You Can Balance Your Career With Caring for Aging Family Members!

 April 18, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

A woman caring for aging family members smiles at work while holding a cup of coffee.

No one likes to see the end of the weekend, but having a career to attend to on Monday is important to millions of us. It’s a significant part of our identity, signifying the hard work we’ve invested over the years and accomplishments we’ve achieved. So what happens when your parents start to show signs of needing assistance at home? Will you face a choice between a career you love and caring for aging family members that you love more? (more…)


A Different Way to Discuss a Dementia Diagnosis

 April 11, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

A doctor brings a patient in to discuss a dementia diagnosis with her.

Having to discuss a dementia diagnosis is never easy from any side of the conversation. It kicks off an emotional rollercoaster of fear, anxiety, uncertainty, grief, and more, all of which are heightened if the diagnosis is given starkly, without empathy or compassion. There are steps doctors can (and should) take when delivering a dementia diagnosis to ease the initial impact, empowering and equipping the individual and family with knowledge and support. (more…)


How to Convince Parents to Accept Home Care

 April 4, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

A family caregiver talks to his senior dad after learning how to convince parents to accept home care.

It can be difficult to convince parents to accept home care. It’s a delicate balance between respecting their freedom and ensuring their safety and well-being. If you find yourself in this situation, you’re not alone! We understand the range of emotions that go along with accepting the need for care, and have some tips to help you and your parents get on the same page. (more…)


5 Things to Avoid Saying to Someone With Dementia

 March 27, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

The adult child of someone with dementia hugs her mother as they smile.

Have you ever said the wrong thing? Perhaps your intention was to compliment a friend on her new haircut, but you came across sounding like you were criticizing her previous hairstyle. Choosing our words carefully is always important, but even more so when speaking with someone with dementia. The words we say and the way we say them can significantly impact the person’s emotional well-being and quality of life. (more…)


Overcoming the Fear of Senior Falls

 March 20, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

An older adult sits in a chair smiling after overcoming the fear of senior falls.

As we get older, it’s natural to become more concerned about the risk of falling. However, the fear of falling can be overwhelming for many people, leading to a decrease in physical activity, social engagement, and overall quality of life. It’s essential to address this fear head-on and empower older adults to live confidently and fearlessly. Here are some valuable strategies to help those you love overcome the fear of senior falls: (more…)


What Do Family Caregivers Need? Well, Let Them Tell You!

 March 12, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

pensive-senior-lady-with-caregiver-in-the-background

It’s easy for family caregivers to feel alone. When you’re caring for someone else, remembering to care for yourself can be difficult. A recent listening session, however, allowed family caregivers to speak openly and honestly about what they need – and the results may surprise you. Here are some of the key findings and insights gleaned from these sessions. (more…)


Senior Birthday Party Ideas to Make the Day Special!

 February 19, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

A family celebrates their older loved one after receiving good senior birthday party ideas.

It’s that time of year again—time to celebrate an older loved one’s birthday! Have you thought about ways to make it extra special? The key to planning a successful event is to implement senior birthday party ideas that are unique to the individual. Start by thinking through: (more…)


When it is It Time to Consider 24-Hour Dementia Care?

 February 13, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

A mother and daughter contemplate getting 24-hour dementia care.

If you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, you know firsthand how challenging the ever-changing progression of care needs can be. As the condition advances, there comes a point when 24-hour dementia care becomes not only beneficial but essential for ensuring the safety, well-being, and quality of life for the individual. (more…)


Helping Build Healthy Sleeping Habits in Seniors

 January 23, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

An older man lies in bed after learning healthy sleeping habits in seniors.

Everyone understands the feeling of trying every trick in the book to get to sleep after a long day. As we age, it can be even more difficult to get enough sleep. Older adults may experience changes in their sleep architecture, including lighter sleep, more frequent awakenings, and a shift towards earlier bedtimes. Yet maintaining healthy sleep patterns is vitally important for cognitive function, emotional health, and physical vitality. (more…)