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.
Switching our mindset from valuing independence to interdependence
Q: My husband does so much for me now that I am getting frailer. I cannot even cook or clean like I used to, and it makes me feel so guilty. How can I still maintain my relationship even when he has become like my caregiver? A: Guilt is a [...]
Noticing changes in a loved one during the holidays
Q: I visited my mother over Thanksgiving, and I noticed memory changes that worried me. How do I know if she has real memory problems and may need more help? A: It is not uncommon to notice changes over the holidays. Often, it has been a while since seeing the [...]
Reminiscence as a way to connect with loved ones
Thanksgiving is usually a time to come together with family or friends, share a meal and enjoy some socialization. The theme of the holiday is gratitude, and the meal may even start with everyone going around the table and saying what they are thankful for. This year, consider adding to [...]
November is National Family Caregivers Month
Family caregivers deserve to be celebrated and cared for every month, but November is the month they are nationally recognized. It is meant to be a month to honor family caregivers and raise awareness of the many issues that they face in their caregiving responsibilities. In California alone, there are [...]
Making holidays special even when spending them alone
Q: I cannot travel this year to be with family for Thanksgiving, so I am spending the holiday alone. How can I make it feel still feel special? A: The holidays may not always look the same, but there are many ways you can make them feel as special as [...]
Shipping delays…what they may mean for your holiday shopping
Q: I keep hearing there are shipping delays. Do I need to start my holiday shopping now? A: Starting your holiday shopping early is definitely a good idea. The shipping delays you are hearing about are caused by several issues. The largest ports on the West Coast are backed up [...]
Steps to take if you receive a surprisingly large medical bill
Q: I received a medical bill that it is very expensive. I cannot afford to pay this huge bill. What should I do? A: When you receive a medical bill that looks larger then expected it can feel very stressful and upsetting. Right away you are wondering how you will [...]
Worried about your memory? It may be stress.
Worried about your memory? It may be stress. It has been 19 months since the COVID pandemic upended our daily lives. The ups and downs we have experienced, the almost constant change in plans and new ways of life have no doubt added to feelings of stress, grief, and anxiety. [...]
Preparing Legally After an Alzheimer’s Diagnosis
Q: My spouse was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. What do we need to do to prepare legally for the future? A: A diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease can be very scary and un-nerving. You do not know what the next few years will look like, and there is usually worry [...]
The flu shot is an important tool in staying healthy
Q: Do I still need to get a flu shot this year? A: Yes, the flu shot is still an important protection against the flu and is especially important this year. The flu season generally lasts from October through May. Experts suggest the best time to get the flu vaccination [...]
Proactive estate planning helps to make a stressful situation more manageable
Q: I have seen a few friends become widows and it suddenly occurred that it could happen to me! What do I do to prepare myself in case my husband passes away before I do? A: Preparation will always make a stressful situation more manageable. When a loss occurs suddenly [...]
Finding help when you can’t afford home care, but you don’t qualify for Medi-Cal
Q: My husband needs more care than I can provide, but we cannot afford the cost of home care agencies. We make too much money for Medi-Cal services, but not enough to pay for private care. What can I do to get help? A: You bring up a very difficult [...]
Changing your perspective on using safety devices
Q: My doctor suggested I use a walker and my kids are pressuring me to get one. I know it may be helpful, but I hate the idea of having to use one. Should I get the walker and feel old, or should I keep going without one and still [...]
Easing anxiety over doctor visits
Q: I postponed my last doctor’s visit because of COVID. I know I need to go but I am so anxious about it. Do you have any tips on how to handle the appointment? A: Anxiety over a doctor’s visit is very common and understandable. A visit to your doctor [...]
Preparing to enroll in Medicare
Q: I turn 65 this winter. Do I have to sign up for Medicare or does it happen automatically? I am still working so I really do not need Medicare yet because I have insurance through my work. What do I need to do? A: Generally, most people must initiate [...]
Calming COVID fears as children go back to school
Q: I am worried about my grandkids starting school again with the COVID numbers going up and the Delta variant spreading. I am worried for their safety and for mine. What can I do to help feel calmer and stay safe? A: I think many of us thought this school [...]
Staying safe on the road as you age
Q: I recently had a fender bender and another near miss accident. I am worried and do not want to lose my license. Are there any tips on how to stay a safe driver as I get older? A: Staying safe on the road is always important and I applaud [...]
Dealing with “to do” list anxieties
Q: I always feel like I have a running list of things to do, and I can never catch up. How can I better manage this feeling that I am always behind on my tasks? A: Feeling like you always have a to-do list that you can never complete is [...]
Retirement can be a big adjustment
Q: I started my retirement during the COVID pandemic. Now it has suddenly hit me how different my day-to-day routine is, and I am feeling a little lost. How can I better adjust to retirement? A: Retiring is a big life change, and it is normal for it to take [...]
Protecting your home during wildfire season
Q: I am worried about wildfire season. What can I do to protect my home? A: There are many ways you can prepare your home and yard to make it as safe as possible to prevent fires from spreading to your house. While there are some things we cannot prevent, [...]
