers | General | General Ideas and Support | Healthy Aging

Ask Joan: Sharing financial matters with family is important
ByVeronica Reed September 30, 2025September 30, 2025

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 it’s one of the most important conversations we can have….

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Ask Joan - Weekly Q and A Column | General | Healthy Aging

Ask Joan: Check with doc when meds cause dizziness
ByVeronica Reed September 24, 2025September 24, 2025

Q. My husband sometimes tells me that he feels dizzy. He recently started a new medication, and I am wondering if that is to blame. I keep telling him to call his doctor, but he says he’s fine. Am I overreacting? A. You’re not overreacting. Some medications can cause dizziness, which may increase the risk…

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Community | General

Opening doors to connection: Supporting residents at the Methuen Housing Authority
ByVeronica Reed September 16, 2025September 17, 2025

For AgeSpan Resident Service Coordinators, sometimes it’s one small thing that opens the door to big changes for the older adults they work with. In the case of RSC Liz Speranza and resident Bernie, it was a Tracfone. As an AgeSpan RSC, Liz is based in the Methuen Housing Authority, connecting residents with programs and…

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