
Senior Advocate
Martha Shapiro, Director of Programs at Senior Concerns, authors a weekly column for the Ventura County Star titled “Senior Advocate,” focusing on issues affecting seniors and their family caregivers.

Martha Shapiro, Director of Programs at Senior Concerns, authors a weekly column for the Ventura County Star titled “Senior Advocate,” focusing on issues affecting seniors and their family caregivers.
The COVID vaccines are working to reduce transmission, prevent death and serious illness, and help ensure we will not see a third surge of this virus in our community. It is truly amazing to see the numbers of positive tests and hospitalizations reduced so drastically. And most importantly, to see few, if any, new deaths [...]
Q: I recently did blood work and my doctor told me I was dehydrated. I thought I was drinking enough water. What does this mean and how can I stay hydrated? A: Staying hydrated is very important at any age, but especially for older adults. As we age the amount of water in our bodies [...]
Q: I feel like I am in constant pain, yet my doctor is not doing anything for it. What can I do to feel better? A: Many people believe that experiencing pain is a natural part of aging, but it does not have to go untreated. Studies show up to 4 out of every 5 [...]
Providing care to an older loved one is a responsibility that many of us are all too familiar with. Caregiving for a loved one can look different depending on the person’s level of need. It may include simply grocery shopping or accompanying to doctor’s appointments. Or, it may be more physical and include helping with [...]
Q: My husband is in the hospital and they said he will need to go to a rehab facility. How do I know what facility to choose? A: Finding the right skilled nursing facility for your husband to rehabilitate in until he can go home safely can be a worrying process. We want the best [...]
Older Americans Month was established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy. Although it was first called “Senior Citizens Month,” this name was later changed to reflect more modern language. Every year since then, the President has issued a proclamation to recognize this special month. It is meant to be a month to celebrate the [...]
Q: I am vaccinated now and feel excited to resume some of my previous activities, but I am also anxious. How can I get back to normal? A: Anxiety over the re-opening of our community is normal and many people are feeling the same way right now. When the stay at home orders were issued, [...]
Q: My parents really need more help at home, but they are not ready to move into assisted living. What can we do to make sure they have what they need at home? A: Planning to age in place involves looking at the home and the care needs from all angles. It is wonderful that [...]
Q: I was thinking that elder abuse must be increasing since the pandemic started because people are at home without outside support. What do we do if we think an older adult is being abused or neglected? A: Interestingly, the number of reported cases of elder abuse in Ventura County has decreased since the pandemic [...]
Q: My relationship with my adult son is not great, and I always worry about him. How can I be helpful and caring without it taking over my life? A: Parenting does not end when our children reach a certain age. The worry, concern and caring continues long after your child becomes an adult. However, [...]