MY SUN DAY NEWS
September 10, 2015
I have been advised to put a power of attorney in place. I have also heard the term “advance directive.” Are these the same?
My husband and I recently moved to the area and shortly after, he passed away unexpectedly. Now, I feel lost and alone and just don’t have direction. I want to get involved in life, but I just don’t know how. What can put me back into life?
I have started stopping by my mother’s house to make sure she is eating properly. I prepare meals for her for the week and leave them for her to warm up. Unfortunately, I find much of the food uneaten.
My father is on several medications. How can I make sure any new prescriptions work properly with his current medications?
My husband and I need to get our legal matters in order. We know we have to get a power of attorney in place for each of us. I’ve heard there are two kinds: one for our finances and one for our health. What is the difference?
My neighbor received a phone call from her grandson and it turned out to be a scam phone call. She couldn’t hear the caller very well, so she wound up hanging up. I can only imagine what the outcome could have been. What can we do to prevent being scammed?
I’ve fallen for the first time recently and it really scared me. Since this happened to me, my friends have told me to expect it to happen again. Is this true or am I just being too worried?
It’s not safe for my mom to live alone any longer. I am her primary caregiver and I have seen her change over the past few months, with numerous falls in her home. I am considering assisted living for her, but don’t know where to begin. What should I be looking for?
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 don’t want to give up working in the garden. Any suggestions?
Q. My husband has fallen several times now while out for a walk. He was clearly shook up! Thankfully, he didn’t break any bones, but I am so nervous now. I am thrilled he is exercising, but every time he goes out, I am a wreck. Do you have any suggestions to help keep him safe and me sane?
Q. My daughter keeps telling me I need to update my look. Where do I begin? I am on a limited budget!
My Dad has dementia/Alzheimer’s and has become very argumentative, especially with my sister, who is his main caregiver. I have more patience with him than she does. How can I convey that she has to have greater understanding of his disposition?
Q. I love the home improvement shows on television, and I find myself motivated to do some “spring cleaning.” I am limited, though, because of some physical restraints. How do I dive in and get what I need done?
Q. I have no family nearby and I don’t know how to deal with all the uncertainty around me. I focus on the bad news and the turmoil in our world. How can I fight the down feelings I have?
Q. I like to go for walks, but this season has been a challenge for me. I don’t feel motivated to exercise in my home. How can I stay active without going stir crazy?
Q. My wife recently passed away. As my health began to decline, she became my caregiver and she helped me tremendously. I want to retain my independence, and I am skeptical about asking for outside help. What can I do to help myself?
Q. What can I do to keep from getting the flu? I did get my flu shot, but a few of my friends have gotten it, even though they were immunized.
Q. The holidays came and went and I loved having my family visit me. Now that the holidays are over, I feel alone and miss the company. I can’t get motivated to enjoy life. How can I fight the blues?
With the holidays here, I am feeling burned out. I care for my parents and I have my own health issues to worry about. How do I find relief?
Can dementia be prevented? Have there been any new developments?
Q: The news about frightening diseases scares me. Catching a simple cold can stop me in my tracks. There’s a lot of talk about Ebola, but I’ve not heard about precautions to take.
Q. How can I make sure I’m not lured into a Medicare scam? I get all kinds of calls about it all the time.
Lately, I’ve been forgetting so many little details. Should I be concerned?
Q. I was in the hospital recently, and I just received a bill for my stay. I learned I wasn’t considered a patient, but rather I was there under “observation.” What happened? I am stuck with a pretty hefty bill now.
Q. Can you give a few tips on preparing for an emergency?
Q. Every time I go to the doctor, I feel rushed and it seems like I don’t have his full attention. Is it just me?
Q. I am noticing that my wife’s memory is declining. What can I do to help her? There are times she is fully engaged and other times when she is “not here.” I am getting discouraged.
Q. My friend had a stroke and her communication is affected. I can tell she knows what she wants to say, but she speaks very slowly or at times is unable to get the words out. The communication challenges are frustrating for both of us. I feel bad for her. Is there something I can do to help her along in this journey?
Q. I just moved to Illinois and am not used to the weather changes. How can I prepare for an emergency situation?
Q. I have noticed that my father’s house really needs attention. I know he isn’t cleaning even though he says he is. I want to hire a cleaning service, but he won’t agree. He has mild dementia and lives alone.
