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The Senior Community Lifestyle
Downsizing to Senior Living: How to Start Clearing the Clutter for a Move
Dear Donna: My husband and I are helping his mom start to downsize her home. We are planning to begin the search for a senior living community in January. My husband and his siblings were raised in this home and the idea of sorting through everything is overwhelming....
Senior Wellness: Should You Get a Flu Shot Every Year?
October is often the month when cases of the influenza virus begin to climb. It often leaves older adults wondering if they need another flu shot this year or if last year’s still offers coverage. There are plenty of myths and misconceptions about vaccines in general,...
Family Caregiver Question: Does the Staff at My Parent’s Senior Living Community Really Want My Involvement?
Dear Donna: My mom has several friends who have recently moved to assisted living communities. Both are widows whose adult children don’t live nearby. According to my mother, they are both happy to have made this transition. She’s been dropping hints that this might...
Memory Care Myth Busters: Don’t Let the Myths Keep You from Making a Move
When a spouse, parent, or other senior family member has Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, caregiving can be an around-the-clock responsibility. Because of the cognitive changes associated with most forms of dementia, safety is a real concern. So are...
What Seniors Should Know about the Upcoming Flu Season
As we approach the 2024-2025 flu season, there are several important considerations to be aware of to protect yourself and your loved ones. While the virus might not seem like a big deal to younger, healthier people, it can be deadly for older adults or those with...
How to Support an Aging Parent Without Being Bossy
Dear Donna: My dad has been on his own for about three years now since my mom passed away. During this time, his health has been slowly declining. My sister and I live fairly close to his house and have been trying to assist him whenever and however we can. The catch...
Brain Health and Diet: Exploring the Connection
Maintaining optimal brain health is essential to your overall health and cognitive function at every age. Genetics and lifestyle factors play significant roles in nurturing good cognitive health. The dietary choices you make are among the most important. The old...
Time-Saving Tips for Family Caregivers
Dear Donna: For the past 4 years my husband and I have been helping my parents with a variety of tasks. It started out with simple home maintenance like changing the light bulbs in overhead fixtures and mopping the kitchen floor. Over the last year or so, however,...
Tips for Managing Difficult Caregiver Emotions When a Parent Has Dementia
Dementia is a tough disease for the person living with it and those who love them. There’s no denying the physical and emotional toll it can take on a family caregiver. While it can be rewarding to care for a loved one during this journey, it’s important to...
Medicare Basics for New Retirees
The Medicare program was signed into law by President Lyndon Johnson in the summer of 1965. It is designed to provide health insurance to adults aged 65 and over, as well as younger people with disabilities. But the program actually dates back to President Teddy...
Vacation Ideas for Seniors with Mobility Challenges
Dear Donna: My mom and I have both had a pretty tough year. My dad was diagnosed with lung cancer and battled it for six months before his death. The two of us are pretty worn out and in need of some fun and relaxation. I would like to take my mom on a real vacation,...
Does My Mom Need Independent Living or Assisted Living?
Dear Donna: I’m hoping you can help me determine what type of care might be most beneficial for my mother. My dad passed away last year after a long battle with cancer. During his final years, she was very busy caring for him and had little time for herself. Now that...