BLOG
The Senior Community Lifestyle
From Home Care to Assisted Living: Understanding Senior Care Options
Dear Donna,I have been caring for my father, who has Parkinson's disease, for three years. Until recently, I've been able to assist him with his needs. As his condition progresses, I am finding it more challenging to take care of him and keep up with my...
How to Stay Healthy as Flu Season Approaches
Dear Donna,I had the flu last year, and it took me weeks to recover. With flu season approaching, I want to do everything I can to stay healthy. How does the flu shot work, and what are some other ways I can protect myself?As an older adult, I know I’m at...
How to Respond When a Senior with Alzheimer’s Is Agitated
Agitation is a common symptom among adults with Alzheimer's disease. When a person is agitated, they may become annoyed or restless with seemingly little to no provocation. A loved one who is agitated may fidget, pace, or repeat behaviors. It...
Lifestyle Choices That Lower Your Risk of a Heart Attack
Dear Donna, World Heart Day is coming up, and it has me thinking about my health. Both of my parents have had a heart attack, and I am afraid I will have one, too. What can I do to lower my risk of a heart attack? Talia from Holland, MI...
5 Ways Seniors Can Sit Less and Move More
You may have heard the phrase “sitting is the new smoking.” This expression comes from several studies that suggest a sedentary lifestyle may be worse than smoking for some people. While the idea of comparing sitting to smoking may be difficult...
What Are the Differences between Home Care and Assisted Living?
Dear Donna, My mother lives on her own, and her arthritis is making it difficult for her to keep up with a few basic tasks. She says she could use some assistance. We have narrowed down our options to home care and assisted living, but we are...
How to Prepare a Senior Family Member for Assisted Living
Dear Donna, In a few months, my mom will move to an assisted living community. She has asked me to help her prepare for the move. She is very sentimental, and it's always been difficult for her to throw things away. I know she has to downsize,...
3 Tips for Managing Caregiver Guilt
Caring for an aging loved one can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also be demanding. Stress from taking care of another person can trigger a lot of difficult emotions, including guilt. Guilt occurs when you feel like you have...
Vision Health & the Importance of an Annual Eye Exam
As you age, you may notice some changes in your vision. Many occur from the natural aging of the eye and can be improved with extra light or prescription glasses. Sometimes, vision changes are not a normal part of aging and are the beginning...
3 Ways to Make It Easier for Seniors to Part with a Home
Dear Donna, My mom is moving to an assisted living community in a few weeks, and she is having anxiety surrounding the move. She has lived in her home for over 40 years, and it is challenging for her to accept that she will be leaving. She...
Can Engaging in Art Projects Prevent Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease affects a person’s memory. As the disease progresses, many people lose their ability to communicate verbally. Art therapy has increasingly been used to help adults with Alzheimer’s cope with their symptoms. Not only can art help them...
How to Keep Aging Parents Safe on Senior Dating Sites
Dear Donna, My mom is dating for the first time since my father’s death. I am happy for her, but also concerned about her safety. I have heard there are scammers who specifically target seniors. How do I keep my mom safe while dating? Grace...