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The Senior Community Lifestyle
How Assisted Living Communities Benefit Seniors
Dear Donna: My dad has been on his own since my mom passed away two years ago. She was sick for a long time and my dad was her primary caregiver. I am increasingly concerned about how lonely and isolated he has become. I live just over two hours away, so I can’t be...
Busting Common Myths About Assisted Living
Dear Donna: My 84-year-old mother has been living on her own for about 7 years now. The first few years after my father passed away, she managed very well. Recently, however, things have changed. My husband and I both work full time and have kids in high school and...
Take Charge of Your Future with a Move to Senior Living
Many people think the decision to move to a senior living community is a last resort when independence is lost or health declines. In reality, choosing to make this move can be one of the most empowering, proactive decisions you’ll ever make. Instead of waiting for a...
5 Tips for Creating a Caregiver Backup Plan and Why It Can’t Wait
Being a caregiver for a loved one is a busy role filled with daily tasks and responsibilities. Whether you're providing support to an aging parent, a spouse with a chronic condition, or a family member with disabilities, your presence is essential. But what happens if...
How Can I Stretch My Retirement Income Further?
Dear Donna: As I begin my retirement, I’m trying to commit to sticking to a budget. While I do have some flexibility, my goal is to enjoy life but be prepared for the days when I’ll need more care and assistance. I’m sure there are steps that I can take to make my...
Why Should I Consider a Move to Independent Living?
Dear Donna: As a single woman of a “certain age,” I’m considering selling my home. I’ve lived here for over 30 years and it’s gotten to be too much work and upkeep. I’d like more freedom in my retirement and having a house has begun to feel like a burden. As I’ve been...
Time Management Tips for Sandwich Generation Caregivers
The term sandwich generation caregiver refers to adults who are simultaneously caring for their aging parents while also raising their own children. Juggling responsibilities across these two roles—plus the demands of work and personal life—can lead to chronic stress...
Winter Vegetables to Use in Menu Planning
When the temperature drops and daylight shortens, it’s easy to indulge in heavy comfort foods and rely on fast foods and convenience meals. This is especially true for older adults who might think it takes too much time to cook healthy meals for just one or two...
Advice for Family Caregivers Who Are Feeling Overwhelmed
Dear Donna: My grandmother moved into my parents’ home just over a year ago. She experienced a series of falls that her primary care doctor felt were related to poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle. The goal in bringing my grandma into my parents’ home was to help...
Getting Involved in a Loved One’s Assisted Living Community
Dear Donna: We are just beginning the search for an assisted living community in Michigan for my dad. We hope to have him moved in and settled before the snow begins to fly. While I believe the social aspects of community life will be very good for my dad, I’m...
How to Advocate for a Family Elder
Dear Donna: My great uncle lives with a couple of very serious medical conditions that require many health care appointments. Because he lives close to me and he doesn’t have any children, I have become his primary caregiver. While we have people who help with...
What to Do After a Senior Loved One Is Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s
Receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis for a loved one can be overwhelming, emotional, and downright frightening. While there’s currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are steps you can take immediately after diagnosis to help manage the condition. This includes some...