Senior Advocate

Question:   I am overwhelmed by all the bad news I keep seeing. Can you share some good news with me? Keeping up with current events can feel very overwhelming, especially with so much focus on the devastation caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. While its important to stay informed, we also [...]

Question:   I am so worried about all the scams going around because of COVID-19. How can I protect myself? I am sorry that during this difficult time you must worry about scammers trying to take advantage of you. Unfortunately, it is true that when there is a crisis, people try [...]

Question:   How can I manage my bills from home, and will I be eligible to receive money from the economic stimulus bill? Learning to manage your bills and finances from home can be a challenge if you are used to going in person to the bank. Right now, it is [...]

Question:   How can I stay healthy and fit while isolated at home? I commend you for wanting to stay fit at home. It is easy to get lethargic when it feels that there is no reason to get up and dressed for the day. However, the more we can stick [...]

Question:   I understand people age 65 and up are supposed to stay at home to avoid the Coronavirus, but I still need to do my shopping for groceries. How can I be safe and still get what I need? The Governor of California has recommended that all people age 65 [...]

Question:   I am really worried about the Coronavirus pandemic. How can I manage my anxiety and not feel so lonely? I first want you to know that you are not alone in your feelings. This experience has brought up many worries and anxieties for everyone. You may be worrying about [...]

Question:   My sister’s health has really been declining. I want to help her, but she lives out of state. How can I help her from afar? Being a caregiver long distance can be challenging, but there is much you can still do to support your sister. As with any caregiving [...]

Question:   I am taking a new medication and the cost is high. Do you have any tips for lowering the prescription costs? Prescription drug costs can sometimes be so high it makes it difficult to afford. We struggle because we know we need to do the best thing for our [...]

Question:   I heard the Census is online this year. I am not as comfortable online, so I want to know how important it is for me to complete it? The Census is a very important topic and one we should all understand so we can feel comfortable.  It is especially [...]

Question: My wife was just diagnosed with Mild Cognitive Impairment. I want her to talk with me about planning ahead for her own care, but she says she would rather live in the moment and enjoy the time she has. How can I convince her to start making plans and [...]

Every time I go see my doctor, I forget to tell them something important or get my questions answered. How can I make sure I get what I need out of my doctor’s appointment? We naturally look to our doctor as an expert and expect them to provide us what [...]

My friend is caring for her husband who has dementia and I can see she is feeling stressed. How can I help and support her? Caregiving for a loved one with dementia can be an incredibly rewarding role, and yet we also know it can be a very stressful experience. [...]

I recently had a fall at home and now I am afraid it will happen again. I want you to know you are not alone. Falls become much more common as we age. In fact, one in four Americans over the age of 65 will fall each year. Every 11 [...]

I am not cooking anymore like I used to, and I find I am not eating regular meals. What are some good tips on how I can still eat well without cooking? Nutrition is hugely important for our health. Eating enough nutrients provides our bodies with energy and stamina. We [...]

Question: I made a New Year’s Resolution to be more active and am hoping to start volunteering. How do I know where to start looking for a place to volunteer? I commend you for your interest in volunteering. There has been a lot of research done on the benefits of [...]

My daughter came to visit for Christmas and now she wants me to move to an assisted living. I don’t think I am ready for that and I prefer to stay in my own home. How do I explain that to her so she will understand? I often hear families [...]

I am not feeling the holiday spirit like I used to. Instead of enjoying this time of year I am only thinking about all the things that used to be in my life that aren’t anymore! How can I get into the spirit? The “holiday spirit” means something different to [...]