Senior Advocate

Q:  I struggle to stay active and fit. What are some tips for getting my energy up as I age? A:  I imagine everyone has times when they struggle with their energy. We usually know what we should be doing, like getting exercise, eating healthy, and staying engaged. But [...]

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

Q: My father passed away after a difficult time with dementia. People keep saying it was for the best because he is not suffering anymore, but it does not feel that way to me. How can I tell them to stop saying that? A: First of all, I am [...]

Q: I am in the process of hiring a caregiver for my husband, who has dementia. How can I be sure they do the things that I want while they are working here? A: Setting expectations and creating task lists when hiring a caregiver is important and helpful. I [...]

Q: What is an Adult Day Care Center? A: Adult Day Care programs are licensed care facilities that provide social and personal care services to adults during the day in a group setting. This means the person can live at home and go for part of the day to enjoy [...]

Every year, Senior Concerns hosts a Caregiver Recognition Day event to honor family caregivers. As we prepare for this year’s event, I am again reminded of our community’s incredible strength and compassion. I often write about issues that family caregivers manage every day. While each person’s needs are unique, [...]

I recently heard Doctor Karen Gorback talk about standing up to ageism. I have written about this topic before and felt it deserved more attention as it is an ongoing issue in our community. Dr. Gorback shared that it is important to recognize the problem, understand why it is [...]

Q: What is the Dial-A-Ride program, and where is it available? I have heard  many different things about this transportation program and would like to know more. A: Dial-A-Ride (DAR) is a transit program that provides paratransit and senior origin-to-destination transportation service to those who cannot use the fixed-route [...]

Q: My mother refuses to have her hearing tested even though we keep telling her she is missing out on our conversations. How can I convince her to get hearing aids? A: When one person in a relationship notices hearing loss in the other person, it can often lead [...]

Q: I was surprised to hear the price of hiring in-home care. How do people afford to pay for care at home?A: The cost of hiring a caregiver through an agency is at an all-time high. It can seem very overwhelming if you are not familiar with the industry. Rates [...]

Q: I was surprised to hear the price of hiring in-home care. How do people afford to pay for care at home?A: The cost of hiring a caregiver through an agency is at an all-time high. It can seem very overwhelming if you are not familiar with the industry. Rates [...]

Q: This is the first Valentine’s Day since my father passed away, and I want to do something special for my mom. What can I do that will help her get through this day?A: The first holidays after a loved one passes are often the most difficult. It is very [...]

Q: How can I manage my anxiety when there is so much uncertainty in the world? A: It is normal to feel some anxiety around times of uncertainty. Anxiety is when we have excessive or persistent worry and fears. We may experience it physically with a fast heartbeat, sweating, [...]

Q: I hear from friends how stressful and confusing hospital visits can be. How can I better prepare myself in case my husband or I need a hospital stay? A: A hospital stay can be stressful and often not what we expect. People frequently call Senior Concerns when their [...]

Q: I like to start the new year by cleaning out and organizing my home. What should I focus on this year? A: An annual home cleanout is a great way to help stay organized. It also can make you feel clearer and more ready to start the year [...]

Q: What is the Ombudsman Program, and how do they help people living in long-term care facilities? A: The Ventura County Ombudsman Program advocates for the highest quality of life and care for people who live in long-term care facilities. This includes skilled nursing facilities, assisted living, memory care [...]

Q: How can I make this year better than last year? A: I imagine most people start a new year feeling ready for change, and ready to be better than before. But what does that really mean? I think it is important to be thoughtful about what you want [...]

As the year comes to a close, it is a good time to look back and review the year. I often write about the use of reminiscence as a way to create acceptance in your life. It allows you to retell your story in a way that brings closure, [...]

Q: My adult daughter recently said I was being stubborn because I would not let her help me. How can I explain to her that I prefer to be independent? A: As parents age it is common for adult children to want to step in and be more involved. [...]

Q: My mother has dementia, and I have trouble getting her to drink enough water. How can I encourage her to drink more water? A: Good hydration is important for everyone, but especially for people with dementia. And yet for many reasons it can be a challenge to get [...]