Senior Advocate

Q: My adult daughter recently said I was being stubborn because I would not let her help me. How can I explain to her that I prefer to be independent? A: As parents age it is common for adult children to want to step in and be more involved. They may make assumptions about [...]

Q: My mother has dementia, and I have trouble getting her to drink enough water. How can I encourage her to drink more water? A: Good hydration is important for everyone, but especially for people with dementia. And yet for many reasons it can be a challenge to get them to drink the water [...]

This will be the first Thanksgiving since my dad passed away, and I know things will be different this year. Grief is not a linear process. Some days we may feel like things are normal, and other days a little thing may trigger our emotions and bring the feelings of grief back to the [...]

Q: With the recent Mountain Fire and all the power outages, I am feeling anxious about what to do in an emergency. How should I prepare in case something happens to me? A: The Mountain Fire that started in early November has been a stark reminder of the dangers of fire season and high [...]

Q: The holiday season is beginning and every year I feel like it rushes by, and I always feel so stressed with all there is to do. How can I make the holidays less stressful this year? A: The holidays are often a busy time and there are many pressures to make it all [...]

Q: What is National Family Caregivers Month? A: November was first declared National Family Caregivers Month in 1997, and it has been declared every year since by the President in office. It is a time to celebrate, recognize and thank those who provide care for loved ones. Family caregivers are those who provide unpaid [...]

Q: My mother has dementia, and she keeps asking to go home even though she lives with me now. How do I convince her she is home? A: When someone with dementia is asking to go home, it usually means they want the feeling of home and the safety and security that comes with [...]

Q: What is a reverse bucket list? A: A reverse bucket list is basically the opposite of a regular bucket list. A bucket list is a list of things you want to do or achieve before you “kick the bucket.” It can be motivating and help guide people towards what is most important to them. [...]

Q: How can I eat healthy when I do not enjoy cooking anymore? A: The food we eat, our overall diet, is very important for our health. It helps keep us healthy, boosts our energy, and even improves our mood. It is important to pay attention and give care to your diet, while also [...]

Q: What is Ageism Awareness Day? A: Ageism Awareness Day is October 9th and is a day to bring awareness to the impact of ageism in our society. The American Society on Aging (ASA) is leading the 2024 Ageism Awareness Day campaign. Ageism refers to stereotypes, prejudice and discrimination towards oneself or others based [...]