The year 2022 was anything but simple for most of us. The offer of Dr. Deligdish of OMNI Healthcare to give us 5,500 sq. ft. of office space in which to start a Senior Resource Center proposes a unique challenge for Helping Seniors of Brevard. Developing and managing a plan to bring together…

For months, years in fact, we have discussed ways to provide affordable housing. Many articles, including mine, look at the big picture – housing projects, low cost homes, older homes, and the need for subsidized housing for low income people. Currently there is no Section 8 housing availabl…

It is my very great pleasure to announce a donation to Helping Seniors of 5,000 square feet of floor space in the main OMNI healthcare building at 1443 Apollo Boulevard. This was in response to my letter to Dr. Deligdish, owner of OMNI, regarding our need for office space for a Senior Resour…

If you have been to a doctor’s office lately, chances are you didn't see a doctor at all -- but a nurse practitioner. The US is facing a shortage of doctors, particularly in primary care. As a result, many hospitals, private clinics and even urgent care clinics are relying on nurse practitio…

I have been writing to you for many years, covering a multitude of topics. Today is a test, a type of test if you will, that I have wanted to try for many years. I think it will be successful because both the writer and readers of this column have known each other for years.

I have probably met with 10,000 families during my career as a Certified Care Manager. A phrase I often hear from adult children is, “I had no idea my parents " (fill in the blank). Often, adult children are left in the dark about their aging parents’ health, legal and financial matters. Thi…

Terms like these can be confusing, especially when their services overlap. When a person is discharged from a hospital (especially if their stay has been lengthy), "Rehab" or a skilled nursing facility may be recommended, until the patient can gain enough strength to safely return home. The …

We are past, I hope, the chicken and egg theory, but the point needs to be made that homelessness and affordable housing are two completely different entities. A homeless person needs a heck of a lot more than an affordable place to live, but unless there is affordable housing available, a f…

Paying for medication is difficult for many seniors. There are heartbreaking stories of people who regularly choose between taking their medication or buying groceries! Managing drug costs starts with your doctor. Always ask for generic brands when medication is prescribed. Sometimes, they're free!

You are not alone; there are approximately 5,000 people in Brevard County with Parkinson’s disease, which is a progressive disorder of the nervous system that affects movement. The Parkinson’s Disease Foundation estimates 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with PD annually. About 4% of people ar…

It is a beautiful day outside, but my non-walking body remains chained to a wheelchair. So, it's a good time to write about a topic we continue to kick down the road – affordable housing.

Many people don't realize the health of your mouth, teeth and gums can affect your general health. Most of the bacteria in your mouth is harmless and can be kept under control with proper brushing and flossing and your body’s normal defenses. But with poor oral hygiene, the bacteria may caus…

There are several things to consider when preparing your advance directives --and specifically your health care surrogacy documents.

That is a great question and a topic worth learning more about. Clinical trials are research studies with volunteers, designed to learn more about how our bodies respond to drugs, treatments or procedures.

When we travel on an airplane, we all get the briefing on emergency procedures. It includes the instruction to “take your oxygen first” before placing the mask on another. People struggle with this idea, because it seems contrary and selfish to the caregiver role. It is NOT selfish. It is critical.

Recently I was sitting in my doctor's office waiting for my annual wellness check. As I looked at the electronic screens discussing various medical topics, one really caught my attention. Did I know that 30% of all medical scripts were not filled? it asked. While I knew people broke pills in…

With age, we tend to slow down and become less active. This may be because of health issues, increased weight, discomfort --or even a fear of falling. But an active lifestyle is essential to both our physical and emotional well being as we age. It can boost energy, protect heart health, mana…

You are not alone in considering this essential technology, as smartphone purchases by seniors continue to rise. According to AARP, “62 percent of those 70 and older use smartphones.” However, smartphone owners over 70 are likely to overlook the great features available on their device.

