August 1, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille
If you are trying to make healthy meals for seniors who prefer carbs to carrots (because who doesn’t?), you may find it challenging to guarantee that their nutritional needs are being achieved. And you’re not alone. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention shares that just one in ten seniors is meeting the recommendation for at least three servings of vegetables and two servings of fruit every day. Multiple studies have found that older adults who do follow these guidelines lower their risk for heart disease, diabetes, and other chronic health issues, and ultimately live longer. (more…)
July 21, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille
“You are always free to choose what you do with your life. To make changes in your future, make new choices today.” – Brian Tracy
Selecting where to live in our older years isn’t straight forward. The vast majority of older adults would rather remain at home as they age, however it is not without concerns. Can it be safe? What about mobility issues or any other physical limitations? What if an older adult falls and is unable get up? (more…)
July 13, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille
In his documentary about grief, George Shelley uses an analogy of glitter. Toss a handful of glitter into the air, and it is going to settle into most of the crevices and cracks of the room, making it impossible to fully sweep up and remove. Anyone who has lost a loved one can relate. Yet, in certain instances, grief could be so overwhelming that it can lead to a serious and aptly-named condition: broken heart syndrome. (more…)
July 5, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille
Are you finding the need to turn the television up louder for an older adult you love? Conversing more loudly? Repeating topics your senior loved one missed hearing the first time? Hearing loss in seniors is not uncommon. But new scientific studies are pointing to a surprising link between hearing loss treatment and preventing dementia. (more…)
June 17, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille
Sometimes, it feels like there aren’t enough hours in the day to do what needs to be done as a family caregiver. Family caregivers are often overloaded with daily care tasks: Planning and preparing meals. Planning activities that are purposeful and enjoyable for the senior. Medical appointments. Shopping and other errands. Housework and laundry. Personal care and hygiene. And all of this is in addition to meeting the needs of your own household, children, spouse, and if there’s any time left over, yourself! (more…)
June 10, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille
There was one point where you’d hear, “take two aspirin and call me in the morning.” But now, it’s more like, “take two of these…and two of these…and maybe one of those, too!” Nearly 40% of seniors are taking at least five different prescription medications each day – not to mention OTC meds, vitamins, and supplements. It’s not difficult to see how seniors can become overmedicated and how adverse medication reactions have become such a common issue. (more…)
June 2, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille
Benjamin Franklin hit the nail on the head: An ounce of prevention really is worth a pound of cure. When it comes to detecting and addressing mobility issues in seniors, prevention is crucial. Falls in seniors lead to 300,000 hip fractures, 3 million emergency room visits, and 32,000 deaths each year, according to the CDC. (more…)
May 18, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille
Vitamins, minerals, and supplements – oh my! Seventy percent of seniors are taking them; but is taking vitamins as an older adult really necessary? After all, a healthy, balanced diet offers seniors necessary nutrients. However, there are deficiencies that would benefit from taking a supplement. Be sure to talk with the physician prior to making any changes, however with their recommendation or approval, consider the following: (more…)
May 10, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille
“You can make it, but it’s easier if you don’t have to do it alone.” – Betty Ford
No one is an island, and that’s particularly true as an Alzheimer’s caregiver. But even so, many family caregivers falter with regards to asking for or accepting the assistance they need. Because of this, stress is exacerbated as there is little or no time for self-care – a vital feature for any person in a caregiving role. (more…)
May 2, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille
Leaving someone you love in someone else’s care is never easy, especially if it’s an older loved one. Whether the aging loved one is at home or a facility, you will have important questions you want answered. You’ll also want to be prepared to advocate for the senior to proactively manage potential problems and to quickly take care of issues that do take place. (more…)
