Senior Advocate

I was recently reminded of the power of listening to others from their perspective. I was watching a television show called The Pitt about a hospital emergency room. There was an older couple grappling with how to continue living independently at home. The daughter was worried and trying to persuade them to accept care [...]

Q: What is the importance of National Volunteer Month? A: National Volunteer month is held in April every year and is a time to celebrate and recognize the impact of volunteers in our community. It serves as a reminder not only to thank the volunteers we see but also to encourage everyone to get [...]

The first official day of Spring was March 20th. When I think of the change of seasons I am reminded to do some spring cleaning. But this year I chose to reframe the idea of spring cleaning not just to focus on tidying my home, but as an opportunity to refresh and support my [...]

Recently, I spoke with a physician who shared the profound impact a social worker had on her career. We were discussing the needs of individuals nearing the end of life. She explained that, as a doctor, she had always been taught that success meant keeping the patient alive. However, with experience she came to [...]

When an adult child is trying to help their parents, the first step is often gathering information. In many cases, they do not already have the details necessary to fully understand how to provide support. Ideally, as people age, they share important information with close family members, including details about insurance coverage and financial [...]

Q: I live alone and have been feeling anxious lately about my safety. What can I do to feel safer as a widow living alone?A: I have heard this concern frequently, especially following national news coverage about the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother. Stories like this naturally leave many older women who live alone feeling [...]

Recently, I observed several events that reminded me of the fragility of life. First, a woman I did not know personally, but with whom I shared many mutual friends, passed away unexpectedly. Her sudden death shook those who knew her and served as a stark reminder of life’s uncertainty. Second, an old friend reached [...]

Q:  Why is it so hard for some people to ask for help? My mother is so stubborn and will resist my help every time I offer. A:  Accepting help can be challenging at any stage of life, and this difficulty often escalates with age. It is frequently associated with a feeling of vulnerability [...]

Q:  I have Medi-Cal for my insurance, along with Medicare. What do I need to know about the changes coming to Medi-Cal? A:  Medi-Cal is what we call the Medicaid program in California. It is a vital healthcare program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income individuals, families, seniors, people with [...]

Q:  My husband has dementia, and recently, when we were out in public, he made rude and mean comments  to strangers. How can I stop this? A:  Dementia-related behaviors are not uncommon and are caused by damage in the brain. The damage may affect areas that control social filters, the person’s ability to regulate [...]