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The Senior Community Lifestyle
Connecting Family Caregivers with Alzheimer’s Resources
When a family member receives the diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease, their loved ones feel the impact. It is a difficult disease for both the person living with it and their family and friends who offer care and support. November is not only National Alzheimer’s...
Caregiver Burnout: Recognizing the Signs That It’s Time for a Break
Dear Donna: My parents took over care for my dad’s brother two years ago after his wife was unable to continue being his caregiver. My uncle moved into my parents’ home and they’ve since made modifications to make caring for him easier and safer. However, it’s taken a...
Thoughtful Gifts for Aging Parents and Grandparents
Dear Donna: My kids and I are getting ready to start our holiday shopping and we are struggling to come up with ideas for my parents. They are both in their eighties and seem to have every material thing they want or need. Do you have any suggestions for gifts for...
Respite Care 101: Giving Yourself Permission to Rest When You Are a Caregiver
Caregiving is often described as an act of love, but can come with long days, difficult decisions, and very little time for yourself. When you are focused on someone else’s needs, taking a break can feel unnecessary or even selfish. The truth is that rest is a...
Understanding the Early Signs of Alzheimer’s vs. Normal Aging
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...
Staying Active as You Age: Low-Impact Exercises That Work
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...
How to Talk to Your Boss About Being a Working Caregiver
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...
Signs It Might Be Time to Consider Assisted Living
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...
Why Fall Is a Good Time to Move a Loved One with Dementia to Memory Care
Dear Donna: My mom was diagnosed with dementia, Alzheimer’s disease to be specific, about five years ago. Since that time, my dad, husband, and I have worked together to keep her at home. But I think it’s time to consider a move to a memory care community. While we’ve...
Caregiving Tips for Supporting a Family Member After a Stroke
A stroke can change daily life overnight, both for the person who experienced it and for the family member stepping into a caregiving role. Recovery is rarely linear, and it often involves physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges all at once. The suddenness of...
Accepting Help Isn’t Failing When You Are a Caregiver
Accepting help can be tough when you are the caregiver for a loved one. Here’s why you shouldn’t feel like it’s a sign of failure.
Nutrition and Memory: Foods That May Support Brain Health
The foods we eat affect more than just our physical health. A growing amount of research indicates they may also play an important role in maintaining brain health as we age. No single food can prevent memory loss, but researchers continue to find evidence that...