Category archive for ‘Ask an Angel’ 
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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.
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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?
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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?
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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.
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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?
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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.
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Ask an Angel 2/14/13
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 “nest,” but we do so believing and hoping that the relationship will continue to be close as they grow into their own personhood.
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Antioxidant-rich foods for healthy immunity
Q. My doctor has recommended that I start taking vitamin C to build my immunity. I don’t like taking pills, so I wonder what foods I could incorporate into my diet to obtain the vitamin C that I need, naturally.
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Ask An Angel: Jan. 17, 2013
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.
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Modifying holidays to suit current needs
For years, I’ve enjoyed hosting our annual holiday gatherings. I’ve done it all, and the kids have loved it. Earlier this year, my health has suffered, and now I don’t 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.
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Ask an Angel: November 29, 2012
Q. My family doesn’t want me to drive anymore. I am not ready for this and don’t want to give up my driving, because it really makes me think I will lose my freedom. I can’t imagine not being able to drive and having to rely on others for transportation. What do I do?
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Ask an Angel: November 1, 2012
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?
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Enriching the life of homebound friends
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?
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Ask an Angel: October 4, 2012
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 can’t imagine myself doing this. Any suggestions?
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Ask an Angel: September 20, 2012
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 didn’t know how to be myself!
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Ask an Angel: September 6, 2012
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?
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Ask an Angel: August 23, 2012
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.
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Ask an Angel: August 9, 2012
Q. I need to hire a caregiver for my father. I’ve 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 I’m not so sure. Can you explain the differences?
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Don’t get tied up in external appearances
Q. I want to try water aerobics, but I have not stepped into a pool for years. I’ve heard so many good things about it from friends, but quite frankly, I am a little self-conscious about the whole thing.
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Where can the supporters turn for support?
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 don’t even know what that is. Can you point me in the right direction?
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Explaining the differences between hospice and palliative care
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?
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Ask an Angel: May 17, 2012
Q. I miss doing some of the gardening I used to do when I lived in my own home. I can’t move like I used to, but I’d don’t want to give up working in the garden. Any suggestions?
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The uses and cautions of a power of attorney
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?
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How seniors can spring clean in a safe, effective way
Doing the spring cleaning in my home always made me feel good. Now I notice I can’t do as much as I used to. How can I safely clean my home?
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Ask an Angel: April 5, 2012
How do I really assess if I need help at home? My family keeps insisting I get outside help. I really don’t want a stranger in my home.
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Ask an Angel: March 22, 2012
Q. I hate to admit it, but I am realizing that I just can’t 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?
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Ask an Angel: March 8, 2012
Q: I am a caregiver for a family member. Are there any tax benefits I should be aware of?
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Ask an Angel: February 23, 2012
I have been hearing more and more stories about seniors getting “scammed” by con artists. How can I be more aware of what is going on regarding this?
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Ask an Angel: February 9, 2012
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 didn’t get overcharged for things, or even more, get billed for things I didn’t use?
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Ask an Angel: January 26, 2012
After reading last month’s 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?
