Page 18 THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, December 6, 2024 OBITUARIES Alice M. (Madden) McWade Of Malden, MA. Devoted mother, passed away on December 2 at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers. Born in Boston, MA, in 1935, she was the daughter of the late Francis and Marcelle (Darmand) Madden. She graduated from Cathedral High School in Boston. Alice had a long and fulfilling career, beginning as an operator for the telephone company and later serving as a customer service representative for AT&T. In her later years, she worked as an administrative substitute at Mystic Valley Regional Charter School. Alice’s commitment to Savvy Senior by Jim Miller How to Talk to Your Doctors – and Get Them to Listen Dear Savvy Senior, How can I get my doctors to listen better? I just turned 78, and over the past few years I feel more and more dismissed by my doctors. I know I can’t be the only one who feels this way. Any suggestions? Dissatisfied Patient Dear Dissatisfied, Communication difficulties between patients and their doctors is nothing new. Many older patients feel like their doctors are dismissing their concerns, which can be frustrating and lead to missed diagnoses and delayed care. If you believe your doctor isn’t listening to you, here are some tips offered by the National Institute on Aging that may help. Prepare for your appointment: Before your exam, make a written prioritized list of any questions and concerns you want to discuss with your doctor, or print any online health research you’ve gathered, and bring it to your appointment so you won’t forget anything. If you’re in for a diagnostic visit, you should prepare a detailed description of your symptoms, when they began and what makes them worse. Be honest and upfront: Even if the topic seems sensitive or embarrassing, it’s important to be honest and upfront with your doctor. You may feel uncomfortable talking about memory loss or bowel issues, but these are all important to your health. It’s better to be thorough and share detailed information than to be quiet or shy about what you’re thinking or feeling. Remember, your doctor is used to talking about all kinds of personal matters. Ask specific questions: If you and your doctor aren’t communicating well, ask specific questions that require a response. For example: What might have caused the problem I’m dealing with? What’s the specific name of my diagnosis? Is the problem serious? Will it heal completely or require ongoing management? What future symptoms might suggest you need emergency care or a follow-up visit? When and how will you receive your test results? If you don’t understand something, don’t hesitate to ask: Can you explain that in simpler terms? Or: Can you give me more details about that? Take someone with you: Bring along a family member or friend to your appointment. Your companion can help you ask questions or raise concerns that you hadn’t considered and listen to what the doctor is telling you and give you support. Be persistent: If your doctor isn’t addressing your questions, repeat them or rephrase them. If you still don’t get anywhere, follow up with one of these statements: “I’m worried that we aren’t communicating well. Here’s why I feel that way.” Or: “I need to talk with you about X. I feel like I can’t. Can we talk about this?” After your appointment, if you’re uncertain about any instructions or have other questions, call or email your health care provider. Don’t wait until your next visit to make sure you understand your diagnosis, treatment plan, or anything else that might affect your health. For more tips, the National Institute on Aging offers a free booklet called “Talking with Your Doctor: A Guide for Older Adults” that can help you prepare for an appointment and become a better and more informed patient. To order free copy or see it online, visit order.nia.nih.gov/publication/talking-with-your-doctor-a-guide-forolder-adults. Consider moving on: If you’re not making any progress with your doctor and the problem persists, it’s probably time to start looking for a new provider. Depending how unsatisfied you are with your care, you could also notify your doctor’s medical group and your insurance company or leave feedback on their online profile. If you’re dealing with a serious issue – like a doctor who prescribes the wrong medication or fails to provide test results in a timely manner – it might be appropriate to file a complaint with the state medical board. Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070, or visit SavvySenior. org. Jim Miller is a contributor to the NBC Today show and author of “The Savvy Senior” book. her community was evident in her many volunteer roles. She served as a Girl Scout leader for nine years and was one of the founding members of the St. Joseph’s Mother Club, where she formed lifelong friendships. As an active member of St. Joseph’s Church, she contributed as a Eucharistic Minister and master teacher, developing the First Communion CCD program. Alice was married to her beloved husband, Harold A. McWade (predeceased 2019), for 64 years. She was the mother of three children: Brian McWade (predeceased 1999), married to Dianne McWade; Janice McWade Brunelle, married to Marc Brunelle; and Barry McWade. Alice was the proud grandmother of five: Jeffrey, Scott, and Andrew Brunelle; and Michelle and Michael McWade. Alice was predeceased by her sister Dorothy Rubin and leaves behind her sisters: Marcy Therrien and her husband Craig and Eileen Guthrie and her husband David along with nieces and nephews. Alice had a love for reading, tennis, and baking, with her famous chocolate cakes becoming a family tradition. Her happiest moments were spent at the family’s summer home in Nova Scotia, where she and Harold welcomed friends and family. Alice became a part of the Argyle Sound community, and she will be greatly missed by all who knew her. T he family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the medical staff at Brigham and Women’s Cardiac Amyloidosis Center and Kaplan Family Hospice House for their exceptional care and compassion. A memorial service will be held at the Weir-MacCuish Golden Rule Funeral Home, 144 Salem St, Malden on Monday, Dec 9th, at 10 AM. Interment will be held privately. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday, December 8th, from 4 – 8 PM. Those wishing to may make donation in Alice’s memory to the Kaplan Family Hospice House, 75 Sylvan St, Danvers, MA 01923. William F. “Billy” Bemis Of Malden. Passed away on November 30, 2024. He was 56 years old. Billy was a lifelong resident of Malden and worked as a chef for many years at variOBITS | SEE PAGE 21 Francis X. Roche Jr A longtime resident of Malden, passed away suddenly on Sunday, December 1. Frank was born in Somerville in 1948, the son of Francis X. and Rita Roche. He was raised and educated in Somerville, graduating from Somerville High School with the Class of 1967. He then enlisted in the US Airforce, serving for four years and earning the rank of Sargent. Upon his honorable discharge, he returned to the Boston Area. He enrolled in Boston State College, earning his degree in Economics in 1975. In 1976, he married his sweetheart, Nancy M. Conti, and the two settled down in Malden to raise their family. They shared 36 years together until Nancy’s passing in 2012. Frank joined the Teamsters Local 633, and drove delivery trucks for the Frito- Lay company, Frank enjoyed traveling around the world on cruises with his wife. He was the Past Commander and longtime board member of the VFW Post 2346 of Saugus. Frank was also an avid reader and a passionate Boston sports fan. He is survived by his children, Francis X. Roche III of Medford, Leigh-Ann Roche of Malden, his sister Maureen E. Roche of Medford, and his grandchildren, Alessandra, Vincent, Luca, and Gabriella. Funeral services were held at the Weir-MacCuish Golden Rule Funeral Home, Malden on Thursday, Dec 4th. Interment with full military honors in the VA National Cemetery, Bourne, MA.
19 Publizr Home