How to Cope with a Medical Diagnosis You Don’t Want to Hear

 October 9, 2019 by Dean Bellefeuille

Medical Diagnosis

In Isaac Asimov’s opinion, “The easiest way to solve a problem is to deny it exists.” It’s a standard response for lots of family caregivers when their loved one receives a difficult medical diagnosis, such as dementia. And while this could generate some measure of comfort in assuming that life can go forward like it always has, if only we will not admit this new reality, the truth, of course, is the fact that acceptance is essential to obtaining necessary support. (more…)


Researchers Have Made Tremendous Advancements in Cancer Research: Here Is a Recap

 September 20, 2019 by Dean Bellefeuille

senior woman with cancer and daughter

On an annual basis since 1999, we have achieved an increasing decrease in cancer-related deaths, an encouraging trend that is poised to continue as scientists learn more and more about the causes of cancer and are in a position to identify new and better treatment options. But, cancer remains among the primary causes of death in America, second only to heart disease – making it important to continue to press ahead with determination to find a cure. (more…)


New Research Spotlights Women’s Increased Risk for Alzheimer’s

 September 16, 2019 by Dean Bellefeuille

erase Alzheimer's

Researchers are finally starting to get a grip on the imbalance between Alzheimer’s diagnoses in females and males. Presently, as many as 2/3 of those with Alzheimer’s in the U.S. are female, and as scientists continue to better grasp the particular nuances driving this trend, we are able to start addressing them. (more…)


Technology, an Ally Helping Seniors Maintain Safety and Wellness at Home

 September 11, 2019 by Dean Bellefeuille

senior woman on video call

Whether you’re looking to tune a guitar, learn a new language, or just add cats’ ears to a selfie, there is an app for that! And for seniors who choose to age in place, technology may very well be a key component in maximizing safety, comfort, and overall well-being. (more…)


Research Now Links These Common Prescriptions with Increased Dementia Risk

 August 21, 2019 by Dean Bellefeuille

dementia risk

They are currently understood to cause various short-term side effects, such as memory loss and confusion, but new research links a number of the stronger anticholinergic drugs (such as those prescribed for Parkinson’s disease, epilepsy, depression, and overactive bladder) to a markedly increased risk for dementia. (more…)


The Latest Approach to Managing Chronic Conditions: Empowering Patients to Take Control

 August 14, 2019 by Dean Bellefeuille

managing chronic conditions

When it comes to chronic diseases, the elderly are often the experts, with as many as 3 out of 4 seniors affected by multiple conditions that are chronic, require extensive treatment, and place limitations on activities. With the constant barrage of bloodwork and other exams, physicians’ appointments and procedures, and medications, managing chronic conditions can take both a physical and emotional toll, and might very quickly become stressful. (more…)


Caregivers for Seniors, Beware! Avoid Injuries with These Tips

 August 7, 2019 by Dean Bellefeuille

caregivers for seniors

Even though the ultimate goal is always to maximize health and safety for the seniors they love, family caregivers for seniors oftentimes wind up compromising their very own in the process. Believe it or not, an incredible 94% of caregivers in a recent study conducted by Ohio State University revealed musculoskeletal pain in one or more parts of their body – and 66% mentioned this pain affecting their quality of life. (more…)


New Guidelines for Managing Diabetes Challenge the Quest for Lower Blood Sugar

 July 22, 2019 by Dean Bellefeuille

independent home care

At Home Independent Living, providing solutions for elder care and independent home care in Syracuse, NY brings you the latest guidelines from the Endocrine Society about the elderly and diabetes are surprising, to say the least: lower blood sugar is not necessarily best. And for all those who’ve been keeping a routine of finger pricks, insulin injections, and thorough monitoring of food intake, this change of course may be somewhat tough to swallow. (more…)


Overcome One of the Most Common Caregiving Challenges with Dementia: Personal Hygiene

 July 15, 2019 by Dean Bellefeuille

dementia and hygiene issues - home health care syracuse ny

Of the many challenges pertaining to providing independent living and home health care for a senior loved one with dementia, the Alzheimer’s Association indicates that the most prevalent challenge with dementia is personal hygiene issues, for a number of reasons: (more…)


Tips for Positive Senior Caregiving: Motivate, Don’t Intimidate

 July 8, 2019 by Dean Bellefeuille

positive senior caregiving - top rated home care syracuse ny

At Home Independent Living, providers of top rated home care in Syracuse, NY and the surrounding areas, understands that as a family member striving for a positive senior caregiving experience, you unquestionably experience a wide range of feelings throughout the day: shared laughter over a joke with your loved one; worry due to a health concern; and of course, from time to time, irritations. We would like only the best for people we love, and if a senior loved one is resistant to doing an activity we know is beneficial, it may be challenging to choose the best response. (more…)