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The Senior Community Lifestyle
Practicing Self-Care as a Caregiver
Dear Donna: My aunt was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease several years ago. She was able to remain in her own home for a while, but she moved in with my husband and I almost two years ago. We are her only remaining family members and are happy to take care of her....
Gift Ideas for a Senior Dad on Father’s Day
Dear Donna: With Father’s Day getting closer, I’ve been searching for a unique gift for my dad. He’s a senior who’s been living on his own since my mom passed three years ago. In the past, several generations of our family have planned an outing for dad. We’ve done...
Downsize to the Right Size Home
Retirement begins a new chapter in life. It is a time when older adults typically enjoy more freedom and flexibility. One question that often arises soon after retiring is how necessary and practical it is to remain in the family home. While a lot of space may have...
How to Convince a Senior Parent to Accept Help
Dear Donna: My parents are both almost 86 years old. They live alone in an older home with a considerable amount of property. Because they live over an hour away, it’s difficult for me to visit as often as they need. They’ve managed fairly well on their own until...
7 Ways to Celebrate Grandmothers on Mother’s Day
Grandmothers play important roles in all of our lives. They are our confidante, our side kick on adventures, and some of the people who love us most in the world. Today we’re helping you plan a Mother’s Day gift that will really wow that extra-special lady—grandma!...
How to Create a Family Cookbook in Honor of Mother’s Day
If you are looking for a meaningful Mother’s Day gift a senior loved one and the entire family will appreciate, consider creating a family cookbook. Several generations can work together to create a permanent keepsake to treasure. It can be as simple or as detailed as...
How to Evaluate Memory Care Programs
When a senior loved one’s dementia requires care and support that family members can’t safely provide at home, a memory care community might be the best solution. From a secure environment to dedicated dining and life enrichment activities, they are designed to help...
Insomnia and Aging: How to Get a Good Night’s Rest
A good night’s sleep can be hard to come by even during the best of times, especially for older adults. Insomnia and aging seem to go hand-in-hand. Some seniors may have difficulty falling or staying asleep. Research shows that from sleep apnea to restless leg...
Frequently Asked Questions about COVID-19 Vaccines
As the number of adults in this country who’ve received the COVID-19 vaccine continues to climb, concerns about its safety and effectiveness linger. From cost to side effects, people still have many questions. To help you and a senior loved one make an informed...
How to Find a Virtual Volunteer Project
Dear Donna: My mom has always been very social. After my father passed away three years ago, she struggled without him. Just when she was getting back on her feet, the COVID-19 pandemic occurred. Since then, she has been forced to remain mostly isolated. While she...
How Is Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosed?
When you notice changes in an aging parent’s memory, you might worry it is Alzheimer’s. For many people, it’s the only symptom they are familiar with. Others, such as a change in disposition or problems managing finances, can be red flags, too. But each of these can...
The Essential Role Vitamin D Plays in Aging
After a long, cold winter, many people find themselves suffering from a vitamin D deficiency. We may see a significant increase in vitamin D deficiency this spring due to the months of quarantining at home because of COVID-19. That’s because a lack of exposure to...