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September 19, 2024

Ask an Angel

Ask an Angel: September 5, 2024

I’m hoping for some guidance on a topic that’s become increasingly important to my family: home care. My parents have recently started receiving home care services, and as their daughter, I want to ensure that they’re receiving the best possible care and support.

While we’re grateful for the assistance that home care provides, I must admit I’m quite new to this experience, and I’m feeling a bit overwhelmed about what to expect and how to best utilize the care services available to us.

Ask an Angel: August 22, 2024

My spouse and I are at a bit of a crossroads, and we could use some guidance. We’re in our early sixties, still working, and have recently become empty nesters. With our children having flown the coop, our once bustling home now feels a little too spacious for just the two of us.

We’re contemplating the idea of downsizing, yet are unsure about whether it’s the right move for us and, if so, how to go about it.

Ask an Angel: August 8, 2024

As the summer days stretch on and the heat of the season settles in, I find myself increasingly concerned about my mom’s well-being. I’m a teacher and I have less and less time to spend with my mom as I prepare for the upcoming school year. I worry that my mom may be feeling bored or lonely during the long days at home.

My mom recently moved to the area so that I didn’t have to worry about her being alone after my dad passed away. While I’ve enjoyed all the quality time I’ve had with her, she’s yet to make friends here. I’m fearful about her well-being once school is back in session.

Ask an Angel: July 25, 2024

As I find myself navigating the complexities of aging, I’ve begun to consider the possibility of seeking home care to help me maintain my independence and quality of life. I don’t want to be a burden to my family, yet I’m hesitant to take this step due to the many myths I’ve heard about home care.

One of the most prevalent myths that gives me pause is the belief that receiving home care means giving up my freedom and independence. I worry that inviting a caregiver into my home will diminish my sense of autonomy and control over my own life.

Ask an Angel: July 11, 2024

As I sit down to plan our family reunion, I find myself filled with a mix of excitement and apprehension. It’s been years since we’ve all come together under one roof. I want to ensure that this reunion is not only memorable but also inclusive and enjoyable for everyone, especially our elderly family members.

One of my primary concerns is how to prepare and accommodate our elderly relatives, some of whom have specific needs or health issues. For example, my beloved aunt has been showing signs of early dementia and I want to ensure she feels comfortable and supported throughout the gathering.

Ask an Angel: June 13, 2024

I’m facing a delicate family matter that’s been weighing heavily on my mind, and I’m writing to get some advice on what to do. I find myself in a situation where my siblings and I are at odds regarding our parents’ health and the level of care they need. 
Over the past few months, I’ve noticed signs that indicate our parents may require more assistance at home. Simple tasks that they used to handle with see now seem to be increasingly more challenging for them. Despite my concerns, my siblings seem reluctant to acknowledge the seriousness of the situation.

Ask an Angel: May 30, 2024

Hi there, I’m reaching out because I find myself in a bit of a dilemma and could use some guidance. I’m a grandfather who eagerly awaits the summer months when my family comes to visit. We live quite a distance apart, so we only get to see each other about twice a year. It’s a precious time for me, especially since I get to spend time with my grandson, who’s now in his early teens, around 14 years old.

Ask an Angel: May 16, 2024

Just a few weeks ago, my dad experienced a minor stroke, and while we are grateful that it wasn’t severe, it has left us all quite shaken. As their adult daughter, I want to do everything in my power to support my Mom and Dad through this challenging time.

Ask an Angel: May 2, 2024

My mother-in-law’s diagnosis has been incredibly difficult for our family, and it has fallen on me to take on the role of primary caregiver. While I am more than willing to do whatever it takes to support her, I must admit that I am feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn for help.

It’s been particularly challenging to see my mother-in-law’s independence slowly slip away. Simple tasks that were once second nature to her now require assistance, and it’s becoming increasingly clear that she needs more support than I alone can provide.

Ask an Angel: April 18, 2024

Recently, I’ve been dealing with a lot of stress due to the increasing demands of caregiving for my husband, who has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. Every day seems like a new challenge as I try to balance his care, household responsibilities, and my emotional well-being. Watching someone you love slowly slip away is incredibly difficult, and it feels like the weight of the world is on my shoulders.

Ask an Angel: April 4, 2024

I’m writing in regard to my transition into retirement. After a fulfilling career, I find myself facing a new chapter of life — one that offers both opportunities and challenges, particularly when it comes to staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

Throughout my career, I was accustomed to a fast-paced and active lifestyle, constantly on the move to meet deadlines and achieve professional goals. However, with retirement comes a significant shift in routine, and I now find myself with more free time on my hands.

Ask an Angel: March 21, 2024

I am reaching out to seek your expertise and guidance regarding the care and well-being of my aging parents. As my parents are getting older, I find myself increasingly concerned about their health, safety, and overall quality of life. While I strive to support them to the best of my ability, I recognize that I don’t always know what I’m doing.

Ask an Angel: March 7, 2024

I’ve been an avid reader of your columns and your expertise has always provided valuable guidance. Today, I find myself in need of some advice as I’m about to undergo surgery followed by a short-term rehab stay. It’s a bit daunting, I admit, but I’m trying to approach it with a positive mindset.

