by ShellyL | Aug 28, 2026 | Alzheimer's and Dementia
Dear Donna:
My family and I help out a neighbor, George, who lives alone. He’s almost 90 years old and has been on his own for a few years now. Recently, we’ve noticed some changes in him that we aren’t sure are a normal part of aging. We don’t want to jump the gun and worry him, but we also don’t want to miss an important health diagnosis. George’s father had Alzheimer’s at a very young age.
We’re trying to figure out if what we are seeing might be early signs of Alzheimer’s or if it’s just normal aging. Do you know how we can tell the difference?
Sincerely,
Maggie in Saginaw, MI
Early-Stage Alzheimer’s or Normal Aging
Dear Maggie:
This is a topic that comes up often, especially in families that have had a loved one diagnosed with dementia before. The best person to consult is a physician, but I can point out a few differences to look for.
Telling the Difference Between Normal Aging and Alzheimer’s
Forgetting where you put your keys is annoying. Forgetting what keys are for is different. As people age, a certain amount of memory slippage is expected. The brain, like every other organ, changes over time. But distinguishing that normal slowdown from the early signs of Alzheimer’s disease can be difficult, especially since both can look similar.
Understanding the distinctions can help families know when a conversation with a doctor is worth having.
Normal Aging
Typical age-related changes tend to be mild, occasional, and manageable. A person might:
- Momentarily forget a name but recall it later
- Occasionally misplace items, then retrace steps to find them
- Take slightly longer to learn new information or technology
- Have minor lapses in word-finding during conversation
- Make an infrequent error managing finances or a schedule but generally remain independent
These changes don’t typically interfere with day-to-day functioning. The person remains aware of the lapse, and life continues largely as normal—they can still work, manage a household, drive safely, and follow conversations.
Signs That May Point to Alzheimer’s
Alzheimer’s disease involves a progressive decline that goes well beyond occasional forgetfulness. Warning signs include:
- Memory loss that disrupts daily life: Forgetting recently learned information, important dates, or repeatedly asking for the same information
- Difficulty completing familiar tasks: Struggling to follow a favorite recipe or forgetting how to get to a familiar place
- Confusion with time or place: Losing track of dates, seasons, or how they got somewhere
- Trouble with language: Struggling to follow or join a conversation, repeating themselves, or calling things by the wrong name
- Poor judgment: Giving away large sums of money, neglecting hygiene, or falling for scams more easily than before
- Withdrawal from work or social activities: Avoiding hobbies or social engagements due to the changes they’re noticing in themselves
- Personality or mood changes: Becoming confused, suspicious, anxious, or easily upset
A key distinction to keep in mind is that with normal aging, a person usually notices their own lapse and can self-correct. With Alzheimer’s, the person is often unaware of the extent of the problem, and the decline tends to worsen steadily.
Why the Distinction Matters
Not all memory concerns point to Alzheimer’s. There are a variety of conditions that can mimic Alzheimer’s or similar forms of dementia. Those range from an undiagnosed infection to depression, thyroid problems, vitamin deficiencies, and more.
This is part of why a proper Alzheimer’s medical evaluation matters. A doctor can run cognitive assessments, blood work, and sometimes imaging to identify the actual cause.
When to Seek Help
If memory or cognitive changes are new, progressive, and start affecting someone’s ability to manage their normal responsibilities, it’s worth scheduling an evaluation with a physician. Early diagnosis, whatever the cause turns out to be, opens the door to treatment options, support planning, and—in the case of dementia—access to therapies that may slow progression.
Should your neighbor receive a diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, please keep Heritage communities in mind for care. Our specialized dementia care programs help people live their best life despite the disease.
Kind regards,
Donna
by ShellyL | Aug 28, 2026 | Healthy Aging
Aging doesn’t have to mean slowing down. However, it often means rethinking how you move. Joints get less forgiving, recovery takes longer, and old routines that once felt easy can start to feel risky.
The good news is that low-impact exercise offers nearly all the benefits of higher-intensity workouts, such as better heart health, stronger muscles, improved balance, and a brighter mood. And those benefits come without the wear and tear on knees, hips, and spine.
Why Low-Impact Matters
High-impact activities like running or jump training put repeated stress on joints, which can aggravate arthritis or old injuries. Low-impact exercise keeps at least one foot on the ground at all times or removes gravity’s pull altogether, as in swimming. This doesn’t mean low-impact equals low-effort. Intensity can still be high; it’s the stress on joints that’s minimized.
