Embracing the Role: Honest Stories from Family Caregivers

Hello, and welcome to our blog series "Embracing the Role: Honest Stories from Family Caregivers at Carolina Living Choices." My name is Betsy, and I'm thrilled to share this journey with you. As the owner and editor of Carolina Living Choices, a guide dedicated to helping retirees and their families find the perfect community in Western North Carolina, I have the privilege of connecting with amazing people and hearing their heartfelt stories.

Memory Care: Complete Guide to Specialized Dementia Support

By Cindy Keehn | Aug 4, 2025

When a loved one is showing signs of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, families face one of life’s most challenging decisions. The realization that your family member may need more care than you can safely provide at home brings a mix of emotions—guilt, sadness, and overwhelming uncertainty about what comes next. Memory care offers a specialized…

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Givens Estates

Independent Living with Assistance: Finding the Right Balance for Seniors

By Sue Liebe | Jul 28, 2025

The desire to maintain independence while aging doesn’t have to mean struggling alone with daily challenges. For many seniors, the choice isn’t simply between complete independence and full-time care—there’s a middle ground that preserves autonomy while providing selective support when needed. Independent living with a little extra help strikes just the right balance. It gives…

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Close-up of two hands holding each other, one with a wedding ring. The softly blurred background captures natural light casting gentle shadows, evoking a peaceful and intimate atmosphere reminiscent of a serene afternoon at Givens Home First in Asheville.

Caring from a Distance: Supporting Aging Parents When You Live Far Away

By Sue Liebe | Jul 21, 2025

By Sue Liebe, Office Manager at Carolina Living Choices Like so many adult children today, I find myself in a familiar place—living in North Carolina while my 92-year-old father is up in New York State. He and his wife have their own rhythm and approach to life, and they’ve built a routine that works for…

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Tips to Better Care for Someone Living With Dementia: A Comprehensive Guide for Caregivers

By Cindy Keehn | Jul 14, 2025

Caring for a loved one with dementia can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re navigating this journey alone. The progressive nature of Alzheimer’s disease and the other types of dementia means that you will continually face new challenges. However, when equipped with knowledge, strategies, and support systems, you can provide compassionate and effective care while maintaining…

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Top Strategies to Seamlessly Downsize Your Life

By Sue Liebe | Jul 7, 2025

Ready to downsize your life? This guide gives you step-by-step strategies to reduce your living space and possessions efficiently. Learn about planning, decluttering, and making a smooth transition. Key Takeaways Start With a Plan Starting your downsizing journey with a clear vision and plan makes all the difference. Begin early and tackle tasks one step…

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9 Practical Tips on How to Avoid Dementia

By Cindy Keehn | Jun 30, 2025

Worried about dementia? Learn practical steps on how to avoid dementia and keep your brain healthy. This guide offers clear tips to help reduce your risk factors. Key Takeaways Stay Physically Active Physical activity is vital for overall health and plays a key role in preventing dementia. It enhances cardiovascular health, boosts circulation, and improves…

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Active Adults hikers looking out over the Blue Ridge Mountains.

What’s Your Biggest Retirement Dream?

By Betsy O'Leary | Jun 16, 2025

Retirement is not the end—it’s the beginning of a new life. From traveling the world to relaxing in a quiet town, retirement is full of opportunity. At Carolina Living Choices, we hear from retirees daily who are reshaping what retirement looks like. Many choose retirement living in North Carolina—and for good reason. So, what’s your…

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Understanding Different Types of Dementia: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Care

By Cindy Keehn | Jun 9, 2025

Dementia is a broad term for changes in the brain which affect memory, thinking, language and behavior. Multiple diseases cause these symptoms. Here we will discuss the main types of dementia, their symptoms, causes, and differences. Understanding of the brain changes producing the symptoms can improve the level of care and compassion provided by their…

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Top Benefits of a Continuing Care Retirement Community

By Betsy O'Leary | Jun 2, 2025

A continuing care retirement community (CCRC) offers an all-in-one solution for your evolving healthcare needs in retirement. With options ranging from independent living to skilled nursing care, CCRCs ensure you can stay in the same community as your needs change. This article dives into the key benefits of CCRCs, how they operate, and why they…

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