MY SUN DAY NEWS
March 14, 2013
Q My husband is scheduled for a surgical procedure in the near future. His doctor spoke to us about getting care in the home once he is released from the hospital. After talking with several friends, I became confused about the different types of home services available. Can you help explain what is available?
Q. How can I take care of my looks without appearing overly made-up? I just need a little direction.
Family is so important. It is the glue that holds many of us together. We raise and nurture our children to move out of the ānest,ā but we do so believing and hoping that the relationship will continue to be close as they grow into their own personhood.
Q. My doctor has recommended that I start taking vitamin C to build my immunity. I donāt like taking pills, so I wonder what foods I could incorporate into my diet to obtain the vitamin C that I need, naturally.
The Center for Disease Control says that keeping hands clean by practicing good hand hygiene is one of the best ways to stay healthy and avoid spreading germs to others. If you are unable to use soap and water, a hand sanitizer made of at least 60 percent alcohol will also work.
For years, Iāve enjoyed hosting our annual holiday gatherings. Iāve done it all, and the kids have loved it. Earlier this year, my health has suffered, and now I donāt think I can make it all happen like I used to. None of my children have offered to take over, so I am wondering how to host the holidays considering my limitations.
Q. My family doesnāt want me to drive anymore. I am not ready for this and donāt want to give up my driving, because it really makes me think I will lose my freedom. I canāt imagine not being able to drive and having to rely on others for transportation. What do I do?
My mom has been in great health until recently. She is 81 and I see her decline, and I recognize she needs an extra set of eyes on her. I still work full-time and cannot afford to retire right now to care for her. Someone told me to check into adult day care, but quite frankly, I never heard of that before. Can you explain the difference between day care and home care options?
Q. I have two neighbors who are homebound, and I worry about them. One has a caregiver that comes to help her, but my other neighbor does not have a support system in place. Her family is not in the area, either. How can I help without over-extending myself?
Q. My children are always worrying about me. They think I am having issues keeping my balance. I think I am doing fine, but they insist I use a walker. I just canāt imagine myself doing this. Any suggestions?
Q. I am new to the area, and I decided to visit a few senior centers to get acquainted with the area and meet new friends. I could really use help in knowing how to navigate all the personalities. I felt like I was in high school again and didnāt know how to be myself!
Q. My husband and I have an on-going difference of opinion about generic versus brand-name drugs. Is there a difference between the two?
Q. My doctor suggested I change my eating habits. It seems overwhelming to tackle this but I see that I am gaining weight so easily these days and I crave foods that are really not good for me.
Q. I need to hire a caregiver for my father. Iāve been asking around for a good agency and have learned there are definite differences between agencies. I thought price would be my driving decision influencer, but now Iām not so sure. Can you explain the differences?
Q. I want to try water aerobics, but I have not stepped into a pool for years. Iāve heard so many good things about it from friends, but quite frankly, I am a little self-conscious about the whole thing.
I have been caring for my husband for just a short time, and I already feel stressed. A friend suggested that I join a support group, but I donāt even know what that is. Can you point me in the right direction?
Q. I hear the terms hospice and palliative care used, and I am not sure what the difference is. Can you clear up the confusion?
Q. I miss doing some of the gardening I used to do when I lived in my own home. I canāt move like I used to, but Iād donāt want to give up working in the garden. Any suggestions?
Q. My children want me and my husband to consider putting a power of attorney in place. What is that, and what do I need to do?
Doing the spring cleaning in my home always made me feel good. Now I notice I canāt do as much as I used to. How can I safely clean my home?
How do I really assess if I need help at home? My family keeps insisting I get outside help. I really donāt want a stranger in my home.
Q. I hate to admit it, but I am realizing that I just canāt do things as easily as I once was able. I want to retain my independence, and I am skeptical about asking for outside help. What can I do to help myself?
Q: I am a caregiver for a family member. Are there any tax benefits I should be aware of?
I have been hearing more and more stories about seniors getting āscammedā by con artists. How can I be more aware of what is going on regarding this?
Q. I was just released from the hospital, and I wonder if my bill is on the up and up. How do I make sure I didnāt get overcharged for things, or even more, get billed for things I didnāt use?
After reading last monthās article, I realized that I have to take some action steps with my medications. I know that I leave mine on the counter so that I can see them and remember to take them. Do you have any safe and practical tips to help me manage my medications?
Q: I have several old prescriptions that I donāt take any longer, and I need to throw them away. What is the best way to dispose of them? Can I throw them in the trash?
Q: Can dementia be prevented? Have there been any new developments?
Q: The holidays are right around the corner, and Iām already feeling a little blue. Do you have any tips for getting through the holidays?
Q: I am in my late 60ās and am my motherās caregiver. She lives 30 miles away from me. Itās not a long distance, but caring for her is becoming more challenging for me. How can I care for her needs and not feel burned out?
