Gray Matters

ONTARIO — Cathy Rox said her father, Martin Weaver, was one of her best friends. “A lot of the reason I am the person I am today is because of my father,” she said. Due to Lewy body dementia, Weaver’s memory began to deteriorate and he was unable to recognize his own kin, including his […]

MANSFIELD – “Pepsi?” asks 71-year-old Michael Beck when Roger Harraman walks in the room. Harraman, who serves as Beck’s legal guardian, knows the Oak Grove Manor resident loves Pepsi, and even though he didn’t bring a bottle along this time, he promises he will for the next visit and instead presents Beck with several new […]

ONTARIO – Sons and daughters aren’t supposed to hurt their parents, but in about 60 percent of elder abuse and neglect incidents, the abuser is a family member, according to a study cited by the National Council on Aging. Seeing firsthand how this alarming statistic becomes a reality in so many homes, Apollo Healthcare Services […]

MANSFIELD — Wrinkled fingers move rhythmically while knitting baby blankets, hats and sweaters. The pace isn’t as quick as they once worked, but it doesn’t matter. “This is the first time that I’ve actually knitted something on a regular basis,” said Shirley McLaughlin, a resident of Primrose Retirement Community of Mansfield. She was joined by […]

MANSFIELD — Local agencies and organizations are asking for responsible adults to help be a voice for a group of people who are sometimes overlooked and can struggle advocating for their own needs — senior citizens. “We need the community’s help to be that extra set of ears and eyes and to check in on […]

MANSFIELD – Some people dread getting older, treating birthdays as simply marking the fact that their age is creeping upwards. Teresa Cook celebrates aging. “The opposite of aging is not a good thing,” she said with a laugh. “Life is precious, and so is staying healthy and having that good quality of life.” Such is […]