Search results for: communication

Communication Tips for Alzheimer’s Disease

 May 1, 2014 by Dean Bellefeuille

Looking for help communicating to a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease?

at home independent living nyTake a look at our Communication Tips for Alzheimer’s Disease video for some tips to help with understanding and communicating with persons with Alzheimer’s disease.

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Search results for: communication

Dementia-Related Hiding: Why It Happens and What to Do

 August 6, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

We’ve all experienced that moment of sheer panic when we can’t find our keys or wallet. It’s frustrating and disorienting. Now, picture this happening multiple times a day, coupled with an overwhelming sense of confusion and fear. This scenario is a recurring part of life for those with dementia. Dementia-related hiding is a common and unsettling behavior when the person intentionally hides objects, typically in places you’re not likely to look.

Why would someone with dementia hide things? There are several key issues that may be at play.

  • Memory loss and confusion: Hiding items can be a manifestation of the confusion and memory loss that accompany dementia. As memory fades, a person with dementia may no longer remember where they placed their belongings, leading them to hide items in what seems like a safe spot. This action can give them a sense of security and help alleviate their anxiety about losing things.
  • Paranoia and suspicion: Dementia often brings about an increased sense of paranoia and suspicion. The person may become suspicious of those around them, fearing that others might take their possessions. This heightened sense of mistrust can prompt them to hide their belongings in an attempt to protect them.
  • Loss of organizational skills: It might become challenging for someone with dementia to understand the purpose of everyday objects or recall where they belong. Hiding items can be a misdirected attempt at organization, a way to manage the overwhelming task of keeping track of their environment.
  • Need for engagement: Rummaging and hiding can be a form of engagement or activity for someone with dementia. As they lose the ability to engage in more complex activities, these simpler actions can provide a sense of purpose and occupation. These activities can fill their time and offer a feeling of accomplishment.

Understanding the reasons behind dementia-related hiding can help you approach the situation with empathy and patience and improve how you care for someone with dementia. Try:

  • Creating a safe and structured environment: Ensure that their living space is organized and free of hazards. Consistency in the arrangement of furniture and personal items can reduce confusion and make it easier for them to find what they need.
  • Labeling common hiding spots: Clearly label drawers, cupboards, and storage areas. This can serve as a helpful reminder of where things belong and can reduce the likelihood of items being hidden in unusual places.
  • Maintaining a routine: A predictable daily routine can provide a sense of security and reduce anxiety. Regularly scheduled activities, meals, and rest times can help create a structured environment that feels safe and familiar.
  • Providing engaging, meaningful activities: Keep their minds and hands busy with activities that are appropriate for their abilities and interests. Simple tasks like sorting, folding, or working with sensory objects can be both calming and fulfilling.

We’re also here to partner with you to alleviate the underlying reasoning behind hiding items and other challenging effects of dementia. Contact us at (315) 579-HOME (4663) to learn more about our highly creative and specialized in-home dementia care in Syracuse, Camillus, Clay, and the surrounding areas in Central New York.

Search results for: communication

5 Tips to Help Support Senior Independence in Aging Parents

 July 9, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

Mom has a green thumb that’s second to none, and she wants to redesign the family garden for the first time in years. She may not move as fast as she once did, but that hasn’t slowed down her love for gardening. This is a perfect opportunity for you to step in—not to take over, but to facilitate her vision, perhaps by providing tools that make gardening easier for her to handle. It’s so important to empower your parents to pursue their interests and maintain their independence with a bit of thoughtful support as needed. Here’s how you can work together with your parents to support senior independence and help them continue to live life their way:

  • Daily Living Activities: If daily responsibilities that you once took for granted become more difficult for your parents, collaborate with them to establish more creative, accommodating solutions that prioritize their independence. This might include introducing handy tech tools that simplify cooking and cleaning, or adapting their home to make it more ergonomic. These changes help maintain their self-sufficiency and make everyday life a little easier. Also, consider regular assessments of their living space to further enhance convenience and accessibility, so they can continue to navigate their home safely and comfortably throughout aging.
  • Health Management: Be an active participant in your parents’ health management. Attend doctors’ appointments with them, not just for support, but to stay fully informed. Together, you can track treatments and medications, ensuring they feel comfortable and confident with their healthcare decisions. Engaging actively in these discussions also helps you advocate for their needs and assures that their treatment plans are fully understood and properly managed.
  • Emotional Support: Nourish your relationship with your parents by joining in activities that support your connection and spark joy between you all. Share stories, engage in hobbies together, or explore new adventures. This kind of support is vital for their emotional health and strengthens the bonds within your family. Frequent communication can help alleviate feelings of loneliness or isolation they might experience, ensuring they always feel loved and connected.
  • Financial Oversight: Support your parents in managing their finances by talking over their goals and preferences, and help them learn how to use tools that make budgeting and bill payments simpler. This helps protect their assets while empowering them with the knowledge and resources they need to maintain control over their financial health. Regular reviews of their financial situation can also provide peace of mind for both you and your parents, confirming that their finances are in order and well-managed.
  • Home Safety: Enhance their living environment with modifications that promote safety without sacrificing style or comfort. Simple adjustments like improved lighting and accessible storage can greatly increase their confidence and independence at home, making it a safer and more comfortable place for them to live.

At the end of the day, it’s about supporting senior independence and helping aging parents continue to lead vibrant, autonomous lives. It’s about helping them make the most of this enriching phase of life, with just the right amount of assistance that is never overbearing.

We’re here to support you and your aging parents as well with highly personalized in-home care services in Syracuse, Camillus, Clay, and the surrounding areas. Contact us online or at (315) 579-HOME (4663) for a free consultation to learn more.

Search results for: communication

Are Aging Loved Ones Prepared for a Power Outage?

 June 18, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

Summer storms mean more power outages. For most, they’re just a minor inconvenience. But for older adults, it can cause major concerns. The best way to handle unexpected power outages is through advance planning to ensure older loved ones are prepared and equipped to ride out the storm, giving you the peace of mind you need. (more…)

Search results for: communication

Build Your Game Plan—Create a Care Plan for Seniors!

 June 12, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

We get it. Exploring home care options for Mom and Dad is a daunting experience. There are so many options to consider, and so many new and unfamiliar terms to understand. Take, for instance, the care plan. It may seem like just another piece of jargon in a sea of confusing terms, but creating a care plan for seniors is actually one of the most important aspects of home care services. Here’s why: (more…)

Search results for: communication

Maintaining Your Tact While Talking to Someone With Cancer

 May 21, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

Talking to someone you love who is living with cancer can be awkward and uncomfortable for both parties to say the least. Should you jump right in and talk about the elephant in the room, or avoid the C word altogether? Is it ok to try to make the person laugh? What if they start crying? Conversations become loaded with unspoken emotions, and finding the right words isn’t easy. (more…)

Search results for: communication

Learning How to Effectively Communicate With Family

 May 13, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

Providing care for an older loved one can cause major tensions amongst the family. Siblings may disagree on care decisions, adult children may feel overwhelmed, and aging parents may resist help. Effective communication is crucial to bridge the gap between differing opinions, ease the burden of caregiving responsibilities, and ensure everyone feels heard and valued. (more…)

Search results for: communication

A Different Way to Discuss a Dementia Diagnosis

 April 11, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

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…)

Search results for: communication

5 Things to Avoid Saying to Someone With Dementia

 March 27, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

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…)

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

 February 13, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

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…)