Senior Advocate

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 [...]

Q:  I always have a hard time in the winter when it is so dark out. What can I do to help my mood this time of year? A: Mood changes in the winter are common. You may have heard it referred to as the “winter blues”. But it [...]

The holiday season is thought of as the stretch of time beginning with Thanksgiving and continuing through New Years. It can be a busy time filled with decorations, gatherings, food, gift buying and gift giving. There is an expectation that it is a joyous and busy time. But for [...]

 I was recently reminded that it is never too late, and we are never too old to learn something new. Although it is not always easy, we can find a way to stretch ourselves and stay engaged and involved in lifelong learning.I tried to learn to knit this year but [...]

Q:  I heard there are changes coming to our electric bills. What do I need to know? A: There was an Assembly Bill 205 (AB205) that passed in 2022 that takes effect this month, which will shift the billing structure seen on your electricity bill.   You will see [...]

Q:  What is National Family Caregivers Month? A:  November is National Family Caregivers Month. I often write about different months that are recognized because I think it can be an important tool in raising awareness.  Family caregivers are an often unseen force in our community that deserve attention and [...]

Q: What can I do to protect myself from the flu this year? A: Protecting yourself from the flu virus is important to safeguard your health. One of the first lines of defense is the flu vaccine which needs to be taken every year at the start of flu [...]

I wrote a column a few months ago about how micro interactions can make a difference in our moods and our sense of community. Even small interactions with people at the grocery store or doctors’ office waiting room can change the course of our day and feel meaningful. I [...]