Senior Advocate

Q: My husband just transferred from the hospital to a rehab facility following a fall. What do I need to know about how to manage his care while in the facility? A: When your loved one is in a skilled nursing facility for rehabilitation, it is important to be [...]

Q: Can I use Paid Family Leave to take care of my mother? A: In California, Paid Family Leave (PFL) can be used to care for a seriously ill family member, including your mother, if you qualify. PFL provides short-term wage replacement benefits to eligible California workers for up [...]

A poem was recently shared with me called “If I Get Dementia.” It was written by Rachael Wonderlin. The poem is a collection of requests for loved ones to remember if the writer were ever to develop dementia. Through simple but deeply meaningful statements, it offers guidance on how [...]

I recently learned that my mother was still paying the monthly bill for my father’s cell phone, two years after he passed away. For someone who is careful about money, this was very surprising. It was not about the money or the hassle of canceling the plan, it was [...]

Q:  I am having trouble affording the rising cost of food these days. What resources are there to help? A:  You are definitely not alone in this. Food costs have been rising, as have many of our other expenses. Thankfully, there are several resources available that may be able [...]

Q:  What is this year’s theme for Older Americans Month? A:  Established in 1963, Older Americans Month (OAM) is celebrated each May. Led by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), a federal agency, OAM is a time to recognize the contributions of older Americans, highlight aging trends, and reaffirm [...]

Q:  My mom asked me to be her agent on her Advance Healthcare Directive, and I am anxious about this responsibility. What do I need to know? A:  As a healthcare agent, you generally step in when the person is no longer able to make or communicate their own [...]

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 [...]