October 21, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

What inspires you to get out of bed every day? The answer is different for every single one of us, of course, but there is one commonality: it may allow you to live longer. Scientific studies are showing us that having a sense of purpose is an integral aspect in longevity, something shown in Japan – the country with the highest life expectancy on earth. The connection between purpose and living longer is important, and it’s one that often goes unaddressed. (more…)
October 13, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

If you knew that a significantly better quality of life could be achieved for a loved one, you wouldn’t think twice about exploring that option. Yet one of the most beneficial types of care – hospice care – is one that family members shy away from, due to a range of common hospice care myths. (more…)
October 5, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

If it feels like a senior with Alzheimer’s has completely rewritten the rules on when and how to sleep, you are not dreaming. Sleeping problems in Alzheimer’s are common. For reasons that are not yet fully understood, a number of people with dementia experience changes to their circadian rhythm, leading to sleepless nights and drowsy days. (more…)
September 21, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

While COVID-19 still dominates our health concerns, it’s important to bear in mind that other illnesses can be just as dangerous, especially for seniors. Flu season is here, and it is time to make sure the seniors you love are protected by getting a flu shot. (more…)
September 16, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

Disorientation. Confusion. Memory loss. While these are certainly hallmark symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease as well as other types of dementia, they could also come about from taking particular medications. Rather than immediately assuming an inevitable diagnosis of dementia, review the following list of medications that may cause similar effects that can be mistaken for dementia symptoms. (more…)
September 4, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

If you were to list the top five emotions you encounter in caring for aging parents, what would they be? Maybe you’d first think of emotions like compassion, love, and sometimes, even stress or frustration. Would anger make the list? In many cases, though family caregivers may well not like to disclose it, the answer is a definite YES. (more…)
August 23, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

Life, especially during the course of a pandemic, can be filled with uncertainty. For seniors who are feeling less in command of certain facets of life, such as losing cognitive or physical functioning, focusing on exactly what can be controlled is empowering. (more…)
August 13, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

Watch what occurs at your next family get together when a brand new mother places her baby in someone’s arms. The person will likely transition instantly into baby mode: a sing-song, high-pitched voice, overly-simplified speech, and exaggerated facial expressions. Of course, this is perfectly normal and actually good for a baby’s developing brain. (more…)
August 5, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

Shame. Fear. Embarrassment. The thoughts and feelings surrounding a potential dementia diagnosis can cause older adults to keep their suspicions to themselves. A recently available AARP survey peeled away a few of the layers of emotion to get to the root cause – namely, worry over losing independence and becoming a problem to others. (more…)
July 26, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

While we are gradually easing our way out of this pandemic, we are figuring out more information on how it has impacted older adults – both physically and emotionally. We realize older adults have been at a greater risk of serious issues and death from the COVID-19 virus; however, the impact of 15 months of physical distancing and social isolation is now revealing shocking results on senior strength post-pandemic.
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