October 7, 2026 by Dean Bellefeuille
10:30 p.m.: I’ll go to bed after this episode.
11:15 p.m.: Maybe I’ll watch one more. It’s finally quiet.
12:04 a.m.: I’ll just check my phone for a few minutes.
1:08 a.m.: What am I doing?
If this nightly negotiation sounds familiar, especially after a long day of caring for aging parents, you may be experiencing something known as revenge bedtime procrastination. It’s the decision to delay sleep even when you’re tired because those late-night hours finally feel like they belong to you. (more…)
October 1, 2026 by Dean Bellefeuille
You may be 58 years old, have raised three children, managed a career, and successfully kept yourself alive for several decades, but to your dad, you’re still his kid. So imagine how strange it must feel when that kid suddenly starts saying, “Dad, you need to let me handle the bills,” or “Mom, I don’t think it’s safe for you to cook by yourself anymore.” (more…)
September 15, 2026 by Dean Bellefeuille
After waiting weeks for an appointment, you’re finally face to face with the doctor and able to describe what’s been worrying you and the changes you’ve been noticing in your aging parent. But it seems like the doctor isn’t listening. A few minutes later, the appointment is over. (more…)
September 8, 2026 by Dean Bellefeuille
Watching your parent with dementia sleep more and more is surprisingly unsettling. They fall asleep in the recliner after breakfast. They nap through the afternoon. They head to bed earlier than they used to. Is this excessive sleeping with dementia something to worry about, or is it normal?
It’s natural to wonder if something is wrong. And sometimes it is. But more often, the question isn’t how many hours they’re sleeping. It’s whether their sleep has changed. (more…)
September 1, 2026 by Dean Bellefeuille
“How are you doing?”
It’s a simple question, but if you’re caring for a parent with dementia, you may answer it without even thinking.
“We’re doing okay.”
“We’re hanging in there.”
“Everything’s fine.”
Sometimes it’s easier than explaining what life is really like. The reality is far more complicated. So you smile, change the subject, reassure everyone that things are under control. The problem is that living with and caring for dementia are hard enough. Pretending everything is fine can make it even harder. (more…)
August 18, 2026 by Dean Bellefeuille
This is still my story.
Every time Dad tells you about meeting your mom, his first job, a favorite family vacation, or the house where you grew up, he’s reconnecting with the experiences, relationships, and milestones that helped shape who he is. He’s reinforcing his identity and his role in life, despite the changes of aging. (more…)
August 11, 2026 by Dean Bellefeuille
Have you ever noticed that five minutes can feel completely different depending on the situation? Five minutes chatting with a friend passes quickly. Five minutes waiting for important news can feel interminable. (more…)
August 4, 2026 by Dean Bellefeuille
Imagine waking up and feeling unsure about where you’re supposed to be, what’s happening next, or whether everything is okay. Now imagine that feeling returning every few minutes. (more…)
July 15, 2026 by Dean Bellefeuille
If your parent is grieving the loss of a spouse, you’ve probably learned to expect certain times of year to be difficult. The winter holidays, in particular, have a reputation for bringing emotions to the surface because they’re so closely tied to family traditions and memories. What may come as more of a surprise is the impact summertime grief for seniors can have. (more…)
July 8, 2026 by Dean Bellefeuille
“Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few minutes, including you.” — Anne Lamott
Caregiving has a way of turning every spare moment into productive time. If you’re sitting down, you’re returning a phone call. If you’re waiting for an appointment, you’re answering emails. If you have ten free minutes, you’re crossing something off your to-do list. But what if those few minutes were spent taking a real break from senior care and recharging instead? (more…)
