Transitions With Jean - Columns
ADRC: Your one-stop, no cost, source for answers
You have heard the saying; aging is not for the weak-hearted. As we and our loved ones age, new challenges arise. It can all be overwhelming, especially when health and memory issues arise or when caregiving becomes more demanding. Fortunately, our community offers...
A Free Service for Veterans: Navigating Benefits and Support
Veterans, there is a free service dedicated to helping you navigate the complex world of veterans’ benefits and services. Every county in Wisconsin, as well as the tribes, has a Veterans Service Office (VSO) staffed by professionals whose mission is to help you with a...
Linked Living brings families together to help each other
Granny-pods, senior suites, or in-law suites – whatever you might call them, they are a cool idea. Let’s explore a local builder who excels at them. Linked Living Homes is a general contractor in Appleton. The owner, Tom Cops got his degree in mechanical...
When their choice leaves you no choice
Previously, I asked readers to share what worked to get an aging person into a safer situation when they are unwilling. Perhaps your parents have said: “Promise me you will never make me leave this house.” What an emotionally charged request. Your parents’ feelings...
Three things for you.
Today, there are three things for you. 1. Falling can change your life! “Finding Balance Together” is a community group of caring professionals who want to help all of us stay upright. Their mission is to “increase awareness that falls are the leading cause of...
A Building with Heart: The Journey of the Mary Beth Nienhaus Activity Center
Over the decades, our community center in Appleton has taken on many names and locations—but its heart has always stayed the same. It began as the Appleton Civic League, then became the Golden Agers Club House, and later the Appleton Senior Center. Eventually, the...
I need help with my stuff!
One of my favorite things to do is to talk with people about making a transition. I have met Red Hat ladies, spoken at libraries, been at churches, senior communities, Rotary, Kiwanis, everywhere! My presentation is often called “I need help with my stuff.” Sometimes...
It is painful when we cannot grieve for someone we love.
Recently, a customer told me matter-of-factly: “When I die, I don’t want a funeral.” My first thought was “Ouch. Where does that leave your family?” I reached out to an expert, Eric Stadler, Pre-planning Specialist at Valley Funeral Home. I asked what his response...
Jean’s big sister talks experience, benefits of a part-time job after you retire.
My big sister, Laura, is someone I look up to. As the oldest of eight kids, she spent her early years taking care of her siblings. She was also the one that had to break in Mom and Dad as parents. She did the supervising role well, and she did a pretty good job...
Why is it so hard to let go of things?
I have this thing. I need to clear-out things because I have too much stuff. But this thing is special. It cannot just go to charity. It must go to the right person, someone who will appreciate it. I’ll bet you have a thing, too. We want to control our stuff and...