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The Senior Community Lifestyle
How to Evaluate the Quality of a Memory Care Program
Dear Donna:My husband is the guardian for his great-uncle who has Alzheimer’s disease. Since his diagnosis a year ago, we’ve found ways to keep him safe in his own home. The time has come, however, to begin searching for an Alzheimer’s care community. We aren’t sure...
Stay Connected with Friends While Caregiving
A challenge shared by many caregivers is the loneliness the role often creates. As their loved ones’ need for assistance increases, many people find themselves cut off from friends when they need emotional support more than ever. This situation can easily result in...
Tick Prevention: How to Stay Safe Outdoors This Summer
As the threat of coronavirus lingers, many older adults continue to adhere to strict social distancing standards. Spending time outdoors is one way to safely enjoy summer. Strolls in local parks and gardening combine exercise with stress relief and improved mental...
3 Tips for Making a Senior’s Physician Appointment Easier
Dear Donna: Like many men his age, my dad isn’t so great about going to the doctor. It’s been especially difficult since my mother passed away. She could usually gain his cooperation more easily than I can. My dad is 79 years old. Although he is in fairly good health,...
Is It Safe for a Senior with Dementia to Garden?
Dear Donna, My mom was diagnosed with early-stage dementia two years ago. She’s managed to live independently until this year. After much debate, she moved in with my family and me. We are modifying our home and would also like to make some changes to the yard. Mom...
How to Help a Senior Avoid Common Heat-Related Illnesses
Spring and summer are seasons many people enjoy spending outdoors. Picnics, swimming, and family reunions are popular warm-weather activities. If you are an older adult, it’s essential to learn how to stay safe from heat-related illnesses. Seniors are more sensitive...
7 Skin Cancer Prevention Tips for Older Adults
Before summer officially kicks off in the Great Lake State, it’s important to talk about skin safety. Skin cancers are among the top ten leading types of cancer in this country. Non-melanoma skin cancer tops the list with an estimated one million cases a year, and...
How Can I Convince My Parents to Accept More Help?
Dear Donna, My family and I live about 30 miles from my parents’ home in central Michigan. We try to visit and help with errands and household tasks every weekend. It’s not easy, especially in winter. My mom gave up driving years ago. Over the past six months or so,...
4 Tips for Traveling with Loved Ones with Alzheimer’s
Dear Donna, My dad is in the early stages of Alzheimer's. Our family reunion is coming up, and we are nervous about traveling. It will be his first trip away from home since his diagnosis. How can I keep my dad safe and comfortable while traveling? We all want very...
5 Purposeful Activities for Seniors with Dementia
It's not uncommon for seniors to lose their sense of purpose after they receive a dementia diagnosis. But feeling useful is essential to overall health and wellness. Research has linked living purposefully to a longer life span, better sleep quality, and improved...
What Caregivers Should Know about Seniors and Allergy Medications
When people think about spring, flowers and greenery often come to mind. But spring is also a popular time for allergies. Unfortunately, many allergy medications can harm a senior’s health or negatively interact with their prescriptions. Here’s what caregivers should...
4 Tips to Encourage Seniors to Take Care of Themselves
Dear Donna, My mom used to put a lot of effort into staying healthy. After she retired, she stopped taking care of herself. She seems to value convenience over health. It's not uncommon for her to go days without exercising or wearing something other than pajamas. How...