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.
BE FAST: Understanding symptoms of a stroke
Q: What are signs that someone is having a stroke? A: It is vital for people to be aware of stroke symptoms so they can react quickly to get medical attention. I recently spoke with a 77-year-old woman, Angela, who had a minor stroke. She was unaware of her [...]
Motivating your loved ones to exercise
Q: My husband resists being active and following the physical therapy recommendations. How can I convince him to do his exercises? A: It can be very frustrating to see your loved one not engaging in physical activities when you know it will help them. This is very common and [...]
Understanding CalFresh Benefits
Q: I want to apply for food stamps, but I heard the program is being cut. Is it worth applying? A: Yes; if you are struggling to afford food and think you may qualify you should apply for benefits. What we refer to as “food stamps” is now called [...]
Advice Worth Sharing
A few weeks ago, I asked you all to write in with your best advice. I believe our best gift to each other is to impart our wisdom and to learn from each other. That is how we grow and help the next generation move forward and prosper. We [...]
Hydration is crucial for individuals with dementia
Q: My husband has dementia, and I have trouble getting him to drink enough water. How can I help keep him hydrated in the hot weather? A: People with dementia can easily become dehydrated because they may not recognize thirst in the same way. They may forget to drink [...]
Advice that lives on
I was recently on a family trip, and I ended up ordering way too much food. I had misunderstood the portions, and we sat at the table surrounded by a feast. As my family laughed about my order, I reminded them that my father would have been proud. I [...]
Focusing on the present and living in the moment
Q: I am caring for my husband, and I am always so worried about what will happen next. How can I stop worrying so much about the future? A: Most caregivers understand the feeling of worry and never know what is around the next corner. They always carry their [...]
Micro-Interactions can improve the quality of your day
I recently heard a new term: micro-interactions. I was sharing with my co-worker the topic of my column that appeared last week on how to meet new people and make friends as an older adult. I shared the story of the 95-year-old man who enjoys conversations with the barista [...]
Making new friends isn’t child’s play
Q: I am unsure how to meet new people now that I am retired. Do you have any tips on how to make new friends as an older adult? A: Meeting new people and putting yourself out there to create relationships is easier for some than for others. When [...]
Emotional and challenging “firsts” after someone passes away
Q: This will be the first Father’s Day since my dad passed away. How should I spend the day and support my mom through it? A: This will be the second Father’s Day since my father passed away. I had not discussed it ahead of time with my other [...]
Increasing our energy and fitness as we age
Q: I struggle to stay active and fit. What are some tips for getting my energy up as I age? A: I imagine everyone has times when they struggle with their energy. We usually know what we should be doing, like getting exercise, eating healthy, and staying engaged. But [...]
Older Americans Month’s message is clear and more important than ever
Q: What is this year’s theme for Older Americans Month? A: Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated every May. Led by a federal agency, the Administration for Community Living (ACL), OAM is a time to recognize older Americans' contributions, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm commitments to [...]
Asking for what you need in a time of grief
Q: My father passed away after a difficult time with dementia. People keep saying it was for the best because he is not suffering anymore, but it does not feel that way to me. How can I tell them to stop saying that? A: First of all, I am [...]
The importance of planning with a caregiver
Q: I am in the process of hiring a caregiver for my husband, who has dementia. How can I be sure they do the things that I want while they are working here? A: Setting expectations and creating task lists when hiring a caregiver is important and helpful. I [...]
The wonderful benefits of Adult Day Programs
Q: What is an Adult Day Care Center? A: Adult Day Care programs are licensed care facilities that provide social and personal care services to adults during the day in a group setting. This means the person can live at home and go for part of the day to enjoy [...]
Honoring Family Caregivers
Every year, Senior Concerns hosts a Caregiver Recognition Day event to honor family caregivers. As we prepare for this year’s event, I am again reminded of our community’s incredible strength and compassion. I often write about issues that family caregivers manage every day. While each person’s needs are unique, [...]
Standing Up To Ageism
I recently heard Doctor Karen Gorback talk about standing up to ageism. I have written about this topic before and felt it deserved more attention as it is an ongoing issue in our community. Dr. Gorback shared that it is important to recognize the problem, understand why it is [...]
Helping seniors get around town independently
Q: What is the Dial-A-Ride program, and where is it available? I have heard many different things about this transportation program and would like to know more. A: Dial-A-Ride (DAR) is a transit program that provides paratransit and senior origin-to-destination transportation service to those who cannot use the fixed-route [...]
Opening a dialogue when a parent is resistant to having their hearing tested
Q: My mother refuses to have her hearing tested even though we keep telling her she is missing out on our conversations. How can I convince her to get hearing aids? A: When one person in a relationship notices hearing loss in the other person, it can often lead [...]
Exploring options to affording In-home caregiving
Q: I was surprised to hear the price of hiring in-home care. How do people afford to pay for care at home?A: The cost of hiring a caregiver through an agency is at an all-time high. It can seem very overwhelming if you are not familiar with the industry. Rates [...]