Senior Advocate

Q:  How can I get through December and feel ready and motivated for the New Year? A:  People handle the last month of the year in many ways. If you are like me, this entire month becomes like one big to-do list. I feel the stress before we enter Thanksgiving, and it usually stays [...]

Q:  It seems like everyone is getting sick right now. How can I stay healthy while going to holiday gatherings? A:  As we head into winter we will see an increase in the cold, flu, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). A winter increase in COVID cases is also expected as has been the trend since [...]

Q:  How can I enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday this year without feeling so stressed? A:  Holiday gatherings can feel stressful for many different reasons. Some of us are hosting and feel pressure to make the experience wonderful for everyone who attends. Some of us are caring for a loved one who may have difficulty [...]

Over 40 million Americans provide unpaid care to an aging loved one or an adult with disabilities. November was first declared National Family Caregivers month in 1997 and has been proclaimed every year since by the President in office. It is a time to celebrate, recognize and thank those who provide care for their loved [...]

Q:  What are some ways I can cope with my memory slowing down as I age? A:  It is normal to experience some memory related issues as we age. Recalling words or names may take longer, and you may misplace things from time to time. This is different than dementia, where memory related problems are [...]

Q:  How can I learn more about Veterans benefits and see if my dad qualifies now that he needs more care? A:  In our country, we estimate there are over 18 million Veterans who have served in conflicts around the world including World War II, the Korean War, the Vietnam War, and even in the [...]

Q:  I cannot stop watching the news all day and it is making me anxious. How can I balance staying informed with my mental health? A: Many people struggle with this issue, including myself. We want to stay informed and not ignore the reality of the world news, but the toll it takes on our [...]

Recently, I participated in a support group and I was reminded about the importance of creating connections. In my career working with older adults and family caregivers I have often commented that my goal is to create community. Creating community, to me, means that people start to see they are not alone, and that [...]

Q:   How can I be sure that I am treating people with disabilities with respect? I always worry I will say the wrong thing. A:  I really appreciate your question and think it is always important to remind ourselves not to stereotype people with disabilities or make assumptions about them. I have a friend, Carol [...]

Q:   I don’t think my mother is a safe driver anymore. How can I talk to her about stopping driving? A:  Driving is a sensitive topic at any age. Especially here in Southern California where most of us rely on our cars as our only means of transportation. Transportation equals independence to most drivers. Any [...]