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 [...]
I have written many times about the importance of stepping outside your comfort zone and trying new things as we age. The benefits are not just enjoyable, but also good for your brain health. I was reminded of this recently when I met David De Vorre, who shared his experience learning square dancing in [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Q: I am struggling to manage my monthly budget. How can I find out if I qualify for any benefits to help reduce my expenses? A: If you are struggling to cover your monthly costs now it is a good time to review your budget and expenses. I always recommend starting by writing down a [...]
Q: I used to enjoy cooking but now it’s too difficult physically to stand and prepare meals for myself. What are some prepared meal options? A: There are many reasons people may no longer want to prepare meals from scratch as we age. The physical work needed to stand, bend, chop, and stir may be [...]
As a social worker in the field of gerontology, I have worked directly with family caregivers for my entire career. I have always been in awe of what family caregivers do to support and care for their loved ones. Last year I saw my mother become a full-time caregiver for my father. I saw her [...]
Q: I have been helping my mom with errands and little things since my dad passed away. My friend said I am a caregiver, but my mom is still mostly independent. What does it mean to be a caregiver? A: If you are helping your mom and serving as her backup person, you are a [...]
Q: I am feeling the urge to do some spring cleaning. What are some tips for how I can clean out with safety in mind. A: I commend you for feeling ready to refresh your home environment to feel ready for the springtime. I love any opportunity to organize, clean out and start fresh. Cleaning [...]
