Transitions With Jean - Columns
Do it! Make this the week you finish creating your end-of-life plans.
This past month, I heard from several people about issues they had. You will see a common thread running through their stories: the challenges of getting your affairs in order and the difficulties that can arise for your family if you do not do it. One gal recounted...
Fox Crossing police officer talks scams and how to avoid them
Today’s topic is about scams. Wait! Don’t move on because you are sick of hearing about it. There is a reason this is a hot topic: it is happening a lot. If you listen to the news, you keep hearing about seniors who have been scammed, this is partially because you...
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...