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May 8, 2014

Ask an Angel: May 8, 2014

Q. I had to move my mother to a memory care community in the area. Since she moved there, I have visited her every day. Now that she is settled, she expects me to continue to visit every day, and I just can’t do it anymore. I work full time and find little time for myself and my spouse. I don’t mind visiting, but I am drained.

Ask an Angel 4/24/2014

The idea of using a walker can be quite frightening. Yes, it’s a tool designed to make ambulation safe, but it can create a feeling of dependence. For some, it may bring about of how fragile we can become as we age.

Ask an Angel 4/10/2014

Question: My children are recommending a companion to stop by my home twice a week. I don’t see the need or really know why they insist. I can do just about everything by myself, it’s just that I live alone and sometimes wish I had a little company. My children all work and live far away.

Ask an Angel 3/24/2014

Q. I am so happy the weather is changing, and I want to start exercising. I am a little afraid to start. I don’t exercise, and I don’t want to hurt myself after a long winter of sitting around.

Ask An Angel 03/13/2014

Q. My mom lives alone, and last month, she fell in her home. Luckily, she didn’t break anything, but we whisked her to the ER to make sure she was O.K. She hasn’t fallen again but that is my biggest fear now (and hers as well). I am constantly worried, and she refuses help when I offer suggestions to make a few changes in her home.

Ask An Angel 2/27/2014

Q. This new year has brought some challenges my way, mostly with my time. It seems like there is always something to do, a call to make, or rushing here and there for some reason or another. I like to be active and busy, but things are out of hand, and I don’t know how to slow down.

The difference between agency and private caregivers, Part II

Another other area of concern you should think about is verification of references and background checks. When I hire a caregiver, I not only conduct state required verifications, but I conduct national background checks, drug testing at the time of interview and ongoing, a DMV check, sex offender checks, and I require three verifiable work references.

The difference between agency and private caregivers, Part I

Q. I am going to hire a caregiver and a neighbor suggested someone to use. My neighbor told me that this will be cheaper than hiring someone from an agency. I have a few concerns and want to do the right thing. What do you recommend?

Ask An Angel 1/16/2014

My wife suffered a stroke, and I am her caregiver. I hate to admit that I am emotionally spent, and I don’t have any relief in sight. What is available in my community for help?

Ask an Angel 12/19/2013

I am sorry to admit I don’t have a will or trust and was told this is very important. I spoke to a friend who seems to have it all “together,” and I feel so behind in this area. Where do I begin? I am 75 years old.

Ask an Angel 12/5/2013

Question: I will be visiting a friend who I have not seen in quite a while. I know he has had health issues and is very sick. How can I have a meaningful visit with him?

Ask an Angel 11/21/2013

Q. I will be traveling with my mother this holiday season. This is not a first for me, but a first dealing with incontinence challenges for her. Do you have any suggestions so that I can avoid any embarrassing moments for both of us?

Ask an Angel 11/7/2013

Q. Every so often, my daughter asks to borrow a few dollars. Usually, she explains that she is a little low on funds. Lately, her requests have become frequent, and I feel flustered about giving her more, especially since I am on a fixed income. How can I lovingly say no?

Ask an Angel 10/24/13

Q With the new health care option, I am getting phone calls from organizations about participating in it. I don’t know what is real and what is a scam.

Ask an Angel 10/24/13

Q. I am moved to tears as I take care of my mother. She has Alzheimer’s, and I get frustrated with so many things. How can I maintain my sanity as well as her dignity?

Ask an Angel 09/26/13

Q. I moved here 10 years ago when I was feeling great. In the past year, many things have changed. I lost my husband and my health has declined. I really want to stay here, but my family is telling me I need to move to assisted living, which I don’t really want to do. I don’t even know what assisted living is. What can I do?

Ask an Angel 09/12/13

Q. My friend, who I dearly love, is always late for any functions we attend. Since I don’t drive, I am reluctant to say anything about this. What can I do?

Ask an Angel 08/29/13

Q. Is there a way to stay mentally sharp with natural means, such as food or vitamins?

Ask an Angel 8/15/2013

Q. I am 82. I have lived my life raising my family and helping those around me. I have realized, though, that I still have dreams. Am I being silly or can I really pursue them?

Ask an Angel 8/1/13

Q.I have been experiencing severe anxiety to the point where I cannot function. I thought I was going to be in relaxation mode in my golden years, but this is far from it. When I have anxiety, I am almost physically paralyzed. I’ve even gone to the emergency room.

Ask an Angel 7/18/13

Q: I am thinking about taking a yoga class, but I am not sure if it is the right form of exercise for me. I am 78.

Ask an Angel – 7/3/13

Q. Help, I cannot sleep at night. I can fall asleep fine, but then I wake up in the middle of the night and can’t fall back asleep.

Ask an Angel 06/20/13

Q. I took my mom to the emergency room and discovered how ill prepared I was. It turned into a stressful experience. Do you have any tips on how to make it an easier process?

Ask an Angel – 6/6/13

Q. I recently visited an old friend who I have not seen in a while, and I was taken aback by the clutter in her home. Papers were all over the counters as well as lots of dirty dishes on the counter. Things just didn’t look right. I would not categorize her as a hoarder, but I think it could be the start of something. Do you have suggestions of how help her without being offensive?

Ask an Angel 5/23/13

Q. Now that I am in my “golden years,” I am seeing my neighbors and friends pass on, and this is leaving me with a feeling of great sadness. I feel alone, too. I don’t know how to cope some days.

Ask an Angel 05/09

Q. I have heard that it’s very easy to get sick when flying on an airplane. What can I do to protect myself?

Ask An Angel – 4/25/13

Q. I take my mother to her doctor visits and find that it can be a stress filled time because we always seem to forget to bring something up. What can we do to alleviate any stressors?

Ask An Angel – 03/28

I am hoping to take a well-deserved vacation early this summer. I take care of my father and am his only caregiver. Do you have suggestions of how I can have peace of mind while I am gone? I plan to be gone for 10 days.

Ask an Angel – 03/14

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?

Ask An Angel – Feb. 18, 2013

Q. How can I take care of my looks without appearing overly made-up? I just need a little direction.