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The Senior Community Lifestyle
Does My Dad Need a New Doctor?
Dear Donna: My 84-year-old father is starting to develop a few health issues. Nothing serious, but concerning enough that we’ve been spending more time at the doctor. While his physician is cordial, he always seems hurried. My dad doesn’t talk about his medical...
How Do I Keep My Dad Safe When Driving?
Dear Donna: My 85-year-old dad is very independent. While I understand his age shouldn’t be the sole criteria in determining his health and well-being, one area I am concerned about is driving. How can I tell if my dad is a safe driver? Are there steps I can take to...
Finding Balance When You Are an Alzheimer’s Caregiver
Caring for a senior who has Alzheimer’s disease can be rewarding. The hands-on role allows you to make a meaningful difference and provide emotional support. Taking your loved one to physician appointments, managing medications, and preparing meals help you feel...
Is Social Media Bad for My Health?
Dear Donna: I am a retiree living alone since my husband passed two years ago. Because I don’t drive much in the winter, I’m sticking close to home. The coronavirus is another reason. My grandson helped me sign up for Facebook last spring and I’ve been using it a lot...
5 Tips for Beating the Caregiver Blues This Winter
Winter can be a tough time of year for family caregivers, particularly those in colder climates like Michigan and Indiana. Cold, snowy days make it difficult to leave home. When you factor in the added worries associated with the COVID-19 pandemic, a caregiver might...
What to Do When Aging Parents Resist Help
Dear Donna: My dad recently experienced a serious fall that caused him to be hospitalized for several days. Because of the coronavirus, my parents have been isolated in their northern Michigan home for months. While I bring food and supplies to them, we’ve been...
The Importance of Exercise for Adults with Dementia
Exercise is essential at every stage in life. While the amount and type of fitness activities you engage in might need to be modified as you grow older, exercising has many benefits. Those include helping people maintain a healthy weight, reducing anxiety, promoting...
The Health Benefits of Journaling When You Are a Senior
As we close the book on the tumultuous year that was 2020, many people continue to experience a great deal of stress. While the COVID-19 pandemic persists, there are a variety of reasons to feel anxious. Uncertainty about a vaccine, worries about exposure, and...
Are There Senior Care Benefits for Veterans?
Dear Donna: My great uncle lives alone in northern Michigan. Since his wife passed away, he’s been getting increasingly isolated. While I visit as often as possible, my home is almost three hours away. He’s finally decided he would be better off in a senior living...
What to Ask on a First Call to an Assisted Living Community
Dear Donna: After visiting my mother in Michigan for Christmas, I realized she’s no longer safe living alone. While she is a little reluctant to move, she agreed that she may be happier in an assisted living community. We decided that I would do some research online...
Healthy Finger Foods for Seniors with Dementia
A common challenge Alzheimer’s caregivers face is getting their loved one to eat. Alzheimer’s can lead to an unhealthy amount of weight loss. There are steps you can take to make mealtimes go a little smoother. Creating a calm, distraction-free environment is one. So...
6 Tips for Managing Caregiver Stress
2020 has been quite a year! From political drama to the COVID-19 pandemic, we are a nation struggling to manage stress. News reports show negative behaviors, such as drug and alcohol abuse, are on the rise. When you are caring for a loved one with declining health,...