SeniorTruth

Question: My father recently died at the age of 87 in a hospital in the Midwest. His condition was terminal, which, despite his age, was very difficult to accept. After much family discussion, we requested palliative care, which his physician refused. His doctor said he was bound by the Hippocratic Oath. We were distraught. We [...]

Question: I am 81 years old and a full-time caregiver to my wife of the same age.  My sister is 90 and lives in her own home about 100 miles from me. Currently my brother, age 86, provides most of her care – cooking, doctor appointments, shopping, gardening and home maintenance.  He suffers from severe [...]

Over the years I have received many questions about caregiving which resonate in the broadest sense.
Former first lady Rosalynn Carter reminds us why.  She said, “There are four kinds of people in this world:  Those who have been caregivers, those who currently are caregivers, those who will be caregivers and those who will need caregivers.” [...]

Question: My healthy and independent 86-year-old mother was in a car accident and is recovering at my home. Her arm is in a cast, which limits what she can do. She is still a bit unsteady on her feet and clearly cannot shop, cook, drive or navigate stairs on her own. My brother, who manages [...]

Question: My 83-year old mother took a serious fall in the street that landed her in the emergency ward, intensive care, the regular hospital and finally in rehabilitation.    She is a fiercely independent fabulous lady who walks two miles a day, takes classes at a university, drives and goes to movies, the ballet, museums and [...]

Question: Do you have any suggestions on how to find a tutor to help seniors keep their minds sharp?  I am looking for a tutor that would come to my home and work with a senior on a weekly basis – on reading, comprehension, math and other related areas.  We keep reading and hearing how [...]

Question: My 74-year old mother is a challenge. She has an unknown condition affecting her balance and strength and is clear about being independent.  I arranged care for both day and night.  My mother dismissed the night person.  As a self-employed graphic designer, I fill in the time when the caregiver is not there [...]

Question: I have been reading a lot about seniors working in retirement.  As a 72-year old educated woman with lots of skills, what do I need to understand about this new time?  I may need to return to work.  

Question: As a successful engineer, program manager and expert witness, I have always experienced excitement and pleasure from work throughout my life.  This past January, as a 70-year old woman, I decided to take a sabbatical (also known as retirement) from my consulting practice.  It has taken me eight months to clear my desk.  [...]

Question: I am 73 years old and suffer from arthritis.  The last thing I want to do is to have surgery or take lots of pills.  I’ve been reading about alternative medicine for pain and am not sure if it would be worthwhile or even safe?  Can you provide some information on this?