BLOG
The Senior Community Lifestyle
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...
How Can I Navigate the Emotional Struggles of My Mom’s Alzheimer’s?
Dear Donna: I’ve been caring for my mom since she was diagnosed with mid-stage Alzheimer’s almost three years ago. While I’m grateful to have her in my home, every day has a new challenge. As the disease progresses, she continues to lose the ability to care for...
How Is Independent Living Different than Assisted Living?
Dear Donna: My husband and I are just starting to search for a senior living community in Michigan. We’ve lived in the Saginaw area our entire married life but are willing to relocate to a different part of the state. As we are getting started, we are trying to learn...
Senior-Friendly Home Safety Modifications
As we age, making our homes safer and more comfortable becomes essential. Home safety modifications can create a supportive environment that allows older adults to age in place comfortably. For seniors, a secure and accessible living space can help maintain...
Living with Purpose as You Grow Older
As we age, the demands of life often shift. We may find ourselves with more time to reflect on our past, present, and future. As people look to the future, many question their purpose going forward. But the search for meaning is important at every age, not just as we...