Transitions With Jean - Columns

Dear Jean, Recently, I was in the audience at the library when you spoke about how to get rid of our stuff. You told us not to sell things on Facebook Marketplace or Craig’s List, because we shouldn’t let people in who can haul things out. I disagree. I have been...

A few years ago, I had a fun quiz about how to approach family gatherings over the holidays. Here are more questions for you to consider. There is no perfect answer, just food for thought. 1. The family dinner is the highlight of the day. It means so much to Mom to...

Change is hard.  This month, I get to experience that first hand. After 64 years in business, we are closing A-1 Moving & Storage. I have been running the company for 30 years. I am ready to dedicate more time to my passion: helping seniors as they transition from...

Dear Jean, From what I can tell, my mom doesn’t eat well. She also doesn’t get out much. I heard there is a program with the county for meals. Please tell me more. Answer: You are right. There is really good food available for seniors. Nutrition is so important in...

Dear Jean, Our mom recently passed away, and we are left with all kinds of medical things that we want to find a good home for. We have a lift chair, wheelchairs, walkers, depends, even IV poles. Do you know who we can give them to? Surely someone could use them....

Dear Jean, I recently fell for the third time in a year. My doctor is addressing my balance issues, but I am asking about my fear. I am so afraid of falling again and maybe really hurting myself. How can I overcome the fear? Answer, You are already taking the most...

Last month, I lost my mom. After talking to many friends, I find that I’m not alone. Their usual response is something like, “I lost my mom X years ago.” And silence. We all have a hole in our hearts. It is like I joined a secret club that no one wants to be a member...

I love music. Anyone who has met me knows that. Music lifts me up. If you hear me singing, you might beg for mercy because I can’t carry a tune worth a darn, but it still brings me joy. My best memory is when I was about ten years old. My sisters and I used to do...

Dear Jean: A year ago, my wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. Our plan is to keep her at home as long as we can. I try so hard, but once in a while, I get very frustrated with her. I know I shouldn’t, but I just can’t get her to understand things sometimes. I don’t...

Dear Jean, A while ago, you talked about the importance of making an “advance directive”. I finally finished mine and put it in my safe-deposit box for security. I named my daughter as my health care agent. Should I give her a copy too? Answer: Yes, give her a copy....