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.
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…)
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…)
June 6, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille
There is no other experience like trying to care for someone with dementia. It requires you to dig deep down into your reserves of flexibility, patience, and perhaps most importantly, creativity. You have to be ready to pivot at a moment’s notice from one strategy to another to promote a fulfilling and enriching life for the person you love, all while managing the more challenging aspects of the condition. (more…)
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…)
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…)
May 3, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille
One thing you can count on with Alzheimer’s is a legion of researchers constantly fighting to find the cure. When someone you love is diagnosed with the disease, however, the urgency to find help is all the greater. If this is you, be encouraged! Though Aduhelm, the controversial drug approved by the FDA in 2021, stirred debate and raised questions about its effectiveness and safety, scientists have been diligently working on alternative approaches that offer renewed hope. (more…)
April 18, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille
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…)
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…)
April 4, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille
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…)
