DEAR CARALLEL: My husband and I are retirees in our mid to late 70’s and all things considered, we’re in pretty good health. We have no way of knowing how long that will last but make it a point to do what we can to keep it that way by taking our daily walk and making … Medication is so expensive! What can I do to lower my costs?
DEAR CARALLEL: My dad is 81 years old. He’s a happy guy. Still works out a few times a week and goes to coffee just about every morning. My sister and her family live 20 minutes down the road and I’m a couple hours north. I was recently in town for a pre-Christmas visit. Dad seemed … I couldn’t help but notice that it looked like his car had been in a Nascar race.
DEAR CARALLEL: I care for my husband with cancer. Palliative care has been mentioned recently along with hospice but I don’t understand the difference. They seem like the same thing. Are they? –Faith in Los Gatos, CA DEAR FAITH: It’s a good question and I’m glad you wrote in. The words hospice and palliative care are often used … What’s the difference between palliative care and hospice?
DEAR CARALLEL: My father is 86 years old and as independent as they come. He’s sharp mentally but unsteady on his feet. I live six hours away and while he’s finally agreed to let me bring in outside help for him a few times a week, I’m afraid he’ll fall when nobody is there. What can I do … What can I do to keep him safe at home?
DEAR CARALLEL: I need help! No one in my family understands how much work it is to take care of my mom right now. We live together and I never get to go out on my own. How can I get my family to understand how stressful this is? I want them to step up and … I want them to step up and help too.
DEAR CARALLEL: My mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease last year and I recently left my job to care for her full time. At a recent support group someone mentioned advance directives. It seemed like everyone knew what they were, but I did not. What are they and should I have them in place for my … What are advance directives?
DEAR CARALLEL: I’m 68 years old and five years into caring for my husband who is living with Alzheimer’s Disease. He still talks, walks, and has frequent moments of clarity which are beautiful. But caring for him is getting more and more difficult by the week as his disease progresses. I feel like I’m losing myself … Losing myself while I’m caring for my husband.