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The Senior Community Lifestyle
5 Ways Seniors Can Sit Less and Move More
You may have heard the phrase “sitting is the new smoking.” This expression comes from several studies that suggest a sedentary lifestyle may be worse than smoking for some people. While the idea of comparing sitting to smoking may be difficult...
What Are the Differences between Home Care and Assisted Living?
Dear Donna, My mother lives on her own, and her arthritis is making it difficult for her to keep up with a few basic tasks. She says she could use some assistance. We have narrowed down our options to home care and assisted living, but we are...
How to Prepare a Senior Family Member for Assisted Living
Dear Donna, In a few months, my mom will move to an assisted living community. She has asked me to help her prepare for the move. She is very sentimental, and it's always been difficult for her to throw things away. I know she has to downsize,...
3 Tips for Managing Caregiver Guilt
Caring for an aging loved one can be an incredibly rewarding experience, but it can also be demanding. Stress from taking care of another person can trigger a lot of difficult emotions, including guilt. Guilt occurs when you feel like you have...
Vision Health & the Importance of an Annual Eye Exam
As you age, you may notice some changes in your vision. Many occur from the natural aging of the eye and can be improved with extra light or prescription glasses. Sometimes, vision changes are not a normal part of aging and are the beginning...
3 Ways to Make It Easier for Seniors to Part with a Home
Dear Donna, My mom is moving to an assisted living community in a few weeks, and she is having anxiety surrounding the move. She has lived in her home for over 40 years, and it is challenging for her to accept that she will be leaving. She...
Can Engaging in Art Projects Prevent Alzheimer’s?
Alzheimer’s disease affects a person’s memory. As the disease progresses, many people lose their ability to communicate verbally. Art therapy has increasingly been used to help adults with Alzheimer’s cope with their symptoms. Not only can art help them...
How to Keep Aging Parents Safe on Senior Dating Sites
Dear Donna, My mom is dating for the first time since my father’s death. I am happy for her, but also concerned about her safety. I have heard there are scammers who specifically target seniors. How do I keep my mom safe while dating? Grace...
4 Ways Gardening Can Help Prevent Depression in Older Adults
Gardening is a common pastime for all ages. For some, gardening is more than a hobby. Tending and cultivating a garden has several physical and mental health benefits. Current research suggests it may even help alleviate symptoms of depression...
3 Ways Assisted Living Is Different Than a Nursing Home
Dear Donna, My mom fell recently, and she no longer feels safe on her own. She wants to find an independent living arrangement where she can have access to assistance if needed. We have narrowed down her options to an assisted living community...
How to Connect with an Online Caregiver Support Group
Dear Donna, I am the primary caregiver for my mother, who is in the later stages of Alzheimer’s disease. I have been feeling lonely lately, but I am having trouble connecting with people who understand the challenges I am facing. I am...
Understanding the 7 Stages of Alzheimer’s Disease
Watching a loved one move through the stages of Alzheimer’s disease is never easy. Sadness, anger, and frustration are just a few emotions caregivers experience. Knowing what to expect can help alleviate some of the anxiety surrounding your...