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The Senior Community Lifestyle
Coping with a Sense of Loss When a Loved One Has Alzheimer’s
Dear Donna: My dad and I have been my mom’s primary caregivers since she was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s over three years ago. None of us were familiar with the disease or the unique challenges it would present. It’s been a real learning curve. My dad and I are...
How Is Assisted Living Different than Home Care?
Dear Donna: My parents are both older and have been struggling to stay in their own home. I live several hours away from them on the opposite side of Michigan. In addition to having a family of my own, I work full-time outside my home. It makes it tough to be there as...
Heart Smart Holiday Appetizers
Sticking with a heart smart diet can feel more daunting than ever during the holidays. Between decadent dinners, rich desserts, and festive cocktails, the temptations are often numerous. For an older adult trying to limit their sodium intake or manage cholesterol, the...
Natural Ways to Boost Your Immune System in the Winter
As winter returns to the Midwest, colds and viruses often accompany it. From projections of a tough flu season this year to newer strains of COVID-19, the immune system faces many threats during the coldest season of the year. That’s why it’s a good time to take...
Navigating the Time Change When a Senior Has Dementia
Dear Donna: My mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease a few years ago. Over the last year or so she has started experiencing sundowner’s syndrome. It has gotten worse recently, and she often tries to exit our house on her own when she is agitated. When we changed...
Everyday Ideas for Staying Physically Fit in Retirement
Retirement is a time when most older adults have more free time than ever before. Some choose to travel extensively, while others might explore new hobbies. No matter how you choose to spend your retirement, it’s important to make fitness a regular part of your life....
Coping with Family Caregiver Fear and Guilt
Dear Donna: My great-aunt had a bad fall a few months ago that left her with some pretty significant injuries. She’s recently been discharged from a rehabilitation center and is staying with me. I am her only relative and love her dearly. The role of caregiver is...
Important Questions to Ask on an Assisted Living Tour
If you are searching for an assisted living community for a senior in the family, an important part of the process is taking a tour. Plan to visit once or twice so you can meet some of the staff and residents and get a firsthand look at community life. Before you...
Defining Senior Living Terms for Family Members
Many families are beginning the search for a senior living solution for a loved one online. It allows them to self-educate and gain valuable insight before calling a community. While it is convenient, it has its own challenges. One is the often-confusing language and...
Tips for Celebrating Senior Loved Ones on Grandparents Day
Grandparents play an important role in most families. They can be a confidant to their grandchildren, a cheerleader and source of unconditional love, and a resource for learning and exploring the world. Whatever the role, the support of a grandparent is invaluable....
Tips for Connecting with a Loved One Who Has Alzheimer’s
Dear Donna: My grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease several years ago. At first the changes were small and easy to navigate. She was a little forgetful, so we learned to write everything down for her. She also had trouble with tasks like writing checks...
What Will My Role Be After My Dad Moves to Assisted Living?
Dear Donna: After much thought and many conversations, my dad has decided to move to an assisted living community. For almost four years, my husband and I have been trying to help him remain in his own home. However, this past year has been a real challenge. He’s...