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.
Caregiving help during a pandemic
Q: I care for my wife who has dementia, and this past year has been difficult doing it all alone at home. Now that we are vaccinated, what do I need to know about hiring help for my wife? A: Caregiving for a loved one with dementia can be stressful [...]
Wildfire season poses an even greater danger for those who don’t drive
Q: I do not drive, and I am worried about wildfire season. What do I do if I need to evacuate? A: It is important to think ahead and have a plan in place on how to handle an emergency. I applaud you for wanting to know ahead of time [...]
Increase in alcohol consumption during the pandemic can lead to more issues
Q: I noticed that I started drinking alcohol more during this past year and I am worried it is too much. What are some tips on how I can cut back on my drinking? A: Many people increased their alcohol intake during the pandemic to cope with the anxiety, stress [...]
Getting a better night’s sleep during a heatwave
Q: It is so hot out that I am having trouble sleeping at night. How can I stay cool? A: We have already had our first heat wave of the summer and chances are it will not be the last. It can be helpful to prepare throughout the day to [...]
It’s important to learn to set better personal boundaries
Q: I realized that I have a hard time saying “no” to people. I feel like I am always bending backwards to help everyone else, and it is exhausting me! How can I learn to set better boundaries? Personal boundaries are the limits and rules that we set on our [...]
What You Need to Know About the COVID Vaccine
The COVID vaccines are working to reduce transmission, prevent death and serious illness, and help ensure we will not see a third surge of this virus in our community. It is truly amazing to see the numbers of positive tests and hospitalizations reduced so drastically. And most importantly, to see [...]
Staying hydrated is especially important for older adults
Q: I recently did blood work and my doctor told me I was dehydrated. I thought I was drinking enough water. What does this mean and how can I stay hydrated? A: Staying hydrated is very important at any age, but especially for older adults. As we age the amount [...]
Exploring options to treat chronic pain
Q: I feel like I am in constant pain, yet my doctor is not doing anything for it. What can I do to feel better? A: Many people believe that experiencing pain is a natural part of aging, but it does not have to go untreated. Studies show up to [...]
Family Caregivers Are All of Us
Providing care to an older loved one is a responsibility that many of us are all too familiar with. Caregiving for a loved one can look different depending on the person’s level of need. It may include simply grocery shopping or accompanying to doctor’s appointments. Or, it may be more [...]
Finding a Skilled Nursing Facility that Meets Your Needs
Q: My husband is in the hospital and they said he will need to go to a rehab facility. How do I know what facility to choose? A: Finding the right skilled nursing facility for your husband to rehabilitate in until he can go home safely can be a worrying [...]
Older Americans Month: Communities of Strength
Older Americans Month was established in 1963 by President John F. Kennedy. Although it was first called “Senior Citizens Month,” this name was later changed to reflect more modern language. Every year since then, the President has issued a proclamation to recognize this special month. It is meant to be [...]
Anxiety post-COVID is normal
Q: I am vaccinated now and feel excited to resume some of my previous activities, but I am also anxious. How can I get back to normal? A: Anxiety over the re-opening of our community is normal and many people are feeling the same way right now. When the stay [...]
Examining the needs of aging parents
Q: My parents really need more help at home, but they are not ready to move into assisted living. What can we do to make sure they have what they need at home? A: Planning to age in place involves looking at the home and the care needs from all [...]
Elder abuse and the pandemic
Q: I was thinking that elder abuse must be increasing since the pandemic started because people are at home without outside support. What do we do if we think an older adult is being abused or neglected? A: Interestingly, the number of reported cases of elder abuse in Ventura County [...]
Parenting changes as our children become adults
Q: My relationship with my adult son is not great, and I always worry about him. How can I be helpful and caring without it taking over my life? A: Parenting does not end when our children reach a certain age. The worry, concern and caring continues long after your [...]
Information is important when deciding to get the COVID-19 vaccine
Q: I am hesitant about getting the COVID vaccine. Is it really safe? A: Hesitancy about any new medical treatment is understandable and any concerns deserve to be examined. It is important that you get the correct information so you can make an informed decision that you feel confident about. [...]
Making self-care a priority
A full year into the COVID-19 pandemic has no doubt taken its toll on many of us. While it is not over yet, we can look back and feel proud of how we weathered the stormy year. It has been a year of ups and downs. There were times of [...]
California launches a COVID-19 Rent Relief program
Q: Can you tell me about the new state rent relief program I heard is available in California? A: California COVID-19 Rent Relief is a new state-run program that launched on March 15 to provide emergency rental assistance to California households and landlords impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program [...]
Things to keep in mind before welcoming a new pet
Q: I have been feeling lonely and was considering getting a pet to keep me company. Do you have any recommendations before I make my decision? A: Pets can make wonderful companions and are known to help reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation. You can talk to your pet out [...]
Making dental health a priority event during the pandemic
Q: I have put off seeing the dentist during the pandemic. Is it safe to go to the dentist now? A: Many people have delayed or canceled dental appointments during the pandemic for fear of catching the virus. It is understandable, considering you will have to remove your mask for [...]
