Search results for: Medication

The Difference Between Dementia Symptoms and Medication Side Effects

 September 16, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

Disorientation. Confusion. Memory loss. While these are certainly hallmark symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease as well as other types of dementia, they could also come about from taking particular medications. Rather than immediately assuming an inevitable diagnosis of dementia, review the following list of medications that may cause similar effects that can be mistaken for dementia symptoms. (more…)

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Medication-Related Elderly Falls: Research Shows Nearly All Seniors Are at Risk

 May 6, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

We have long known that there are particular medications that increase the chance of elderly falls. Two decades ago, slightly more than half of seniors were impacted by that risk; yet today, that number has increased dramatically – to an astounding 94% of seniors  who are now at risk of falling because of medication side effects. Not only that but, deaths from such falls are occurring at more than twice the earlier rate.

(more…)

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How to Safely Dispose of Expired/Unwanted Senior Medications

 October 20, 2020 by Dean Bellefeuille

With many seniors taking multiple prescriptions, and with doctors adding and changing medications and dosages to determine the perfect solutions, it is critical to know what to do with medications that are no longer needed or which have expired. There are several options: (more…)

Search results for: Medication

Alzheimer’s Medication Treatment Options and How They Work

 February 14, 2019 by Dean Bellefeuille

The most up-to-date Alzheimer’s data is sobering. The illness is currently the sixth leading cause of death, rising above both breast cancer and prostate cancer together. And while deaths from other chronic health conditions, like cardiovascular disease, are decreasing, those from Alzheimer’s have escalated more than 100%. The toll the disease takes on family caregivers is similarly shocking, with more than 16 million Americans providing over 18 billion hours of care for a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s disease. (more…)

Search results for: Medication

Attention Syracuse Seniors: Vitamin Supplements May Be Dangerous when Combined with Prescription Medication

 May 5, 2016 by Dean Bellefeuille

Vitamins are good for you; that’s what we’ve been told since we were given our first fruity Flintstones vitamin as kids. And it’s true, vitamin supplements offer numerous benefits, especially for older adults who may not be able to get their daily recommended vitamins from diet alone. However, there are times when taking vitamins can actually be dangerous to your health.

(more…)

Search results for: Medication

Search results for: Medication

Holiday Hypertension Management Tips for a Safe and Festive Season

 November 19, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

It’s here! The holiday season is in full swing, filled with laughter, decorations, and of course, family gatherings. But let’s be real: it can also be packed with stress, tempting treats, and a hectic pace that leaves everyone a little frazzled. If you’re caring for an older loved one, you know how quickly the holidays can turn from “merry and bright” to “chaotic and overwhelming.” And if hypertension is a factor, it can be even more of a challenge. Between extra salty holiday meals, busy schedules, and unexpected stressors, holiday hypertension management can be daunting. But never fear; with some thoughtful planning and small adjustments, you can help keep their health in check while still enjoying all the festive cheer.

Here’s how to enjoy the season while protecting the heart health of an older loved one.

  • Be mindful of holiday foods. Holidays and food go hand in hand, and it’s easy to be tempted by rich dishes, sweets, and salty snacks. However, for someone managing high blood pressure, these foods can pose risks. Instead of focusing on what the person can’t have, think about ways to adapt traditional dishes into healthier versions. Swap out salt for herbs and spices like garlic, rosemary, or thyme. Instead of heavy mashed potatoes loaded with butter, consider mashed cauliflower or baked sweet potatoes seasoned with a touch of cinnamon. If the person has a sweet tooth, fresh fruits can be a satisfying alternative to high-sugar desserts.
  • Keep stress levels in check. The holidays can be emotionally taxing, and stress is one of the biggest contributors to high blood pressure. Instead of trying to make everything perfect, focus on what truly matters: time spent together. Delegate tasks, whether that means asking family members to help prepare dishes or arranging a potluck where everyone contributes. This reduces the burden on you and allows the person you love to participate in the celebrations without feeling overwhelmed. Mindfulness exercises can also help an older loved one manage their stress. Set aside ten minutes in the morning for some quiet time together to breathe in deeply, exhale slowly, and let go of the stress that tends to build up during this busy season.
  • Don’t neglect physical activity. Cold weather and busy schedules often mean less physical activity, but staying active is a key part of keeping blood pressure under control. You don’t have to plan an intense workout. Gentle, regular movement can make a big difference. If the person is able, consider a daily walk, even if it’s just around the neighborhood for 15-20 minutes. If going outside isn’t an option due to the weather, there are plenty of ways to stay active indoors. Try a gentle stretching routine or even a seated exercise video designed for older adults. Dancing together to holiday music can also be a fun way to stay active while enjoying the festive spirit.
  • Stick to a medication schedule. In the midst of the holiday excitement, it’s easy to forget the daily routine, including medications. But keeping up with blood pressure medications is crucial, especially when the holidays can present extra health challenges. Set reminders on your phone or mark it on a calendar to ensure that your loved one’s medication is taken on time. If travel is part of your holiday plans, make sure you have enough medication packed, along with an easy-to-access schedule so that nothing is missed. A simple pill organizer can also help keep everything in order during this busy time.
  • Watch the holiday drinks. The holidays are a time for toasting and celebrating, but alcohol can raise blood pressure and interact with certain medications. If alcohol is a part of your family’s holiday celebrations, help your loved one limit their intake or opt for non-alcoholic alternatives. You could make festive mocktails using sparkling water, a splash of cranberry juice, and fresh fruit garnishes. If their morning routine includes caffeine, try to limit it, especially during particularly busy or stressful days. Too much caffeine can also spike blood pressure, and with the holiday hustle, it’s easy for these small things to add up.
  • Prioritize rest. Between family gatherings, holiday preparations, and changing routines, sleep schedules can easily get disrupted. Lack of rest can increase stress, which in turn affects blood pressure. Make sure the person you’re caring for has the opportunity to get enough sleep each night. Encourage regular bedtimes and make the bedroom a calm, inviting place, free from distractions like television or bright lights. If afternoon naps help them feel rested, make time for them. Sufficient rest can keep their blood pressure in check and ensure they are able to fully enjoy all of the festivities.

