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February 21, 2019

Ask an Angel: February 21, 2019

When I visit my parents, I have noticed that we often have nothing to talk about. Conversations center on the weather or food. After each visit, I leave their company feeling empty. I don’t know how to generate a meaningful discussion with them. Is this common and how can I make a change so our visits are meaningful?

Ask an Angel: February 7, 2019

My father’s dementia is progressing, and he has gone from being a mild and loving man to one that is mean and obstinate. I don’t know how to deal with his outbursts. I’ve spoken to his doctor, but I didn’t get much help from him. How do I deal with him lovingly, rather than play into his mean spirit?

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I need to slow down. I am a caregiver to both my parents and I am burning the candle at both ends. I need a little motivation to help me. I do give myself permission to take a break, but I get right back into a frantic pace. Help!

Ask an Angel: January 10, 2019

We gathered at mom’s house for the holidays and it was obvious something has changed for her. We found her house a mess, papers all over the place, and she looked a little unkempt. My mom has always been very tidy and organized, so these findings were a little unsettling. I am going to suggest she thinks about her options, but I don’t even know what is available. What do families do in this situation?

Ask an Angel: December 13, 2018

The holidays come and go, and always make me feel a little blue and often I find it hard to get out of the slump. I’m sure I’m not alone with these emotions. What do people do to get through the season, which is supposed to be festive?

Ask an Angel: December 6, 2018

My siblings and I all live out of town. Mom lives on her own and is doing fine, but she keeps to herself and sometimes says she feels lonely. She doesn’t like to socialize too much, so we are a little concerned that she is isolating herself. How can we help her have socializing in her life?

Ask an Angel: November 15, 2018

I care for my elderly parents and often neglect taking care of myself. While I prepare healthy meals for them, I don’t often take the same interest in my own diet because I am on the go so often. I’d appreciate any motivation you can give me to better my current habits.

Ask an Angel: November 1, 2018

My father has dementia and is constantly fidgeting and moving things around in his house. This upsets my mom because she feels like she must keep him settled but can’t. What can I do to help them at this time in their lives?

Ask an Angel: October 18, 2018

Can you please educate me on the signs of elder abuse? I am concerned for a neighbor, and I don’t know if I need to get involved.

Ask an Angel: September 20, 2018

Are there specific tests for Alzheimer’s disease?

Ask an Angel: September 6, 2018

I have been invited to a weekend getaway with a few friends. I would love to join them, but I feel guilty leaving my husband alone. I am his caregiver and can’t imagine someone taking my place, and I don’t think he would either. What do other people do when they want to be gone for any amount of time, and how do they deal with the guilt?

Ask an Angel: August 23, 2018

I know how important it is to stay hydrated. My spouse, however doesn’t like water and therefore doesn’t drink much. I worry about this. How can I encourage him to stay hydrated?

Ask an Angel: August 9, 2018

I never had trouble falling asleep or sleeping through the night. I would say over the past few years, this has changed and I am very frustrated. I don’t feel refreshed in the morning. You probably encounter this with others, what can I do?

Ask an Angel: July 26, 2018

My husband and I are in the process of trying to consolidate some of our belongings and organize our important documents. It’s overwhelming. What do people do to get organized?

Ask an Angel: July 12, 2018

I had to quit my job so that I could care for my husband, who has early onset dementia. He is doing well but showing signs of irritation and frustration over little things. I know it is the disease, but I find I don’t want to take him with me when I go out because his behavior is unpredictable.

Ask an Angel: June 28, 2018

When I started caring for my elderly mother, I felt confident that I could be the caregiver she needed me to be. However, I quickly learned that I can’t do it all. I am considering day care or homecare. What is the best way to go?

Ask an Angel: June 14, 2018

A caregiver helps my mother once a week. She assists mom with showering, and recently mom has begun refusing her showers. I am wondering what has happened and if this is normal. What can we do to get her back on track?

Ask an Angel: May 31, 2018

I am the main caregiver for a family member, and I can oversee her care even though I work full time. Recently, her care needs have changed, and I have found myself spending more time on the phone and trying to manage appointments and other issues while at work. I feel pulled in so many directions, plus I have guilt of taking care of personal issues on company time.

Ask an Angel: May 17, 2018

Before I moved to Del Webb, I attempted to get rid of a lot of “stuff.” Once I somewhat settled in here, I found I still have so much to get rid. I don’t know where to begin or how to put things in order. I feel overwhelmed. How do people do it?

Ask an Angel: May 3, 2018

When my husband was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, I clearly noticed how differently his friends stopped engaging with him. It was very sad to watch. Can you address how it is important to maintain friendships even when it may seem challenging?

Ask an Angel: April 19, 2018

My husband is older than I am by ten years. It didn’t make a difference in our lives until recently. His health has impacted him, and I am finding that I can’t care for his needs because I have physical limits of my own.

Ask An Angel: April 5, 2018

Our family is caring for our parents, and I am the oldest of our siblings, as well as the leader for their care. I’ve noticed a change in their needs. I am also feeling an increase in my stress level due to these changes.

Ask an Angel: March 22, 2018

I’ve been a caregiver for over 30 years, and I’m now ready to retire and must get something off my chest. I mainly work with people who have mental problems such as Alzheimer’s, depression, bipolar, etc. Why do people treat mentally ill people differently from people that are ill from many other illnesses?

Ask an Angel: March 8, 2018

My mom had a fall recently and broke her arm. It sounds like a fairly innocent incident, but since then she has never been the same. She went through physical therapy and healed well but now, she has anxiety and battles depression. Her anxiety keeps her from engaging in life with joy. She is aware of this struggle, and my father and I are at a loss as to how to help her. How can we be a positive source to her?

Ask an Angel: February 22, 2018

My aunt lives in an assisted living community, but we learned she cannot continue living there because she will be running out of money. What options does she have?

Ask an Angel: January 25, 2018

My siblings and I take turns bringing our mother to her doctor visits. We seem to have a handle on the appointments, but when it comes to keeping records, we often have details that fall through the cracks. This leaves us feeling frustrated. How can we manage her doctor visits, so we are all on the same page?

Ask an Angel: January 11, 2018

I am single, and have no children. I also was an only child, so I have no siblings or much family to speak of. As I enter the later years of life I know I must start paying attention to my future care. Do you have recommendations on what to have in place?

Ask an Angel: December 14, 2017

My father has Alzheimer’s and doesn’t sleep very well at night as well as wanders now and then. Since the time change, it seems to have gotten worse. Is there anything we can do to help this situation?

Ask an Angel: December 7, 2017

My father has Alzheimer’s and doesn’t sleep very well at night as well as wanders now and then. Since the time change, it seems to have gotten worse. Is there anything we can do to help this situation?

Ask an Angel: November 16, 2017

Mom lives alone, but I am her caregiver, checking in on her daily with a phone call or a visit at least on the weekends. We will be traveling during the holidays and I don’t think I can leave her alone. What options are out there?