Here are some different types of low-impact exercise for you to explore:
Walking remains one of the most underrated exercises available. It requires no equipment, can be done almost anywhere, and scales easily—from a gentle stroll to a brisk, arm-pumping pace that gets the heart rate up. Aim for 30 minutes most days of the week. Adding hills or light hand weights increases the challenge without adding impact.
- Swimming and Water Aerobics
Water supports body weight, taking pressure off joints while still providing resistance for muscle building. Swimming laps works nearly every major muscle group and builds cardiovascular endurance. Water aerobics classes are especially popular among older adults because they combine social interaction with structured movement, often set to music, making the workout feel less like exercise and more like community.
- Recumbent Bike or Outdoor Cycling
Whether on a recumbent bike or outdoors on flat terrain, cycling strengthens the legs and heart without jarring the joints. Recumbent bikes, which offer back support and a reclined position, are a good option for those with balance concerns or lower back issues.
Muscle mass naturally declines with age, a process called sarcopenia. This loss is directly linked to falls, frailty, and loss of independence. Strength training counters this. Resistance bands are inexpensive, portable, and gentle on joints while still building meaningful strength. Two to three sessions a week focusing on major muscle groups—legs, back, chest, arms, and core—can meaningfully slow age-related muscle loss.
Both practices emphasize slow, controlled movement, flexibility, and balance. Research has provided strong evidence that tai chi helps reduce fall risk in older adults since it trains the body to make small stabilizing adjustments. Yoga adds flexibility and can be adapted with chairs or props for those with limited mobility. Beyond the physical benefits, both practices incorporate breathing and mindfulness, which can lower stress and improve sleep.
For those with significant mobility limitations, chair-based routines offer a way to stay active without standing balance concerns. Seated leg lifts, arm circles, and gentle stretching can maintain circulation, flexibility, and strength for people recovering from surgery, managing chronic pain, or simply preferring a lower-intensity option.
Building an Exercise Routine That Sticks
The best exercise is done consistently. Mixing modalities, such as a walk on Monday, swimming on Wednesday, and resistance bands on Friday, helps prevent boredom while working different muscle groups. Starting slow and increasing duration or intensity gradually reduces injury risk.
It’s also worth checking in with a doctor before beginning a new routine, especially with existing health conditions. They’ll be able to help you determine what types and amounts of exercise are best.
Staying active later in life isn’t about pushing through pain or chasing the fitness standards of youth. It’s about finding sustainable movement that keeps the body capable, the mind clear, and daily life easier to navigate,—one low-impact step at a time. This is an approach you’ll find every day at Heritage communities. We have fitness opportunities for residents to take part in ranging from stretching to walking groups and strength training.
by ShellyL | Aug 28, 2026 | Caregiving
Dear Donna:
My mom was recently diagnosed with advanced stage colon cancer. Because both of my brothers live out of town, I will be helping my dad care for her. The challenge is that I work full time and have a family of my own. While my husband is willing and able to take on more responsibility with our kids, I’m going to need time off during the workday to take her to appointments and treatments.
Do you have any suggestions on how to have this talk with my boss? He’s fairly new to the company and I don’t know him very well. I’m hoping he understands as my dad can’t do this on his own.
Best,
Melissa in Douglas, MI
Tips for Discussing Caregiving with Your Boss
Dear Melissa:
Bringing up caregiving duties with your employer can feel uncomfortable, but most managers respond better to a clear, proactive conversation than to last-minute absences.
Here are a few suggestions that might help you figure out how to approach him.
- Know your rights: Before the conversation, check if you’re covered under FMLA (Family and Medical Leave Act), which can provide unpaid, job-protected leave for caring for a parent with a serious health condition. Some states and companies also offer paid family leave. Knowing your options gives you leverage and confidence going in.
- Request a private, low-pressure meeting: Don’t spring this on your boss in a hallway or during a busy standup. Ask for 15–20 minutes, ideally not on a Monday or right before a deadline crunch.
- Be direct but concise: You don’t need to share every medical detail. A simple explanation works: “My parent has ongoing medical needs, and I’ll occasionally need to step away for appointments and treatments. I wanted to loop you in early so we can plan around it.”
- Come with a plan, not just a problem: Managers respond well to solutions. Suggest specifics: which days/times are likely affected, whether you can make up hours in the evening, or whether remote work is an option on appointment days. Offering a plan shows you’re still committed to your role.