Need a Helping Hand?

With At Home Independent Living, our caregivers make the holidays brighter, safer, and healthier for the older adults we serve. We can plan and prepare nutritious meals, provide engaging activity ideas to reduce stress and instill joy, and allow family members to take necessary breaks from care. Call us at (315) 579-HOME (4663) to learn more about our home care in Syracuse, Fayetteville, Salina, and the surrounding areas in Central New York.

Search results for: Medication

Why Self-Care for Caregivers Is Crucial to Building Emotional Resiliency

 November 11, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

You’ve just settled Mom into bed after a long day. You’re exhausted—physically and emotionally—and there’s still a list of tasks waiting for your attention. Maybe it was the struggle with getting her to take her medication today that wore you out. Or perhaps the call from a family member who offered well-meaning but impractical advice is what caused that extra level of stress. Caring for an older loved one can be one of the hardest roles you’ll face in your lifetime. Prioritizing self-care for caregivers and building emotional resilience is crucial, and it’s the foundation that will help you keep going when the days are tough.

So how exactly can you build emotional resilience? There are some simple but effective steps you can take today.

  1. Embrace what you can control, and release what you can’t. It’s easy to feel like every setback is a reflection on your abilities as a caregiver. Did Mom refuse to eat again today? Did she get frustrated during her physical therapy session? These moments can feel deeply personal. But building emotional resilience starts with recognizing that you can’t control everything. Instead of focusing on what went wrong, try to concentrate on what you can influence. For example, you can’t control whether Mom decides to eat every meal, but you can control offering nutritious and appetizing options. When you let go of the pressure to fix everything, you give yourself space to focus on what you can improve.
  2. Celebrate the small victories. There will be days when everything feels overwhelming. It’s easy to focus on the things that didn’t go right, but emotional resilience is built by shifting that focus to the wins, no matter how small they may seem. Did Mom finally smile after days of feeling withdrawn? Did you manage to carve out five minutes for a cup of tea while she napped? These moments matter. Emotional resilience grows when you acknowledge these small victories, because it reminds you that your efforts are making a difference, even if the road is bumpy.
  3. Lean on your support network. No one can do it alone, and the truth is, you don’t have to. Building emotional resilience means knowing when to ask for help. Whether it’s reaching out to a friend, joining an online support group, or partnering with At Home Independent Living, sharing your burden lightens it. If a neighbor offers to bring over dinner, say yes. If a family member offers to sit with Mom for an hour, let them. It’s not a sign of weakness to accept help; in fact, it’s a sign of strength because it shows you’re committed to sustaining yourself for the long haul.
  4. Practice self-compassion and self-care without guilt. Caregiving is often synonymous with selflessness, but you can’t pour from an empty cup. Practicing self-care for caregivers doesn’t have to mean taking a two-week vacation (although that would be nice!) Sometimes it means allowing yourself ten minutes to read a chapter of a book, watch your favorite show, or take a short walk around the block. Self-compassion is just as important. When things don’t go as planned, like a doctor’s appointment that turns into a meltdown, it’s easy to blame yourself. Instead, try treating yourself with the same kindness you would show a friend in your position. Remind yourself that you’re doing the best you can, and that’s enough.
  5. Develop a flexible mindset. When you’re caring for an older loved one, plans often change. Maybe today was supposed to be an outing to the park, but now it’s a day of dealing with a flare-up of health issues. Emotional resilience isn’t about resisting these changes; it’s about flowing with them. Rather than focusing on what you couldn’t do, think of what’s possible now. Instead of that outing, perhaps it becomes a cozy afternoon with their favorite movie. Adapting your expectations helps reduce feelings of frustration and disappointment, which ultimately builds a stronger, more resilient mindset.

Let Us Help!

Caregiving is never a role you need to fill alone! Our trained, experienced care professionals are on hand to partner with you to ensure the best quality of life for the person you love, and the chance for you to discover a healthy life balance for yourself. Serving Camillus, Clay, Syracuse, and the surrounding areas in Central New York, we’re just a phone call away at (315) 579-HOME (4663).

Search results for: Medication

Unmasking Parkinson’s Hidden Symptoms That No One Talks About

 October 21, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

When most people think of Parkinson’s disease, tremors or difficulty moving likely come to mind first. But if you’re caring for a loved one with Parkinson’s, you may have noticed they’re dealing with so much more than just movement issues. Parkinson’s hidden symptoms, such as depression, sleep problems, and cognitive changes, can have just as much of an impact on daily life, but often go unnoticed or untreated. Understanding these symptoms is crucial to providing the best possible care for someone you love with Parkinson’s disease. (more…)

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Would You Recognize These Signs of Senior Malnutrition?

 October 7, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

With the holidays approaching, you might be thinking about festive meals and family gatherings centered around favorite foods and traditions. But what about the rest of the year? Is everyone in your family—particularly older loved ones—getting proper nutrition on a regular basis? While holiday feasts might be an exception, many older adults quietly struggle with senior malnutrition for a variety of reasons. The first step to helping older loved ones stay nourished and healthy year-round is learning about the challenges they may be facing. (more…)