Tag: concern

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the Wisconsin Conference of Catholic Bishops

Bishops address COVID vaccine concerns

MADISON — Wisconsin’s Catholic bishops have issued a statement that addresses moral considerations regarding newly-developed COVID-19 vaccines.

In their letter, the bishops acknowledged the devastating impact of coronavirus infections worldwide but also lauded the efforts of nations and organizations to develop safe vaccines that will effectively diminish the impact of the virus.

Moral questions

While the promise of inoculation provides hope for the end of the current pandemic, the bishops indicated that many Catholics have raised moral questions about receiving vaccinations, especially the use of vaccines that utilize cell lines from aborted children in development and production.

There are also questions surrounding the right of conscience and the duty of all Catholics to advance the common good.

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Jean Mueller

Checking on parents during extended holiday visit

Q My husband and I are traveling to his parents’ home for the Christmas holiday. We are not sure what to expect. His parents are both in their mid-80s and we have not seen them for several months as we live on the East Coast.

My husband is an only child so we rely mostly on phone calls with his parents to inform us of their well-being. Each time we speak they assure us they are fine but it seems that our conversations have become less detailed. We have also noticed that they often repeat the same information during our conversations.

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Chris Lee

Losing that ‘spark’ in older years

Ask Jean by Jean Mueller column logo

Q I am concerned about my mother. She is in her early 80s and has enjoyed relatively good health.

She has a little arthritis but does not let that stop her from doing most everything she wants to do.

Since my father died several years ago, she has been living in an apartment complex for older adults. She has friends and seems to enjoy many of the social activities offered by the apartment management.

My concern is that lately when I visit she seems sad. For lack of a better term, she seems to have lost her “spark.”

I tried to talk to her about the upcoming holidays and she said we could discuss it later. This is a woman who used to begin Christmas shopping in July! I ask her what is going on but she dismisses the question.

I don’t know how to help her. Do you have any ideas? (From a daughter in Dodgeville)

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Jean Mueller

Losing that ‘spark’ in older years

Ask Jean by Jean Mueller column logo

Q I am concerned about my mother. She is in her early 80s and has enjoyed relatively good health.

She has a little arthritis but does not let that stop her from doing most everything she wants to do.

Since my father died several years ago, she has been living in an apartment complex for older adults. She has friends and seems to enjoy many of the social activities offered by the apartment management.

My concern is that lately when I visit she seems sad. For lack of a better term, she seems to have lost her “spark.”

I tried to talk to her about the upcoming holidays and she said we could discuss it later. This is a woman who used to begin Christmas shopping in July! I ask her what is going on but she dismisses the question.

I don’t know how to help her. Do you have any ideas? (From a daughter in Dodgeville)

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Kevin Wondrash

Program for caregivers offered

BELOIT — Rock County Council on Aging will be offering “Powerful Tools for Caregivers®,” a nationally recognized education program to help family and friends caring for older adults and anyone who cares for someone with a chronic health concerns.

“Taking Care of You — Powerful Tools for Caregiving” is designed to help family caregivers take care of themselves.

This class teaches the caregiver necessary emotional tools to reduce guilt, anger, and depression; how to deal with difficult feelings; taking care of yourself; help you relax; set goals; solve problems; and effective communication with family members and health service providers.

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Jean Mueller

Keeping a family tradition alive with help

Q. I am getting ready for my annual trip out east to spend time with my mother over the holidays.

Mom is in her 80s and it is getting more and more difficult for her to do everything — yet she insists on keeping up all of the old traditions and will not allow any of us to help.

By the time I leave she is exhausted and I am stressed and feeling guilty. Is there any way to convince her all the “fuss” is not necessary, without hurting her feelings?

(A daughter in Dodgeville)

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Jean Mueller

Helping an aging parent from a distance

Q. I am becoming more and more concerned that my mom is not doing well.

She has lost many of her friends and when we speak I think there may be some depression going on.

I live on the West coast and can’t be there to actually see what is happening. What can I do? How do I get mom to accept help? (From daughter in San Francisco, Calif.)

A. Your concerns are very legitimate. Losses can be very hard to deal with especially as we get older and have fewer options to replace the loss.

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Jean Mueller

Alzheimer’s and dementia

Q. I have heard people use the term dementia, and then others will say Alzheimer’s disease. What is the difference and how can I tell if my dad is developing either one of them? (From a son in Southern Wisconsin.) 

This is a very common question and there is a lot of confusion about this, so I am glad you asked.

Dementia is used as more of a general term that describes some symptoms.

The symptoms included in dementia are forgetfulness, repeating words or statements, and loss of judgment, to name a few.

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Lisa M. Petsche

Attitude is everything as we age

Guest Column

There is no shortage of information in the media about how to improve your life through instrumental changes such as eating more nutritiously, exercising and not smoking.

Did you know, though, that nurturing a positive mental attitude can also go a long way toward maximizing your physical, mental and spiritual well-being?

Even if you don’t consider yourself a naysayer, make it a point over the next few days to scrutinize everything you think and say; you might be surprised.

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