Is Caregiver Stress Staying With You When Someone Else Takes Over?

 October 13, 2026 by Dean Bellefeuille

A woman relaxes with her friend to alleviate caregiver stress.

There’s a reason people in high-responsibility jobs don’t simply say, “Okay, you’re in charge now,” and walk away. They hand things over. They communicate what’s happening, what needs attention, and what the next person should know. A smooth, effective transition means everything. (more…)


Here’s Why You Crave Those Late-Night Hours When Caring for Aging Parents

 October 7, 2026 by Dean Bellefeuille

A woman caring for aging parents stares at her phone late at night.

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…)


When Dementia Changes Who’s in Charge

 October 1, 2026 by Dean Bellefeuille

A man experiencing dementia changes stares pensively ahead.

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…)


What to Do When You Feel Like Your Parent’s Doctor Isn’t Listening

 September 15, 2026 by Dean Bellefeuille

A woman reassures her husband as she looks concerned that the doctor isn’t listening.

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…)


When Is Excessive Sleeping With Dementia a Reason to Worry?

 September 8, 2026 by Dean Bellefeuille

An older man struggling with excessive sleeping with dementia takes a nap.

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…)


Why Pretending You’re Fine Makes Caring for a Parent With Dementia Even Harder

 September 1, 2026 by Dean Bellefeuille

A woman holds up a smiley face mask to indicate that she’s pretending to be fine while caring for a parent with dementia.

“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…)


Go Ahead, Take a Look Back. Reminiscing Is Great for Your Health!

 August 18, 2026 by Dean Bellefeuille

A man enjoys reminiscing with his caregiver as they look through a photo album together.

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…)


The Unexpected Challenges of Summertime Grief for Seniors

 July 15, 2026 by Dean Bellefeuille

A woman gazes at the sun setting over the water as she struggles with summertime grief for seniors.

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…)