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The Senior Community Lifestyle
Why Should I Consider a Move to Independent Living?
Dear Donna: As a single woman of a “certain age,” I’m considering selling my home. I’ve lived here for over 30 years and it’s gotten to be too much work and upkeep. I’d like more freedom in my retirement and having a house has begun to feel like a burden. As I’ve been...
Time Management Tips for Sandwich Generation Caregivers
The term sandwich generation caregiver refers to adults who are simultaneously caring for their aging parents while also raising their own children. Juggling responsibilities across these two roles—plus the demands of work and personal life—can lead to chronic stress...
Winter Vegetables to Use in Menu Planning
When the temperature drops and daylight shortens, it’s easy to indulge in heavy comfort foods and rely on fast foods and convenience meals. This is especially true for older adults who might think it takes too much time to cook healthy meals for just one or two...
Advice for Family Caregivers Who Are Feeling Overwhelmed
Dear Donna: My grandmother moved into my parents’ home just over a year ago. She experienced a series of falls that her primary care doctor felt were related to poor nutrition and a sedentary lifestyle. The goal in bringing my grandma into my parents’ home was to help...
Getting Involved in a Loved One’s Assisted Living Community
Dear Donna: We are just beginning the search for an assisted living community in Michigan for my dad. We hope to have him moved in and settled before the snow begins to fly. While I believe the social aspects of community life will be very good for my dad, I’m...
How to Advocate for a Family Elder
Dear Donna: My great uncle lives with a couple of very serious medical conditions that require many health care appointments. Because he lives close to me and he doesn’t have any children, I have become his primary caregiver. While we have people who help with...
What to Do After a Senior Loved One Is Diagnosed with Alzheimer’s
Receiving an Alzheimer’s diagnosis for a loved one can be overwhelming, emotional, and downright frightening. While there’s currently no cure for Alzheimer’s, there are steps you can take immediately after diagnosis to help manage the condition. This includes some...
Tips for Protecting a Senior from Phone Scams
Dear Donna: An older lady at my church was recently the victim of a phone scam. According to her daughter, she lost a considerable amount of money. While I consider my parents to be pretty savvy, even with technology, this news left me feeling concerned. I’ve followed...
Tips for Making the Most of a Visit with a Loved One in Assisted Living
Visiting a loved one in assisted living can be an enjoyable experience—for both of you. These visits offer opportunities to connect, share memories, and check in on their well-being. However, it’s common to feel unsure about how to spend the time, especially if this...
Planning Ahead: What to Do with Family Heirlooms?
Dear Donna: My husband and I are preparing to downsize and move to a senior living community within the next five years. Because we are trying to look ahead to make the transition easier, we are starting to formulate a downsizing plan. One aspect that we keep coming...
What Are Boommates and How Do These Arrangements Benefit Seniors?
Dear Donna: Since my husband passed away two years ago, I’ve been living alone in the home we shared for over 40 years. It’s becoming more difficult to keep up with everything, both financially and physically. A long-time friend who also lost her husband suggested...
What’s Next: Questions to Ask Your Doctor After a Diagnosis of High Cholesterol
A diagnosis of high cholesterol can be concerning. Unmanaged, high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, often called "bad cholesterol," can lead to the buildup of plaque in your arteries. This process, known as atherosclerosis, narrows the arteries and...