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The Senior Community LifestyleBetter 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...
Hydration and Aging: It’s More Than Just a Summer Concern
As winter settles in across Michigan, many of us are focused on sipping hot beverages and enjoying activities indoors. One crucial aspect of winter wellness that often gets overlooked, especially for older adults, is hydration. Aging often alters the body's natural...
Tips for Coping with the Post-Holiday Blues
Dear Donna: Every year after the holidays are over, I find myself feeling down. As an older woman living alone, winter can be tough. I’ve become an anxious driver in recent years, so I tend to stay close to home. While my daughter is great about calling and chatting...
Understanding the Stages and Symptoms of Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects memory, thinking, and behavior. Understanding the symptoms associated with each stage of the disease can help patients, caregivers, and families navigate the challenges of this condition....
What to Include in Winter Emergency Kits for Your Home and Car
Dear Donna: Over the past year, I’ve become the primary caregiver for my parents. While they are still somewhat independent and my dad does drive on occasion, much of their daily needs are falling on me. As we head into the tough winter months in Michigan, I am...