About Martha Shapiro

Martha Shapiro, Director of Programs at Senior Concerns, authors a weekly column for the Ventura County Star titled “Senior Advocate,” focusing on issues affecting seniors and their family caregivers. Martha Shapiro is the Director of Programs for Senior Concerns. In this role, Martha oversees the Adult Day Program, the Caregiver Support Center, and the Senior Advocate Program. She ensures that the programs run smoothly day to day and that every participant is treated with dignity and respect to maximize their quality of life. Martha brings to this role a background in older adult services and caregiver support. She earned her Master’s degree in Social Welfare from UCLA and currently holds her License in Clinical Social Work (LCSW). Martha serves on many community committees including the Ventura County Military Collaborative, The Financial Abuse Specialist Team, The Ventura County Compassionate Care Coalition, The Dementia Care Network and the LGBT Aging Coalition of Ventura County.

Q: I have recently heard the term “positive aging” and want to understand what it means. Is this a change in the way people talk about aging?

A: I hope there is a change for the better in the way our society talks about aging. The truth is that more and more people are aging. And as my grandmother used to say, “its beats the alternative!” We should lean in and enjoy the benefits of aging and make the most of [...]

By |2024-06-26T21:11:13-07:00June 26th, 2024|Martha Shapiro's Column|0 Comments

Q: I am looking to hire in-home care. What questions should I ask the agency before hiring them?

A: It is always important to do your due diligence and research to find the right in-home care agency for your needs. Home care agencies provide care wherever the person resides, usually in their home or in assisted living. The goal is to help the person remain safe and as independent as possible with care [...]

By |2024-06-15T21:24:56-07:00June 19th, 2024|Martha Shapiro's Column|0 Comments

Q: What is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day and what does this mean for our community?

A: World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) is recognized on June 15 every year. It is meant to bring awareness and understanding of elder abuse and neglect. This is so important because, sadly, elder abuse is in every community. Approximately one in every ten people over the age of 60 in the US has experienced [...]

By |2024-06-07T14:51:22-07:00June 12th, 2024|Martha Shapiro's Column|0 Comments

Q: I care for my wife who has dementia. How will I know when it is the right time to move her to a facility for care?

A: I have often heard caregivers tell me that they will just “know” when it is time to place their loved one. Most of the time they tell me this because they are confident that it is not yet that time. The truth is that I am not sure anyone automatically knows when and if [...]

By |2024-06-07T14:47:11-07:00June 5th, 2024|Martha Shapiro's Column|0 Comments

Preparing for Future Needs

Q: Why should I prepare for my future needs now when I don’t know what my needs will be? A: Preparing for the future is always recommended, even though we often do not know what that will involve. It is like purchasing homeowner’s insurance. You do not know if and when you will need [...]

By |2024-05-20T15:34:16-07:00May 20th, 2024|Martha Shapiro's Column|0 Comments

Older Americans Month

Q:  What is the theme of Older Americans Month this year? A:  Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by a federal agency, the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM is a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to serving the older adults in [...]

By |2024-05-22T15:03:32-07:00May 16th, 2024|Martha Shapiro's Column|0 Comments

Building Your Care Team

Senior Concerns hosted our annual Caregiver Recognition Day event last week and the theme was “Building Your Care Team.” It got me thinking about how all of us, not just family caregivers, need to think about who is in our Care Team. A care team is the people and agencies that support you. They are [...]

By |2024-05-10T09:26:42-07:00May 9th, 2024|Martha Shapiro's Column|0 Comments
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