Senior Advocate

Q: Can I use Paid Family Leave to take care of my mother? A: In California, Paid Family Leave (PFL) can be used to care for a seriously ill family member, including your mother, if you qualify. PFL provides short-term wage replacement benefits to eligible California workers for up to eight weeks of family [...]

A poem was recently shared with me called “If I Get Dementia.” It was written by Rachael Wonderlin. The poem is a collection of requests for loved ones to remember if the writer were ever to develop dementia. Through simple but deeply meaningful statements, it offers guidance on how a person living with dementia [...]

I recently learned that my mother was still paying the monthly bill for my father’s cell phone, two years after he passed away. For someone who is careful about money, this was very surprising. It was not about the money or the hassle of canceling the plan, it was really about the emotions behind [...]

Q:  I am having trouble affording the rising cost of food these days. What resources are there to help? A:  You are definitely not alone in this. Food costs have been rising, as have many of our other expenses. Thankfully, there are several resources available that may be able to help. One of the [...]

Q:  What is this year’s theme for Older Americans Month? A:  Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated each May. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), a federal agency, OAM is a time to recognize the contributions of older Americans, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm our commitment to serving older [...]

Q:  My mom asked me to be her agent on her Advance Healthcare Directive, and I am anxious about this responsibility. What do I need to know? A:  As a healthcare agent, you generally step in when the person is no longer able to make or communicate their own healthcare decisions. You are meant [...]

Q: Is Artificial Intelligence useful for understanding my health issues? A: Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be a helpful way to gather information about a health topic. However, it is important to understand both its benefits and its limitations when addressing medical concerns. AI is still relatively new, yet it is already integrated into [...]

Q: My sister is caring for her husband who has dementia. Is there something nice I can do for her since she is so stressed?   A: Caring for a loved one is a selfless way to give your love and comfort, but it is not without its stressors. It can be physically challenging, [...]

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 [...]