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More Than a Loaf of Bread 

When I was a young child, grade school age, our pastor or other priest often visited our classrooms. Religion classes were part of the Catholic school experience. I can recall a day when one of my classmates asked the priest if there was ever a time when it was OK to steal. The young student presented a scenario of a poor family with nothing to eat. Would it be a sin to steal a loaf of bread or a can of soup from the local grocery store in order to feed the family? Most often the priest would reply that we already knew the answer: it was a sin to steal. That would lead to a ...

When Home Care Isn’t Enough

Dear Savvy Senior, My mother has several chronic health conditions and needs a home caregiver to help with daily activities. I know she wants to stay at home as long as possible, but how do I know when it’s time to consider an assisted living facility or nursing home? – Exhausted Daughter Dear Exhausted, Most older adults hope to remain in their own home as long as possible, and with the right support, many can. But there may come a point when home care is no longer enough to meet a person’s medical, safety or social needs. While moving to an assisted living facility or ...

Some History Is Worth Repeating

In the mid-1950s, the Civitan Club in Wheeling sponsored a forum titled “What Is Wrong With Wheeling — And What Can We Do About It?” A series of meetings brought together community leaders from the tri-state area and sparked citizens’ interest. Among the topics on point included discussions regarding dwindling population, tax assessments, loss of industry, housing needs and falling school enrollment. Sound familiar? This movement, started not long after the end of World War II, was the beginning of marked improvements to the city. A community-wide beautification project was ...

Planning a Simple, Affordable Funeral

Dear Savvy Senior, I’d like to make my end-of-life arrangements, but I want to keep things simple and affordable. What are my options? – 86-Year-Old Dear 86, Smart thinking! Planning ahead can save your loved ones a lot of stress, and money. With a traditional burial averaging around $10,000 and a full-service cremation near $6,500, it’s easy to see why many seniors are looking for simpler, lower-cost ways to say goodbye. The good news is, there are plenty of options that are dignified, straightforward and much easier on your wallet. Here’s a look at some choices, ...

Embracing Essential Civic Duty

There are some things in our lives that require attention immediately. Perhaps the smoke alarm starts screaming in the middle of the night. Maybe you hear the screeching of tires on the street outside your door. Or when you open your mailbox to find an official-looking letter from your local Circuit Court Clerk’s Office. The latter could truly make some nervous. However, it most likely is a letter telling you that you have been selected for jury duty. The process is rather simple. The letter provides detailed instructions on how you will be notified when to appear for a trial at your ...

Helping an Aging Parent Manage Their Money

Dear Savvy Senior, Since my dad passed away last year, my 82-year-old mother has struggled to keep up with her bills. She’s proud and insists on doing things herself, but I worry she’s falling behind. How can I help her manage her finances without upsetting her? – Concerned Daughter Dear Concerned, You’re not alone – lots of adult children step in to help aging parents with their finances. Whether it’s paying bills, handling bank accounts, filing insurance claims, or sorting through taxes, taking on these responsibilities can feel tricky. The key is to approach it ...