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The Senior Community Lifestyle
How Caregivers Can Protect Their Marriage
Dear Donna, I have been a caregiver for my mother for three years; she is 86 and lives alone. At first, she just needed a little help around the house. But as her health declines, the amount of time I spend at her house increases. Unfortunately, it is...
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5 Tips to Help You Better Cope With Caregiver Anxiety
Dear Donna, My husband and I recently decided to move my mom into our home. She has advanced arthritis, so having her here allows us to help her with the tasks she has trouble with. Immediately after she moved in, we realized she needed a lot more help...
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Dear Donna: How Do I Take Better Care of Myself as a Caregiver for My Dad?
Dear Donna, I’m the primary caregiver for my aging father, and I also work full-time. Sometimes I have trouble sleeping at night because I keep thinking of what I have to do the next day. Often I don’t even have time to eat. If something...
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How to Manage Sleep Problems in Adults With Alzheimer’s
Sleep problems are common among older adults, but especially among those with Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. A lack of sufficient rest can lead to irritability, anxiety, daytime drowsiness, disorientation, and additional...
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New Friends: Helping a Loved One Connect After a Move to Senior Living
Dear Donna, My dad recently moved in to an assisted living community after we decided that his house was too much for him to manage by himself. Although he’s glad to not worry about housekeeping or meals, it’s been a difficult transition. He was pretty close with his...
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10 Hydrating Foods to Beat the Summer Heat
Did you know that you don’t have to just drink water to stay hydrated? Although drinking water is important, it’s not your only option. During the summer, plenty of different foods can help you beat the heat. 10 Foods That Help Keep You...
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What Bathroom Safety Issues Should I Look for in My Mother’s Home?
Dear Donna, Our mom still lives in her own home and usually does just fine on her own. However, her bathroom has not been updated in years, and we’re worried about her slipping and falling in the shower. She also has arthritis that has made it more...
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How to Pay for Senior Living Communities
Dear Donna, My older parents are considering moving to a senior living community, and I am confused about the different options for paying. I thought our only option was to pay for it ourselves, but a friend just told me that her parents used other methods...
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The Dangers of Summer Humidity for Adults With High Blood Pressure
Older adults may already know that hot summer temperatures can create health risks like sunburn and heatstroke. But can the humidity also be dangerous? Research shows that high humidity, especially when combined with high temperatures, may create...
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Emergency Room Safety Tips for a Senior With Alzheimer’s
An emergency room visit can be stressful for anyone, but especially for older adults with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. Research even shows that hospital stays can be hazardous for adults with dementia. Caregivers can make the experience...
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What Should Families Know About Assisted Living in Michigan?
Dear Donna, Our dad has been struggling to keep up with his house since our mom passed away. He’s still fairly independent but needs more and more help with running errands, cleaning, and getting around. He has friends and some other family...
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How to Keep a Senior Gardener Safe This Summer
Dear Donna: My mom has always loved to garden, but she is now struggling with mobility issues. She also takes a few different medications that make her more susceptible to dehydration and heat. What can we do to help her keep enjoying her favorite activity...
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