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The Senior Community Lifestyle
Using the Prompting Technique for Loved Ones with Dementia
When a senior loved one has Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, their verbal communication skills are impacted. Because of this, it’s essential that families explore new ways of communicating. Some families find it useful to provide visual reminders....
Should We Sell Our House Before or After Moving to Independent Living?
Dear Donna: My husband and I are about to begin the search for an independent living community in Michigan. We are tired of home maintenance, repairs, and being tied down. Independent living seems like a solution that offers freedom and flexibility. We are trying to...
Benefits of Container Gardening for People with Dementia
Dear Donna: A few years ago, my mom was diagnosed with dementia. As a family, we’ve been managing the disease fairly well so far. But I do feel like we need to find more meaningful activities for her to engage in. I hope to give her more productive ways to pass time....
What to Know about Over-the-Counter Hearing Aids
The price of hearing aids has been a much-discussed challenge for years. In fact, the high cost of these devices has kept many older adults from making a purchase. The struggle it causes for couples and families isn’t always obvious. Partners may not be able to watch...
Can Olfactory Enrichment Improve Memory Loss?
Dear Donna: My mom was recently diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease. At this point, we are trying to learn more about the disease and if there is anything we can do to slow the progression. We are also trying to plan for her current and future care needs. It feels like...
How to Make New Friends after Moving to a Senior Community
Dear Donna: I’m planning to relocate to a senior living community this summer. While I live in Florida now, my search is taking me to the Holland, Michigan, area to be closer to my daughter and her family. It will make it easier for us to be more involved in one...
How Seniors Can Stay Safe Shopping Online
Online shopping has become a convenience many people rely on and take advantage of almost daily. It’s so easy to order whatever you need from the comfort of your sofa and have it all delivered right to your front porch. As more shopping malls and discount stores are...
How Can I Make the Spring Time Change Easier on a Spouse with Alzheimer’s?
Dear Donna: My husband was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s almost two years ago. So far, I’ve been able to manage his disease at home. Recently, however, he’s started trying to leave home. It mostly happens in the evening. While our home security system alerted...
What Kinds of Senior Care Will the Veterans Benefits Pay For?
Dear Donna: My mom is almost 80 years old and starting to require more help than our family can manage in her home. My husband, children, and I have been providing support to my mom every day for over two years now. She needs assistance with household tasks,...
How Does Lifestyle Impact Heart Disease?
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Research shows one person in this country loses their life to a cardiac-related disease every 33 seconds. That translates to one in five people for an estimated 695,000 deaths each year. While...
How to Include Protein in Your Breakfast Menus
Diet can impact how much age-related muscle loss we will experience as we grow older. Poor choices can cause a host of problems, including a loss of strength that leads to balance problems and falls. But a healthy diet rich in fiber, fruits, vegetables, and protein...
Tips for Long Distance Caregivers
Dear Donna: I’m hoping you have some ideas that might help me care for my 83-year-old mother long distance, at least for a while. She lives alone in northern Michigan in the house my siblings and I grew up in. Until my dad passed away 6 months ago, it seemed like a...