Senior Advocate

Every year, Senior Concerns hosts a Caregiver Recognition Day event to honor family caregivers. As we prepare for this year’s event, I am again reminded of our community’s incredible strength and compassion. I often write about issues that family caregivers manage every day. While each person’s needs are unique, [...]

I recently heard Doctor Karen Gorback talk about standing up to ageism. I have written about this topic before and felt it deserved more attention as it is an ongoing issue in our community. Dr. Gorback shared that it is important to recognize the problem, understand why it is [...]

Q: What is the Dial-A-Ride program, and where is it available? I have heard  many different things about this transportation program and would like to know more. A: Dial-A-Ride (DAR) is a transit program that provides paratransit and senior origin-to-destination transportation service to those who cannot use the fixed-route [...]

Q: My mother refuses to have her hearing tested even though we keep telling her she is missing out on our conversations. How can I convince her to get hearing aids? A: When one person in a relationship notices hearing loss in the other person, it can often lead [...]

Q: I was surprised to hear the price of hiring in-home care. How do people afford to pay for care at home?A: The cost of hiring a caregiver through an agency is at an all-time high. It can seem very overwhelming if you are not familiar with the industry. Rates [...]

Q: I was surprised to hear the price of hiring in-home care. How do people afford to pay for care at home?A: The cost of hiring a caregiver through an agency is at an all-time high. It can seem very overwhelming if you are not familiar with the industry. Rates [...]

Q: This is the first Valentine’s Day since my father passed away, and I want to do something special for my mom. What can I do that will help her get through this day?A: The first holidays after a loved one passes are often the most difficult. It is very [...]

Q: How can I manage my anxiety when there is so much uncertainty in the world? A: It is normal to feel some anxiety around times of uncertainty. Anxiety is when we have excessive or persistent worry and fears. We may experience it physically with a fast heartbeat, sweating, [...]

Q: I hear from friends how stressful and confusing hospital visits can be. How can I better prepare myself in case my husband or I need a hospital stay? A: A hospital stay can be stressful and often not what we expect. People frequently call Senior Concerns when their [...]

Q: I like to start the new year by cleaning out and organizing my home. What should I focus on this year? A: An annual home cleanout is a great way to help stay organized. It also can make you feel clearer and more ready to start the year [...]

Q: What is the Ombudsman Program, and how do they help people living in long-term care facilities? A: The Ventura County Ombudsman Program advocates for the highest quality of life and care for people who live in long-term care facilities. This includes skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, memory care [...]

Q: How can I make this year better than last year? A: I imagine most people start a new year feeling ready for change, and ready to be better than before. But what does that really mean? I think it is important to be thoughtful about what you want [...]

As the year comes to a close, it is a good time to look back and review the year. I often write about the use of reminiscence as a way to create acceptance in your life. It allows you to retell your story in a way that brings closure, [...]

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. [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]