Bullying is surprisingly common among seniors. Psychology Today defines bullying as, “a distinctive pattern of deliberately harming and humiliating others.” When we think about bullying, school-aged kids and lunch money extortion come to mind. But bullying happens in many environments, socia…

I have never met a woman who looks forward to her annual mammogram. While aging may bring a welcome end to some things for women, the risk of breast cancer is not one of them. The median age of a breast cancer diagnosis is 62 and nearly 20 percent of women diagnosed are over the age of 75, a…

Everyone is familiar with the need for physical therapy after a sports injury or some types of surgery. But physical therapy sessions prescribed by your doctor can also impact your ability to age well. The goal of physical therapy is to help restore and improve functionality, reduce pain, an…

A very real problem in addressing affordable housing is that those trying to help do not understand the needs we are tying to meet. I have read articles discussing the need ranging from 4-bedroom homes with a 2-car garage, to multiple 1-bedroom apartment units with separate baths and a commo…

Domestic violence occurs among seniors of all backgrounds. Domestic violence in later life occurs when a person uses power or control to inflict physical, sexual, emotional or financial harm to an older person with whom they have an ongoing relationship -- both female and male. Typically, ab…

A: Great question! Before I became a social worker, I thought one attorney was just like another. But as I became a specialist in my own field, I learned that attorneys (like doctors) have specialties, too.

As I started to write this article, I thought about how long homelessness has been with us. This realization truly upset me. In the past, we viewed the merry band of Sherwood Forest and Robin Hood as saviors of the needy. Well, times change and so does our thinking. I hope through this serie…

Q: Any tips for bad arthritis?

As we get older, it is really important to maintain some sort of social engagement. Seniors, for a variety of reasons, can be more susceptible to social isolation than younger people. It's nice to sit with others, have a cup of coffee, and play cards and other games. A healthy dose of fun an…

Many people over age 50 are raising children (and grandchildren) and helping their aging parents. This can strain household budgets. People are also living longer and some seniors need additional income for a secure retirement. Millions of seniors are looking for full-time or part-time emplo…

Nurses! Nurses are knowledgeable, compassionate and great listeners. Consistently, nurses rank first in Gallup's annual poll of most trusted professionals. So, One Senior Place is launching a monthly program on Senior Health issues with our own registered nurse and Certified Care Manager, Li…

We are all aware of the need for affordable housing, not only for seniors living on a fixed income, but also for those whose wages simply can not pay for rentals that are averaging about $1,200 a month. Non profit and other government programs can not support individuals who require permanen…

This is a good question that comes up a LOT. If your loved one is falling frequently, ask when they last saw their physician. If it has been awhile, suggest making an appointment right away. Make certain they (or you) alert the doctor to their recent fall history and ask if the doctor will w…

Today I am starting a series dedicated to informing you about some serious shortfalls in the people care industry. We talk about these issues a lot, and once in a while throw a little money in the direction of the most contested areas.

A diagnosis of cognitive impairment or memory issues can be overwhelming --for both patient and family. I applaud you for planning ahead. Understanding your options will lead to better care decisions for your husband. But researching memory care facilities can be challenging. There are impor…

My last column provided an introduction to the long term care (LTC) system and its inherent challenges, the chief being supply versus demand. While the number of seniors in the U.S. who need LTC is sky rocketing, the industry is reducing its care capability. This may be driven by many factor…

Q: Is depression in seniors different than in other age groups?

This is a topic on which mountains could be written. To say that the Long Term Care (LTC) system is in a state of flux would be a mild understatement, as there is no care system in as much operating trouble as the one in place today. I am not a medical professional writing about the perceive…

The short answer is no. Cannabis, although legal in Florida as medical marijuana, is still illegal according to the Federal Government and has not been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration. It is likely that your current primary care doctor cannot prescribe it to you and the costs wil…

Q: I keep hearing about the opioid epidemic. Are seniors affected by it?

Q: Sometimes I have to dash to the bathroom. Is this normal for seniors?

How memorable will Christmas of 2021 be for you? How many good deeds did you do for someone else in 2021? Were you able to help someone in need? Did you help someone who was not a member of your family or a close friend?

Mental health issues have exploded during the pandemic, particularly for seniors. Many are reluctant to admit their struggle. Others are concerned about paying for treatment on a fixed income. The good news? Mental health counseling IS covered under Medicare.

The best exercise you could get would be to select a place near where you live, mark off a walking course a mile in length, and set a personal goal of walking that distance. Many will find huge challenges in walking that distance. They will say, “I can't do that today,” or “I have this to do…

This question always sparks a lively discussion, with no “right” answer. The timing for when to take Social Security really depends on each individual situation.

Q: I am a new Florida resident and love being outside. How concerned should I be about skin cancer?

Recent phone calls to our helpline have reminded me of Emma Lazarus's 1883 sonnet, “The Great Colossus”, which is inscribed on a plaque inside the Statue of Liberty. These words welcome immigrants to our country: “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free, t…

Q: When my mother died, the final arrangements caused family turmoil. How can I prevent that for my kids?

Q: I’m not wealthy. Why do I need an estate plan?