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The Senior Community Lifestyle
How Can I Navigate the Emotional Struggles of My Mom’s Alzheimer’s?
Dear Donna: I’ve been caring for my mom since she was diagnosed with mid-stage Alzheimer’s almost three years ago. While I’m grateful to have her in my home, every day has a new challenge. As the disease progresses, she continues to lose the ability to care for...
How Is Independent Living Different than Assisted Living?
Dear Donna: My husband and I are just starting to search for a senior living community in Michigan. We’ve lived in the Saginaw area our entire married life but are willing to relocate to a different part of the state. As we are getting started, we are trying to learn...
Senior-Friendly Home Safety Modifications
As we age, making our homes safer and more comfortable becomes essential. Home safety modifications can create a supportive environment that allows older adults to age in place comfortably. For seniors, a secure and accessible living space can help maintain...
Living with Purpose as You Grow Older
As we age, the demands of life often shift. We may find ourselves with more time to reflect on our past, present, and future. As people look to the future, many question their purpose going forward. But the search for meaning is important at every age, not just as we...
Understanding How Nutrition Plays an Important Role in Alzheimer’s Care
Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects millions of people worldwide. It leads to memory loss, cognitive decline, and behavioral changes. As the disease progresses, individuals with Alzheimer's may require more assistance with...
Tips for Springing Into Better Sleep Habits
Quality sleep is essential for overall well-being, but many people struggle to enjoy a good night’s rest on a regular basis. It can lead to fatigue, reduced focus, poor nutrition, and a variety of health problems. For older adults, restful nights can be even more...
How Do I Navigate Caregiver Guilt and Accept No Caregiver Is Perfect?
Dear Donna: I’ve been the caregiver for my 84-year-old husband for over eight years. He experienced a recurrence of his cancer that has gradually caused many complications. It has been such a long road, and my own health has declined quite significantly along the way....
Suggestions for Healthy Spring Meals for Seniors
Dear Donna: My husband and I are both retired and have set a goal of eating healthier this spring. We got really offtrack with adhering to good nutrition when we left the working world behind. While I’ve researched the nutritional needs of older adults and think I...
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....