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The Senior Community Lifestyle
The True Costs of Being a Family Caregiver
When a senior loved one begins to experience health issues or struggle with the activities of daily life, family members and friends often lend a hand. It’s usually with small tasks, such as running errands. As time passes, these duties often increase. Adult children...
What Can I Do to Keep My Dad Hydrated When He Won’t Drink Water
Dear Donna: My 76-year-old father moved in with my family earlier this spring. He was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s just over a year ago and isn’t safe living alone any longer. I’m slowly learning how to work around the changes the disease has caused and to improve his...
Tips for Planning a Staycation When You Are a Family Caregiver
When you are caring for a senior loved one at home, taking a vacation might not be feasible. That’s especially true when your family member has Alzheimer’s disease or a similar form of dementia. The good news is you can take a vacation without leaving home. It’s...
Pets and Alzheimer’s: What to Know before Adopting a Dog for a Senior
Pets are the heart of many families. Their unconditional love and companionship boosts the spirit while helping people live more purposeful days. For older adults, a pet can fill a void left behind when adult children are grown and gone or following the death of a...
How to Encourage Hydration in a Loved One with Dementia
Dear Donna: My mom is in the early stages of dementia. One struggle I’m having is keeping her hydrated. As we head into summer, I’m worried she’ll end up sick. Some days she’ll drink water easily, but other times her glass will sit untouched all day. I just can’t...
Managing Stress When You Have a Chronic Health Condition
The number of people living with a chronic health condition is on the rise in this country. While much of it can be attributed to baby boomers growing older, it’s more widespread than that. Experts believe poor nutrition and a lack of exercise in younger people is...
Men’s Health Month Awareness: How Do I Get My Dad to See the Doctor Regularly?
Dear Donna: I watched a segment on the news about June being Men’s Health Month. It made me realize that my dad hasn’t been to the doctor since my mom passed away almost two years ago. She was the one who always kept him on track. He’s always been terrible about...
Recognizing the Early Signs of Alzheimer’s in a Spouse
We all misplace or forget things from time to time. And some people just aren’t great at remembering names, even though they recognize faces. It’s typically not anything to worry about. When memory loss begins to impact daily life, however, it might be something more...
How Do I Care for My Aging Parents Long Distance?
Dear Donna: My career keeps me on the go and includes frequent moves to new cities. It’s always been fun for my parents to visit me and explore new destinations. In recent years, however, they’ve both slowed down quite a bit. Neither one is comfortable traveling far...
How Do I Begin the Discussion about Assisted Living with My Dad?
Dear Donna: My dad has been living alone for almost six years now. Until about two years ago, he was strong, active, and independent. Then he had a bad fall and his health has declined significantly. Because his house was built decades ago, it’s not a very supportive...
6 Tips for Helping a Senior Loved One Beat Insomnia
You’ve likely heard that as we grow older, we require less sleep. Some people believe it’s why many seniors get up so darn early. But sleep experts disagree. Adults need between seven and nine hours of quality sleep each night no matter their age. What does change,...
Advice to Help New Caregivers Get Organized
Dear Donna: I recently returned home to Michigan from New York to help care for my parents. While I live close to them, we’re not in the same house. They both have different health concerns and need someone to oversee their care and household tasks. My employer allows...