Ask an Angel: February 22, 2024

I’m reaching out as a daughter who is facing a unique challenge with my elderly parents, and I could use some advice. My primary concern revolves around my mom’s reluctance to get dressed. This situation is complicated by her dementia diagnosis and is ultimately hindering my dad’s ability to leave the house.

My mom doesn’t feel up to getting dressed, and my dad often has to miss out on family events as a result. He asks me to convince her to get dressed so they can go out together. It saddens me that they’re missing out on things and we don’t know how much time we have left with them.

Ask an Angel: February 8, 2024

As a rather recent widow, I find myself grappling with a sense of profound loneliness as Valentine’s Day approaches. The holiday serves as a stark reminder of my spouse’s absence. The world around me seems to amplify the focus on romantic love, and although I recognize that others deserve a day to celebrate their love, it only accentuates the feelings of loneliness of emptiness in my heart.

Ask an Angel: January 25, 2024

I’m writing to seek your advice regarding a matter close to my heart. During the holiday season, I noticed a subtle yet concerning shift in my elderly loved one’s behavior and health. Previously a vibrant and social person, my aunt seemed more withdrawn and fatigued, displaying a noticeable decline in her usual enthusiasm for family gatherings and festive activities.

Ask an Angel: January 11, 2024

I’m a widow in her seventies seeking advice on managing seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Over the last few years, I’ve found myself slipping into a state of loneliness and melancholy after the rush of the holiday season. The isolation of widowhood, compounded by the gloomy weather, weighs heavily on me. I’ve heard that engaging in hobbies and activities can combat SAD. However, as someone who spends a lot of time alone, I struggle to find motivation or inspiration to pursue such interests.

Ask an Angel: December 14, 2023

I’m a daughter-in-law, and this Christmas, my husband and I will be hosting his elderly parents at our home. While I’m looking forward to spending time with them and creating cherished memories, I’m also concerned about making the holidays as comfortable and enjoyable as possible for them.

Ask an Angel: December 7, 2023

I’m an active senior who loves staying physically active throughout the year. However, as winter approaches, I find myself facing a dilemma. Last winter was the first winter where staying active during the colder months became a challenge for me.

Ask an Angel: November 16, 2023

I’m writing to you as a senior who is feeling rather down around Thanksgiving this year. While the holiday season has always been a time of joy and togetherness for my family, recent changes in my life have left me feeling somewhat disconnected and melancholic. Thanksgiving used to be a time of gathering with loved ones, sharing stories, and expressing our gratitude for each other. Today, Thanksgiving looks much different as family members have moved away and gatherings have become smaller. This shift has left me feeling lonely.

Ask an Angel: November 2, 2023

My dad is a senior Veteran facing challenges in his life. Having served our country with pride and dedication, he’s now in a situation where he requires help and I’m unsure where to turn. He has some physical difficulties that are making it challenging for him to lead a comfortable and fulfilling life.

Ask an Angel: October 19, 2023

My aging parents recently experienced a fire scare in their home, and it’s left us all concerned about their well-being. My parents are at an age where certain physical limitations might pose challenges in the event of an emergency. I want to be proactive in helping them create a safer living environment, but I’m not sure where to start or what steps to take.

Ask an Angel: October 5, 2023

As the days grow shorter and the chill of autumn settles in, I find myself feeling a mix of anticipation and worry about the upcoming season. You see, I’m in my 70s, and with the colder weather approaching, I’m concerned about the possibility of becoming inactive and isolated during the fall and winter months.

Ask an Angel: September 21, 2023

I’m writing for advice regarding a situation that has arisen in my family. Recently, my parents started home care, and we welcomed a new caregiver into our lives. As their daughter, I’m eager to facilitate a positive and meaningful relationship between my parents and their caregiver.

Ask an Angel: September 7, 2023

Although I hesitate to call myself a senior, I’m an older adult who is approaching retirement age and I’m considering the prospect of active retirement living. As this is a significant life decision, I’m writing for information about what active retirement entails and how to make the most of this phase in life. 
Over the years, I’ve witnessed friends and family transitioning into various forms of retirement living, and I’ve seen a wide range of experiences.

Ask an Angel: August 24, 2023

I’m writing to seek some advice and guidance regarding a situation with my mother. She recently moved into an assisted living facility, and while I thought this change would benefit her quality of life, I’m concerned about her well-being.

Ask an Angel: August 10, 2023

Living far away from my parents has made it challenging for me to be actively involved in their day-to-day lives. I struggle with guilt knowing they are all alone. I have asked them to consider moving closer to me and my family so that I can be there for them, but they prefer the familiarity of their town and aren’t ready to say goodbye to lifelong friends and neighbors.

Ask an Angel: July 27, 2023

I am a 72-year-old woman who is becoming increasingly concerned about my memory. I have a family history of dementia and I can’t help but worry about some of the changes I’ve been experiencing lately.

Ask an Angel: July 13, 2023

My parents retired a year ago and have recently decided to downsize from our family home to a condominium. I agree with their decision to find a smaller home that requires little maintenance, especially since they no longer have the energy to pour into a large home. However, I’m most concerned about the emotional impact this move might have on my parents. Both my parents were extremely involved in their neighborhood and were accustomed to neighbors dropping by to shoot the breeze. I worry that they might feel a sense of loss as they leave behind familiar surroundings and friends.