Senior Advocate

As a social worker in the field of gerontology, I have worked directly with family caregivers for my entire career. I have always been in awe of what family caregivers do to support and care for their loved ones. Last year I saw my mother become a full-time caregiver for my father. I saw her [...]

Q:  I have been helping my mom with errands and little things since my dad passed away. My friend said I am a caregiver, but my mom is still mostly independent. What does it mean to be a caregiver? A:  If you are helping your mom and serving as her backup person, you are a [...]

Q: I am feeling the urge to do some spring cleaning. What are some tips for how I can clean out with safety in mind. A:  I commend you for feeling ready to refresh your home environment to feel ready for the springtime. I love any opportunity to organize, clean out and start fresh. Cleaning [...]

Q: What can I do to help prevent dementia as I age? A:  There is always something we can do to be healthier and lower our risk factors for dementia. It is never too late to make a positive change in your health. I recently attended the Senior Congress Senior Congress XX features speakers on [...]

Q: I have been feeling lonely lately even though I try and stay busy. What can I do to help stop feeling so lonely in my day? A: First, I will tell you that you are not alone in feeling alone. Studies show that 43 percent of older adults report feeling lonely on a regular [...]

I have been a professional social worker for over 15 years. I entered the field because I wanted to work in a helping profession. I was not sure exactly how, but I loved the field of social work because it is so varied. It provides an educational foundation to work with individuals and communities in [...]

Q:  What do I need to know about making plans in case I become ill and can no longer make decisions for myself? A:  Advanced care planning, making plans for the “what ifs” of the future, is an important step as an adult and can provide peace of mind. It will most likely feel uncomfortable [...]

Q:  This weather has been so hard on my joint pain. What can I do to help myself feel better in the cold? A:  Many people believe they can predict the weather based on how their joints feel.  There is some real research to support this idea, although there are many factors. Weather conditions do [...]

Q:  My mom is currently in the hospital, and I think she needs to go to rehab before going home. How can I best advocate for her? A:  When a loved one is in the hospital, they need you to be their advocate and ensure they get the care they need and want. It can [...]

Q:  My husband has dementia and will not remember that it is Valentine’s Day. How can I still make the day feel special? A:  When your partner has dementia, it changes the way special days are celebrated. If your loved one cannot remember the date or understand the meaning, then birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays like [...]