Senior Advocate

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 [...]

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. [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

The first official day of Spring was March 20th. When I think of the change of seasons I am reminded to do some spring cleaning. But this year I chose to reframe the idea of spring cleaning not just to focus on tidying my home, but as an opportunity [...]

Recently, I spoke with a physician who shared the profound impact a social worker had on her career. We were discussing the needs of individuals nearing the end of life. She explained that, as a doctor, she had always been taught that success meant keeping the patient alive. However, [...]

When an adult child is trying to help their parents, the first step is often gathering information. In many cases, they do not already have the details necessary to fully understand how to provide support. Ideally, as people age, they share important information with close family members, including details [...]

Q: I live alone and have been feeling anxious lately about my safety. What can I do to feel safer as a widow living alone?A: I have heard this concern frequently, especially following national news coverage about the disappearance of Savannah Guthrie’s mother. Stories like this naturally leave many older [...]

Recently, I observed several events that reminded me of the fragility of life. First, a woman I did not know personally, but with whom I shared many mutual friends, passed away unexpectedly. Her sudden death shook those who knew her and served as a stark reminder of life’s uncertainty. [...]

Q:  Why is it so hard for some people to ask for help? My mother is so stubborn and will resist my help every time I offer. A:  Accepting help can be challenging at any stage of life, and this difficulty often escalates with age. It is frequently associated [...]

Q:  I have Medi-Cal for my insurance, along with Medicare. What do I need to know about the changes coming to Medi-Cal? A:  Medi-Cal is what we call the Medicaid program in California. It is a vital healthcare program that provides free or low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income [...]

Q:  My husband has dementia, and recently, when we were out in public, he made rude and mean comments  to strangers. How can I stop this? A:  Dementia-related behaviors are not uncommon and are caused by damage in the brain. The damage may affect areas that control social filters, [...]

Q:  I care for my husband who has dementia and I still have him listed as my emergency contact. How can I update my paperwork and make a plan in case something happens to him or to me? A:  It is important to establish a contingency plan for your [...]

Q:  How come I can never remember people’s names when I am introduced to them? A:  There are a lot of reasons why many of us do not retain the names of people when we are first introduced. Most of the reasons have more to do with attention and [...]

Q:  People have commented that I do not seem like I have Parkinson’s Disease because I do not shake. How can I handle these insensitive comments? A:  Parkinson’s Disease includes many symptoms beyond the most well-known one, the tremor. About 25 to 30 percent of people with Parkinson’s never [...]

I have worked in older adult services for close to 20 years, most of that in Ventura County. I have seen many changes in the way services are provided, but a few things have always remained the same. The older adult population keeps growing, and their needs have consistently [...]

The new year is typically a time of reflection and goal setting. But for some it has a different meaning. My friend’s father passed away at the beginning of 2025. She commented to me that she cannot wait to put a “bow” on this year and start fresh. To [...]

I am inspired by the spirit of the holidays and hope to carry some of it with me into the coming year. Thanksgiving marks the beginning of the holiday season. Then Chanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and finally the New Year. While Christmas is the most commonly celebrated December holiday and [...]

As a social worker in the field of older adults’ services and dementia care, I have often talked to people who are concerned about their memory. One of the most common responses I get from people when I encourage them to talk to their doctor about their memory is [...]

I recently traveled to visit my mother for the Thanksgiving holiday, and I noticed some things in her home that could be improved for her safety. When we live in the same space for a long time it is easy to get used to how things are and not [...]