For most of the year, the average temperature is in the mid-80s, which makes Georgia one of the most beautiful environments in the south!

The holidays are the most wonderful time of the year when families come together to connect, make memories, and celebrate! But the season can also come with extra stress when it comes down to planning, coordinating with relatives, meal prepping, gift-shopping – the list goes on.  

This time of year is full of opportunities to bring families together to celebrate the holidays, partake in family traditions, and enjoy connecting over food and drink. But for many families, celebrating the holidays can cause mixed feelings when someone they love is living with dementia or memory loss.

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, caregiver is defined as “a person who provides direct care.” But anyone who has ever taken on the responsibilities of a caregiver can affirm this role means so much more than that.  

Everyone’s heard of the yo-yo diets that are often advertised on popular television shows and social media or the frantic “crash diets” that promise to help you drop those pesky extra pounds. Celebrity-endorsed health cookbooks and shows like Dr. Oz haven’t made the issue any better. Unfortunately, not only are these so-called “diets” inaccurate in many ways, but some can pose a dangerous threat to how our bodies break down food to provide nutrition and energy to our systems.

As children, our parents are our number one support system. They raise us, teach us right from wrong, and love us unconditionally as we grow up and become self-sufficient adults. However, when your parent starts to grow older, the tables begin to turn: you might notice that they require extra help with their daily routines. 

Our bodies are constantly changing as we get older, and one aspect of the aging process is how our scent changes. For instance, infants are often known for having a specific “newborn smell,” which is described as distinctly fresh. 

The “older person smell” is a particular scent, and as the aging process continues, it gets somewhat more difficult to avoid. In fact, the Japanese have their own word for this smell: “kareishu.” In Japan and other cultures, there are skincare lines dedicated to preventing or covering up this specific smell.

For many of us, our parents are the pinnacle of a healthy relationship. As children, they’re our first example of what it means to love and care for another person and provide a strong foundation for a family. But as our parents get older, there comes a time where you might have to face a challenging question: when Mom and Dad develop different care needs, what could this mean for their relationship?

When a parent or loved one is in the midst of making the move into an assisted senior living community, you are both likely to feel a wide spectrum of emotions. For example, you may feel relieved knowing that Mom or Dad will get the care and support they need to lead a safe, healthy lifestyle. Both of you may also feel excited about your parent’s opportunities to socialize and make new friends. However, your parent may also feel reluctant or fearful at the idea of making such a significant change.

Whether your favorite summer activity is tending to your garden, relaxing by the pool or on a beach, or having a picnic in the park or backyard with loved ones, it’s essential to always practice summer safety habits.