QUESTION:  I just spent some time with my dad who lives in another state and came away with some concerns about him continuing to live alone.  What signs would indicate that it might be time to seek assistance for him?   ANSWER:  A number of signs could send up a red-flag warning that not all [...]

QUESTION:  I have been widowed for almost two years and am now considering a move.  My home and yard are more than I want to continue to take care of.  However, I am active and independent.  I don’t need to be taken care of but at times am very lonely.  I am considering what they [...]

QUESTION:  I am looking for information about hospice. What is it, does Medicare cover it and how does a person qualify for coverage?   ANSWER:  Hospice is a unique way of caring for a person with an advanced illness.  It focuses on palliative care instead of curative care.  It includes pain management and other services [...]

QUESTION:  Every year Cypress Place Assisted Living has a special event in honor of our veterans.  Do you know if that event is scheduled to be held again this year?   ANSWER:  A very timely question and yes the “Salute Our Veterans” event is scheduled for Wednesday June 26 at Cypress Place located at 1200 [...]

QUESTION:  During a recent business trip my husband lost his wallet and I’m trying to replace the contents.  This is a difficult job since he doesn’t remember everything that he carried.  Please tell others to inventory what they carry with them in case they should have the need to replace a wallet’s contents.   ANSWER:  [...]

QUESTION:  My mother has been in and out of hospitals for the past two years.  She used her 100 days in a skilled nursing facility and now my father is paying the bill.  She went back into the hospital for four days.  I thought that if you were hospitalized and returned to a skilled nursing [...]

QUESTION:  I’m hearing more and more about how overweight the people of this nation are becoming—both young and old.  We are told to eat right, cut back on portions and eat our fruit and vegetables.  I’m not in control of how much food is served.  Are there any guidelines for determining portion size or hints [...]

QUESTION:  A friend of mine was recently in the hospital and has been talking about several mistakes she found on her hospital bill.  Do you have any suggestions about how to avoid this happening?   ANSWER:  Any bill can contain an error and a hospital bill, which is rather complicated, is no different and like [...]

QUESTION:  My husband was considered disabled by his employer yet when he applied for Social Security disability he was turned down.  Can you provide an explanation?   ANSWER:  It is not unusual for a person to be turned down when first applying for Social Security disability.  Perhaps Social Security just needs some additional information.  I [...]

 QUESTION:  Medicare has been health care coverage for seniors for many years – are there any recent changes made that improve their services?  ANSWER:  Medicare is now 54 years old.  It was signed into law in 1965 by President Lyndon B. Johnson with President Harry S Truman at his side; through the years that followed [...]