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The Senior Community Lifestyle
Why Muscle Mass Is Important to Successful Aging
Exercise has long been promoted as a necessity for living a long and healthy life. While many of us associate that with aerobic-style fitness programs, building and maintaining muscles is vital, too. Age-related muscle loss, known as sarcopenia, accelerates in your...
Is Fall a Good Time to Sell a House and Move to Assisted Living?
Dear Donna: My parents have lived in the same home for over five decades. It’s the house my siblings and I grew up in. Unfortunately, it’s no longer a safe place for them to live. There are so many things that I see as being downright dangerous for them. The laundry...
Assisted Living or Home Care: What Are the Differences?
Dear Donna: My dad was the primary caregiver for my mom the last few years until she passed away from cancer. Because our attention was so focused on Mom, we didn’t realize how much my dad’s own health had declined. Dad doesn’t have an illness like my mom did. He just...
How Alzheimer’s Support Groups Help Families Navigate a Loved One’s Disease
When a senior loved one has Alzheimer’s disease, family members often pitch in to help with their care. It can be a rewarding experience. Whether it is a spouse, parent, or grandparent, providing support for a loved one helps you feel as if you are making a...
Where Can I Find a Doctor Who Is Good with Seniors?
Dear Donna: My parents recently sold their home in another state and moved to Michigan to stay with my wife and me. The arrangement is temporary while we search for a senior living community for them. I’m trying to get them on track with their health care and...
The True Costs of Being a Family Caregiver
When a senior loved one begins to experience health issues or struggle with the activities of daily life, family members and friends often lend a hand. It’s usually with small tasks, such as running errands. As time passes, these duties often increase. Adult children...
What Can I Do to Keep My Dad Hydrated When He Won’t Drink Water
Dear Donna: My 76-year-old father moved in with my family earlier this spring. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s just over a year ago and isn’t safe living alone any longer. I’m slowly learning how to work around the changes the disease has caused and to improve his...
Tips for Planning a Staycation When You Are a Family Caregiver
When you are caring for a senior loved one at home, taking a vacation might not be feasible. That’s especially true when your family member has Alzheimer’s disease or a similar form of dementia. The good news is you can take a vacation without leaving home. It’s...
Pets and Alzheimer’s: What to Know before Adopting a Dog for a Senior
Pets are the heart of many families. Their unconditional love and companionship boosts the spirit while helping people live more purposeful days. For older adults, a pet can fill a void left behind when adult children are grown and gone or following the death of a...
How to Encourage Hydration in a Loved One with Dementia
Dear Donna: My mom is in the early stages of dementia. One struggle I’m having is keeping her hydrated. As we head into summer, I’m worried she’ll end up sick. Some days she’ll drink water easily, but other times her glass will sit untouched all day. I just can’t...
Managing Stress When You Have a Chronic Health Condition
The number of people living with a chronic health condition is on the rise in this country. While much of it can be attributed to baby boomers growing older, it’s more widespread than that. Experts believe poor nutrition and a lack of exercise in younger people is...
Men’s Health Month Awareness: How Do I Get My Dad to See the Doctor Regularly?
Dear Donna: I watched a segment on the news about June being Men’s Health Month. It made me realize that my dad hasn’t been to the doctor since my mom passed away almost two years ago. She was the one who always kept him on track. He’s always been terrible about...