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The Senior Community Lifestyle
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...
The Dangers of Denying a Relative Has Memory Problems
It’s not uncommon for family members to miss the signs of a senior loved one’s memory problems. They often assume their increased forgetfulness and trouble recalling new information is a normal part of aging. While minor cognitive challenges are usually nothing to...
4 Food Groups That Boost Memory
Over time, you may notice diet plays an increasingly important role in your overall health and wellness. The foods you consume can affect everything from your waistline to your energy levels. More importantly, they can affect your memory and brain health. Here's how...
4 Tips for Helping a Senior Find a Primary Care Doctor
Dear Donna, My mom's doctor announced he is retiring soon. He has been her primary care doctor for over 30 years, so she is nervous about finding a new one. I want to help, but I am unsure where to start. How do you help an older loved one find a primary care doctor?...
6 Tips to Assess a Senior’s Bathroom for Safety
Dear Donna, My dad's 90th birthday is coming up. He lives alone, and I am a little concerned about his safety. His mobility has decreased over the years, and I am worried about him falling. I heard a lot of falls that happen in the home occur in the bathroom. For his...