July 13, 2018 by Dean Bellefeuille
As the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. That can easily be applied to the recent increase of corporations touting alternative supplements, dietary programs, and herbal concoctions as a way to cure, or at least lessen the outcomes of Alzheimer’s disease. The Alzheimer’s Association would like to alert us, however, to proceed with caution when exploring treatment ideas for a loved one with dementia – and always seek the doctor’s authorization prior to trying anything new.
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July 6, 2018 by Dean Bellefeuille
Undergoing surgery for older adults usually involves some inherent risks, but there is a little-known effect impacting a large number of seniors after medical procedures that we all have to be aware of: POCD (postoperative cognitive dysfunction). POCD takes place in more than 25% of older adults during the days or possibly weeks just after non-cardiac surgery, and may present with a number of symptoms, some that can be almost indiscernible: forgetfulness, loss in concentration and focus, along with other forms of cognitive decline that affect standard of living.
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June 18, 2018 by Dean Bellefeuille
Many Syracuse older adults are at a substantial risk for experiencing a fall, and for those who have fallen, the issue is compounded even more by the fear of falling again. Even though the initial reaction may be to decrease physical activity to lower the chance of falling again, this is, interestingly, not wise. It’s essential for seniors to use fall prevention exercises to maximize their overall muscle strength and balance, promoting confidence and enhanced overall health and wellbeing.
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June 11, 2018 by Dean Bellefeuille
Perhaps you’ve been by a senior loved one’s side at the hospital or doctor’s office and witnessed the medical personnel attaching a brightly colored “FALL RISK” band to his or her wrist. Alerting those providing care to this risk allows extra safety precautions to be taken during medical procedures. But did you know that routine, daily life can pose a fall risk threat to those diagnosed with the following conditions? (more…)
May 16, 2018 by Dean Bellefeuille
Telephone cons targeted at older adults aren’t anything new, with an astounding $36 billion lost every year to financial abuse. And the most recent senior fraud scheme circulating is hard for most older adults to detect until it is too late. Center for Elder Law and Justice attorney Nicole K. Parshall explains, “There is always a new variation of a phone scam. Scammers are very good at developing new tactics in order to engage with specific types of individuals.” (more…)
May 11, 2018 by Dean Bellefeuille
Very early on in life, we learn the story of George Washington’s misadventure with the cherry tree and his bold admittance to his parents, “I cannot tell a lie; I chopped down the cherry tree!” Honesty is integrated within our character, and in many cases telling a tiny white lie can wrack us with guilt. But could it actually be beneficial to fib when we want to communicate and provide dementia support to a loved one with Alzheimer’s? (more…)
May 7, 2018 by Dean Bellefeuille
The most commendable and admirable choice adult children can make is to open up their home to their aging parents. Our parents raised and took care of us when we needed assistance, so it seems like a no-brainer to reciprocate when it becomes unsafe for Mom or Dad to live alone. But there are a number of considerations to think about before becoming a family caregiver in your own home. At Home Independent Living outlines some of the key questions to think about: (more…)
March 21, 2018 by Dean Bellefeuille
For older adults, maintaining independence is a vital aspect of living life on their terms. While the physical limitations of age can make the ability to maintain independence seem challenging, in today’s digital era, it’s actually easier than ever. Technology has changed the ways in which we communicate and take care of the daily tasks of living. Additionally, technology helps seniors by allowing for innovation in home care for those who ordinarily might not have been able to manage life on their own. With the multitude of technology, apps and interactive devices available today, maintaining independence is easier than ever, allowing for more enhanced levels of connection, comfort and engagement than ever before. (more…)
March 8, 2018 by Dean Bellefeuille
Dorothy had it right when she said, “There’s no place like home,” and 90 percent of seniors agree, according to AARP. The vast majority of older adults prefer to age in place in their own homes as opposed to moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility. But as increased care is needed, how can senior independence be maintained at home? (more…)
February 16, 2018 by Dean Bellefeuille
Impacting millions of Americans, vision loss is as varied as the individuals who experience it – from simply needing to don a pair of reading glasses to browse through the morning newspaper, to total blindness. And it’s even more common in older adults, with one in every three elders over age 65 having some sort of eye disease that impacts vision, such as glaucoma, cataracts, macular degeneration, and others. Thankfully, much like a lot of other challenging conditions, technology continues to explode with choices to improve total well-being for anyone experiencing vision problems. Just take a glance at a few of the vision enhancement tools that are now available: (more…)
