The Benefits of Family Counseling for Seniors and Those Who Love Them

 February 17, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

Family counseling benefits seniors and the rest of the family, too

There are particular milestones we might experience in our lives that, though not necessarily negative, are known stressors. Losing a job. Starting a new job. Getting divorced. Getting married. And one that we in the home care industry are especially mindful of: the physical and mental impact on family members who are caring for aging parents.

(more…)


Are Your Parents Experiencing Elderly Depression? Here’s How to Find Out.

 February 8, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

Elderly depression is serious and requires medical care.

The fear and isolation as a result of COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on the wellbeing of older adults, with nearly half of seniors surveyed in a Kaiser Family Foundation poll stating that their amount of stress and worry was adversely affecting their own health. Even though it still may be hazardous to visit in person with senior loved ones, it’s important to stay in regular and frequent contact, and also to look for any signs or changes that may signify a mental health concern, such as elderly depression.

(more…)


Tips for New Family Caregivers: Getting Started and Setting a Routine

 January 20, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

happy-senior-mother-with-new-caregiver

It may have come completely without warning: an unexpected fall that led to a fractured hip as well as the requirement that Mom stay at home with extra support. Or, it may have been building up over time, such as through the slow and incremental progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Whatever the circumstances, you have now found yourself in the job of family caregiver, and maybe are wondering specifically what this means and just how to navigate these new waters. (more…)


Aging With Dignity: Helping Your Loved Ones Navigate Old Age

 January 18, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

dignified-senior-man-sitting

It is way too easy to get swept up in the everyday tasks of caregiving for an older adult you adore. There is so much to be done, and often it’s just easier and a lot more efficient to do it all yourself, letting a loved one relax. After all, our elders have taken care of things for a lifetime; haven’t they earned a break? (more…)


Dementia Shadowing: How to Help Your Senior Loved One Conquer Fears

 January 15, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

adult-daughter-hugging-senior-mother

Primary caregivers for those with Alzheimer’s disease are often all too experienced with the difficulty of trying to take a quiet moment or two alone – to use the bathroom, get a brief shower, or even walk into another room without your loved one becoming anxious. Those diagnosed with dementia can experience increased fear when a member of their family is out of sight – a condition known as dementia shadowing. And the resulting behaviors can be extremely challenging to manage: crying, anger and meanness, or continuously asking where you are. (more…)


Senior Care Tip: How to Create a Memory Book for Someone with Dementia

 December 22, 2020 by Dean Bellefeuille

Memory Book Dementia

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” – Dr. Seuss

Memories are the glue that bind together our past experiences with who we are today; and for someone with dementia, confusion around these memories can have a profound impact. One of our goals in caring for seniors with dementia is to help them hold onto and share memories in order to make sense of daily life. (more…)


Depression in Older Adults During the Holidays and How to Help

 December 17, 2020 by Dean Bellefeuille

Senior Depression

In spite of its reputation for being a season of joy, for some seniors, the holidays are a time of profound sadness. Longing for holidays past, grief over the loss of loved ones, and aging-related changes to health can intensify during the holiday season, and it’s important to take steps to prevent the downward spiral into depression in older adults. (more…)


Celebrating the Holidays with Seniors Safely During the Pandemic

 December 9, 2020 by Dean Bellefeuille

Holidays with Seniors Safety

Think of the most perfect holiday season you can imagine. While that image may vary a bit for each of us, it might include gifts, lights, good food, and traditions passed down through the generations. Yet what most certainly rings true for all of us is the joy in spending the holidays with seniors and other family members we love. (more…)


Air Quality and COPD: The Benefits and Risks of Humidifiers for Seniors

 November 19, 2020 by Dean Bellefeuille

A woman sleeps while using a humidifier in her room after reading up on information about air quality and COPD.

For older adults and those with lung conditions such as COPD, maintaining the best possible air quality in the home is crucial. Poor air quality and COPD management can become problematic. Air that is too dry, for instance, can cause or exacerbate health problems such as: (more…)