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The Senior Community Lifestyle
How Can I Maintain My Relationships While I’m So Busy Caregiving for My Dad?
Being a caregiver for an aging parent can be both rewarding and overwhelming, particularly when the responsibilities take up so much of your time and energy. Many people in this role struggle to maintain a balance between caregiving and their personal relationships....
What Is Compassion Fatigue and How Does It Impact Alzheimer’s Caregivers?
Compassion fatigue, often described as the "cost of caring," is a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged exposure to others’ suffering. It occurs when caregivers become overwhelmed by the emotional demands of their role, leading to...
What Questions Should I Ask on a Senior Living Tour for My Parents?
Dear Donna: I’m preparing to call local senior living communities next week to begin the process of finding a place for my mom and dad. After the rough winter we just experienced, it’s become obvious that they just aren’t safe on their own. While I’m back and forth...
Simple Ways to Stay Active and Independent
Dear Donna: After being a part of the working world since I was 15 years old, I finally retired last spring. Since then, I’ve been spending more time on social media. One trend I keep reading about is the importance of staying active and social as you grow older....
Better Brain Health: Activities That Stimulate Memory and Engagement
Dear Donna: I recently lost my father after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. While I understand that researchers still don’t know much about what causes the disease, I have heard brain-stimulating activities are important. After watching what my dad went...
Why You Need to Celebrate Small Caregiver Successes
Caregivers play a vital role in the lives of those they care for, whether it is a friend or a family member. It is usually an adult child, often the oldest daughter, who acts as the primary caregiver. While the role can be rewarding, it’s also emotionally, physically,...
Tips for Making the Most of Medicare
Making the most of Medicare takes careful planning, informed decision-making, and regular reviews of your benefit and coverage options. It also helps to take steps to be sure you understand the different parts of Medicare. If you are like most seniors, especially...
Practical Menu Planning Advice for National Nutrition Month
Dear Donna: For the last few months, I have been my mom’s primary caregiver. She has a variety of health issues and is no longer safe living alone. So, she’s come to live with us. Since our kids have been grown up and gone, my husband and I have fallen into some bad...
Social Connections and Heart Health: Exploring the Link
Heart health is often associated with physical factors and choices like diet, exercise, and successfully managing chronic medical conditions. But another important factor is maintaining strong social connections. Research continues to show that staying socially...
How to Build a Caregiver Support Network
Dear Donna: After my mom passed away from cancer this fall, I’ve been the primary caregiver for my 91-year-old father. While Dad is still somewhat independent, his vision loss prevents him from driving and makes household tasks tough. I visit him on the way home from...
How to Create a Safer Home Environment for a Senior with Alzheimer’s
Dear Donna: My wife was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease several months ago. While her illness is still in the early stages, I know it’s important to plan for the future. One item on my list is to figure out how to make our home safer for her. Since you work with...
Organizing Your Files During Tax Season When You Are a Family Caregiver
Tax season can be stressful for anyone, but if you're a family caregiver, the process can feel especially overwhelming. Between managing caregiving duties, medical appointments, and daily responsibilities, organizing your financial documents might not be at the top of...