- Propose a system for communicating schedule changes: Whether it’s a shared calendar, a heads-up text the day before, or a standing weekly check-in, agree on how you’ll flag upcoming absences so your boss isn’t caught off guard.
- Ask about flexible arrangements: Many companies are open to flex hours, compressed workweeks, or occasional remote days, especially if you ask before it becomes an issue.
- Keep HR in the loop if needed: If the caregiving will be ongoing or intensive, consider looping in HR to formally document any leave arrangements. This protects you if your workload or attendance becomes a larger issue later.
- Don’t over-apologize: Caregiving is a normal part of life, not a performance failure. Frame the conversation around logistics and solutions, not guilt.
Approaching the topic early and with a concrete plan usually earns more trust and flexibility than trying to manage it quietly on your own.
One final suggestion is to bookmark our Heritage Senior Communities blog and visit often. We regularly tackle topics you might find useful, such as accepting help when you are a caregiver and recognizing the signs of caregiver burnout.
I’m wishing you and your family the best on this journey. Please reach out again if you have any questions on senior care or caregiving. We’ll be happy to help!
Kind regards,
Donna
by ShellyL | Aug 28, 2026 | Caregiving
Deciding when an aging parent or loved one needs more support than they’re getting at home is one of the hardest calls a family can make. While there is sometimes a sudden and unexpected health change that forces the decision, it’s usually a slow accumulation of small changes. Taken together, they point to a clear conclusion.
Knowing what to watch for can help you act before a crisis forces the issue. Here are some of the most common signs.
Changes in the Home Itself
The physical state of a person’s living space often tells the story before they do. Look for piles of unopened mail, expired food in the fridge, or dishes left unwashed for days. Notice whether the house is unusually cluttered or dirty compared to how it used to be kept. Burnt pots and pans or the smell of gas are red flags that cooking has become unsafe. A once well-tended lawn or garden that’s now overgrown can also signal that daily upkeep has become too much to manage.
Personal Hygiene and Appearance
Pay attention to grooming habits. Wearing the same clothes repeatedly, skipping showers, or neglecting dental care can indicate that basic self-care tasks have become physically difficult or that memory issues are interfering with routine. Noticeable weight loss is another warning sign, often tied to trouble with meal preparation, forgetting to eat, or difficulty swallowing.
Mobility and Physical Safety
Unexplained bruises, frequent falls, or a new reliance on furniture to move around the house all point to declining physical stability. If your loved one has trouble getting up from a chair, navigating stairs, or remaining steady on their feet, the risk of a serious fall rises sharply. Assisted living communities are designed with safety features like grab bars, no-step entries, and staff on hand to help, which can dramatically reduce this risk.
Memory and Cognitive Decline
Forgetting to take medications, taking them incorrectly, or missing doses entirely can have serious health consequences. Watch for repeated questions, getting lost in familiar places, confusion about dates or appointments, or difficulty managing finances, such as unpaid bills or unusual purchases. These are often early indicators of cognitive decline that requires more structured daily support.
Social Withdrawal and Mood Changes
Isolation is both a cause and a symptom of decline. It’s an important issue to address as isolation and loneliness are linked to a variety of health conditions ranging from heart disease to depression. If a formerly social person has stopped attending church, calling friends, or participating in hobbies they once loved, take note. Increased irritability, anxiety, or signs of depression can also emerge when someone feels overwhelmed by tasks they can no longer manage alone, even if they haven’t said so directly.
Caregiver Burnout
Sometimes the clearest sign isn’t in the aging person at all, but in the family member caring for them. If you’re exhausted, missing work, neglecting your own health, or feeling constant stress trying to keep up with a loved one’s needs, that’s a legitimate concern. These signs often indicate caregiver burnout. Remember, assisted living isn’t just about the resident’s safety; it’s about sustainable quality of life for everyone involved.
Starting the Conversation
If you’re noticing several of these signs, it’s worth having an honest conversation sooner rather than later. Involve your loved one’s doctor, who can help assess needs objectively. Tour a few communities together so the idea of moving feels less like a loss of independence and more like a supportive next chapter.
Waiting for an emergency often removes the choice entirely; watching for these signs early lets your family make the decision together, on your own terms. We invite you to call a Heritage location today to set up a time for an in-person visit and tour!
