Dear Savvy Senior, Can you offer me any tips on choosing and using a home blood pressure monitor? I just found out I have high blood pressure and my doctor recommended I get a home monitor so I can keep tabs on it. Just Turned 63 Dear 63, Everyone with high blood pressure (130/80 or …
SAVVY SENIOR – How to choose and use a home blood pressure monitor Read More »
Dear Savvy Senior, When should someone with dementia stop driving? My 83-year-old father has some dementia issues but still drives himself around town pretty well. Concerned Daughter Dear Concerned, Most doctors agree that people with moderate to severe dementia should never get behind the wheel, but in the early stages of Alzheimer’s or other types …
SAVVY SENIOR – Driving with Dementia and Knowing When to Stop Read More »
Dear Savvy Senior, I would like to find out if my 72-year-old mother is eligible for food stamps or any other type of assistance program. When my stepfather died last year, mom’s income dropped in half and is having a hard time paying her grocery bills. What can you tell us? Searching Son Dear Searching, …
How seniors can get help lowering their grocery bills Read More »
Dear Savvy Senior, I’ve heard that excessive earwax can cause serious health problems in elderly seniors. What can you tell me about this? Caregiving Daughter Dear Caregiving, It’s true! Excessive amounts of earwax can indeed cause problems in elderly seniors including hearing loss or ringing in your ears. Some people experience vertigo, which increases the …
Dear Savvy Senior, What types of mental health services does Medicare cover? I struggle with anxiety and depression, and my primary care provider recommended I see a therapist or psychiatrist. Anxious Annie Dear Annie, Medicare actually covers both outpatient and inpatient mental health care services and programs to help beneficiaries with anxiety, depression and many …
SAVVY SENIOR – Does Medicare Cover Talk Therapy Services? Read More »
Dear Savvy Senior, My dad has always been a pack rat, but since mom died a few years ago he’s become more of a hoarder. The clutter in his house has gotten out of control and I don’t know what to do. Any suggestions? Distraught in Centerville Dear Distraught, Unfortunately, hoarding or clutter addiction is …
Dear Savvy Senior, Is there a rule of thumb on how long someone should keep their old financial paperwork? I have file cabinets full of old receipts, bank and brokerage statements, tax returns and more that I would like to toss. Recently Retired Dear Recently, It’s a great question. As we get older and our …
SAVVY SENIOR – How Long to Keep Tax Records and Other Financial Documents Read More »
Dear Savvy Senior, I’ve heard that people with heart problems need to be extra careful during the winter months because heart attacks are much more common. What can you tell me about this? AFib Alan Dear Alan, Everyone knows winter is cold and flu season, but many don’t know that it’s also the prime season …
Dear Savvy Senior, My dad has dementia and has gotten to the point that he can’t live at home any longer. I need to find a good memory care residential facility for him but don’t know where to turn. Any suggestions? Only Daughter Dear Only, Choosing a good memory care residential unit for a loved …
SAVVY SENIOR – How to Choose a Memory Care Unit for a Loved One with Dementia Read More »
Dear Savvy Senior, Can a person in their early fifties have osteoporosis? When I fell and broke my wrist last winter the doctor that treated me told me I might have osteoporosis. Surprised Susan Dear Susan, While osteoporosis is much more common in adults over age 60, it can strike younger people too. In fact, …
SAVVY SENIOR – How to Know if You’re Getting Osteoporosis Read More »
