Q: A friend and I recently attended an arts program at a local senior center that brought together older adults and high school students. It was such a great experience, and it made me realize how lucky I am to regularly spend time with my own grandchildren. Some...
Ask Joan: Thousands of older adults served by Meals on Wheels
Dinner each evening is often a time to gather with family, catch up on our day and enjoy a delicious meal. For others, mealtime can be stressful and lonely, especially for those of us who don’t have enough to eat. In fact, many people find themselves choosing between...
Ask Joan: Learning how AI can help in daily life
Q. I’ve been hearing a lot about artificial intelligence in the news, and it sounds a lot like something out of science fiction movies. My kids recently gave me a digital assistant (a voice-activated device connected to the internet) for my home and told me it may be...
Ask Joan: Communicating with your health care providers
Q. I’ve been diagnosed with some complicated health conditions and have many appointments with both my primary care doctor and other specialists. Lately, I’ve been very frustrated because it takes so long to make an appointment and then I have to wait months to be...
Ask Joan: Tips for easing, aiding the grief process
Q: I was my wife’s primary caregiver for three years during her illness. While it could be difficult some days, I couldn’t imagine doing anything else for her. She passed away recently, and I am struggling with how I feel and am unsure some days what to do with...
Ask Joan: Simple ways to manage holiday blues
Q. I do love the holiday season, but since my wife passed away a few years ago, I sometimes struggle and feel a bit depressed. A friend of mine called it the “holiday blues”, but it seems wrong to feel sad when everything is supposed to be joyful. Do you have any...
Ask Joan: Your gift gives others the choice to stay at home
The holidays are just around the corner. It’s the time of year when we decorate our homes, enjoy holiday traditions, and cook our family’s favorite meals. It’s also time to celebrate with family and friends. and celebrate is exactly what AgeSpan is going to do as we...
Ask Joan: Grandparents raising grandchildren need help
Question: My close friend was recently awarded full custody of her two young grandsons. She is a loving, devoted grandparent and shared with me that she is sometimes overwhelmed by her responsibilities. A friend suggested your agency might offer some...
Ask Joan: Seniors benefit from the power of pets
Question: When my husband died seven years ago, I got my dog, Lily, for companionship. I’m retired now and living on a fixed income. I’m worried I won’t be able to afford to keep her, and that would just be devastating to me. Is there a program out there that might be...
Ask Joan: Caregivers can get extra help at home with PCA Program
Question: I find myself struggling to care for my 76-year-old aunt , who lives with m y family and has severe arthritis. I feel I’m being squeezed between the responsibilities of taking care of my children and m y aunt. She requires a great deal of care, and I’m...