Senior Advocate

Q: My mother recently moved in with me and has assigned me as her power of attorney for finances. What do I need to know about managing her money for her? A: When someone feels they are not able to manage their own finances they can give the power of attorney for their finances to [...]

There are many different life changes that can prompt us to think about our legacy, and how we want to spend our last chapter. Sometimes it is sparked by entering retirement and wanting to rethink your purpose and daily life plan. Other times it is because we receive a difficult health diagnosis that causes us [...]

Q: What is the point of making New Year’s resolutions if I know nothing will change? All the things I want to change I have no control over, like my health or my mobility. A: Finding ways to envision the next year with hope and gratitude is not always something that comes easy. When you [...]

Q: I know many people are having regular holiday gatherings because they are vaccinated and feel safe now. But my neighbor has disabilities and told me she doesn't feel safe gathering in a large group, so she is staying home alone. How can I support her, so she does not feel so lonely? A: People [...]

The year 2022 sounds like something out of a futuristic science fiction movie. It is hard to believe this is the year upon us, especially after all we have been through. The New Year is often a time to reflect and move forward in our lives. It feels like an opportunity to reset and make [...]

Q: My husband does so much for me now that I am getting frailer. I cannot even cook or clean like I used to, and it makes me feel so guilty. How can I still maintain my relationship even when he has become like my caregiver? A: Guilt is a very common feeling and one [...]

Q: I visited my mother over Thanksgiving, and I noticed memory changes that worried me. How do I know if she has real memory problems and may need more help? A: It is not uncommon to notice changes over the holidays. Often, it has been a while since seeing the loved one in person, and [...]

Thanksgiving is usually a time to come together with family or friends, share a meal and enjoy some socialization. The theme of the holiday is gratitude, and the meal may even start with everyone going around the table and saying what they are thankful for. This year, consider adding to this tradition by using the [...]

Family caregivers deserve to be celebrated and cared for every month, but November is the month they are nationally recognized. It is meant to be a month to honor family caregivers and raise awareness of the many issues that they face in their caregiving responsibilities. In California alone, there are estimated to be around 4.5 [...]

Q: I cannot travel this year to be with family for Thanksgiving, so I am spending the holiday alone. How can I make it feel still feel special? A: The holidays may not always look the same, but there are many ways you can make them feel as special as years passed. The key is [...]