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The Senior Community Lifestyle
How Can I Better Organize My Dad’s Medical Information?
Dear Donna: My dad was diagnosed with a chronic health condition last spring. It’s a fairly complex illness with multiple physicians involved in his care. Because his condition came on suddenly, I never had an opportunity to come up with a system for organizing his...
Practical Safety Tips When a Loved One Has Alzheimer’s
When an aging parent has Alzheimer’s disease or another type of dementia, adult children face unique challenges. Protecting a parent with memory loss can be tough. Initially, you might need to assist with paying bills and managing household finances. It is common for...
Does Exercise Help with Dementia Prevention?
If a senior you love has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or a similar type of dementia, you may worry about your risk for developing the condition. Unfortunately, the cause of Alzheimer’s continues to elude researchers, as do potential genetic links. But there...
Why Seniors Are at Higher Risk for Vitamin D Deficiency in the Winter
Growing up, most people heard that drinking milk was necessary to build strong, healthy bones. And it’s true. Milk contains calcium and vitamin D, which are linked to better bone health. What few people know, however, is vitamin D doesn’t occur naturally in many...
Care for the Caregiver: Convincing a Spouse It’s Time for a Change
Dear Donna: My wife and I have been married for over 50 years. Several years ago, I suffered a stroke. While I have recovered a lot of my abilities, I am not able to do nearly as much as I used to. Not only does my wife have to help me with personal care, but she’s...
How Do We Start the Search for Assisted Living?
Dear Donna: My husband and I visited his mom in northern Michigan over the holidays. Even though we FaceTime with her each week, we weren’t prepared for how much her health has declined since we saw her last spring. Mom’s house hadn’t been cleaned well in a while, and...
New Year’s Resolutions: How to Start 2022 on a Healthy Note
As 2021 draws to a close, most of us are looking forward to a fresh start. While many people use this time to make New Year’s resolutions, few stick to them. Since 2021 was another turbulent year, making wellness the focus for the upcoming year is more important than...
Holiday Gifts for Adults with Dementia
As another year of uncertainty draws to a close, it’s important to spend time with loved ones. Quality time with others can do wonders for your mental health. While concerns about COVID-19 linger, the holidays might need to be celebrated a little differently again...
How Can I Do a Fall Safety Check of My Dad’s House?
Dear Donna: My dad has had a few falls and a couple of close calls recently. While he hasn’t experienced any injuries, I know we have to figure out a better plan for keeping him safe. My biggest fear is he will fall and be unable to call for help. I live several hours...
How to Start a Conversation about Assisted Living with a Senior
Dear Donna: I’m heading home over Christmas to visit my mom in Traverse City, Michigan. When I was there this summer, I decided it’s time to talk with her about moving to an assisted living community. While I’m hoping she is receptive to the idea, just the thought of...
Vision Changes Seniors Shouldn’t Ignore
Vision changes shouldn’t be ignored at any age, but especially if you are an older adult. That’s because the risk for eye disease increases as we age. Identifying small changes before they become big ones is essential for early intervention and treatment. Here’s what...
Does Social Media Add to Caregiver Stress?
Many people are coping with the COVID-19 pandemic by connecting with others on social media and spending more time online. While it’s a safe way to stay in touch with loved ones when you are trying to avoid large gatherings, there can be downsides. Social media...