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The Senior Community Lifestyle
Caring Through Grief: Managing Anticipatory Grief in Dementia Caregiving
Caring for a loved one with dementia is often described as a long goodbye. Family members frequently take on the role of caregiver and provide daily support and companionship. As the disease progresses, it can take a toll on their mental, physical, and emotional...
Footwear Choices That Help Prevent Falls Among Seniors
As people age, balance, muscle strength, and coordination often decline, making seniors more vulnerable to slips and falls both inside and outside the home. Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults. According to the CDC, 14 million older adults...
Tips for Moving a Reluctant Parent to Assisted Living
Dear Donna: My soon-to-be 88-year-old mother has become too frail to live alone. After treating her for minor injuries from several falls, my mom’s doctor has told her it is time to make a change. The next time she takes a tumble, her injuries might cause a permanent...
How Can I Keep My Senior Dad Better Hydrated This Summer?
Dear Donna: My dad is 83 years old and in fairly good health for his age. Every summer, though, he struggles with hydration. It’s caused him to get really sick a few times. I’m trying to come up with some ideas that might help prevent that from happening this year....
Managing Sundowner’s Syndrome in the Summer
Sundowning is a common and challenging behavior experienced by people with Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. It refers to a pattern of increased confusion, agitation, anxiety, or restlessness that typically occurs in the late afternoon or evening. While...
Understanding How Independent Living Communities Can Improve the Quality of Life in Retirement
Independent living communities have become an increasingly popular option for older adults who want to maintain their autonomy while enjoying a more convenient and socially engaging lifestyle. Designed for individuals who are generally active and do not require daily...
How Adult Children Can Support a Parent in a Transition to a Senior Living Community
Dear Donna: My mom has been living on her own since my dad passed two years ago. It’s the first time she’s ever lived alone. While I knew this would be a tough time for her, it’s been even more difficult than we imagined. My mom has always been very active and social,...
Tips to Make Caring for Aging Parents Easier
Dear Donna: Both of my parents have now passed the age of ninety. While they are both in fairly good health considering their ages, each of them has a different chronic medical condition. I’m fortunate to live close to them so I can be in and out as needed. What I’m...
Tips for Preventing Alzheimer’s Wandering in Warmer Weather
As the weather gets warmer and the days grow longer, many families look forward to spending more time outdoors. For caregivers supporting a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, however, this seasonal change can bring new...
The Role Sleep Quality Plays in Brain Health
Sleep influences brain health throughout life, but even more so as we grow older. High-quality sleep protects memory, emotional regulation, and the brain’s ability to repair itself. As we age, changes in sleep patterns and sleep quality can significantly affect...
Planning Ahead for My Future Care Needs
Dear Donna: Since my husband passed away unexpectedly three years ago, I am on my own. We didn’t have any children, so I am trying to create a plan for my future care needs. While I do have extended family and lots of friends, I know I need to be proactive in looking...
How Do We Choose the Right Level of Care for a Senior Parent?
Dear Donna: My dad is 84 years old and starting to experience a few health issues. While he is still fairly independent, he has some vision loss that has caused him to largely give up driving. He lives in a rural community in Michigan and without transportation, he...