Fixing things around the house
Q) Dad hired a handyman/ lawn service guy this past summer. We asked him to knowing he could afford it and he agreed. We just found out they billed him twice as much as the work is worth and he’s paid the bills. What do we do?
A) This is not uncommon when it comes to trades and seniors. You don’t mention an amount but assuming it’s a lot: Step1.Check the records to make sure your dad is correct. Step 2. Get your dad to email/call them and alert them to the problem and ask for a refund. Step 3. If you don’t get satisfaction, call the company owner or management to launch a complaint. Consider writing a review to warn others, using official legal channels like small claims court.
Candles are dangerous
Q) My older sister lives alone. She loves sitting beside the fireplace with candles burning but often falls asleep. I’m worried that if she’s not watching, the wood fire and the candles might cause a fire.
A) Alternatives to open flames can provide a soothing ambiance that your sister could still enjoy. Flameless candles offer a nice comforting glow and come in various sizes and fragrances. If an electric fireplace isn’t in the cards fire logs with limited burning timing may be preferred. Talk about safety and removing clutter and regularly check smoke alarms or wire them in.
New strange behaviour
Q) Both of my parents live in a retirement home and up until now, they’ve both been quite happy and healthy. Recently mum has been complaining that Dad ignores her, won’t talk to any of the other residents and is unusually grumpy. He refuses to go to the doctor.
A) Changes related to aging affect each of us differently and are obviously based on a significant number of factors that can vary even from day to day. Understandably you and your mother are concerned with these new behaviours and have the right idea about a doctor’s visit. Perhaps you can talk to the doctor yourself and see if there are some simple diagnostic tests that could be done by a homecare or lab nurse as a first step. You might also want to see if your dad is eating and sleeping well at the seam time. Ultimately, a doctor or RPN should be involved in some way.
Prostate cancer screening
Q) My father refuses to have a prostate check saying he’s too old now. When should men stop testing? He’s 81.
A) For men over 50 testing is recommended every few years Prostate cancer is often not accompanied by any symptoms; It is often discovered by chance, following a blood test or during a routine examination of the prostate by a doctor. You should ask your father’s family physician what he or she recommends based on family history, his age and any other risk factors.
Photos: CanStock
