June 20, 2017 by Dean Bellefeuille
The life of an Alzheimer’s caregiver is often complicated. In our previous blog, we discussed how to help determine when it’s time for a senior with Alzheimer’s to stop driving, and that is just one of the big decisions that Alzheimer’s caregivers have to make when it comes to making sure their loved ones are safe and healthy. As Alzheimer’s disease progresses, it’s common for family caregivers to want to take over and do everything for their senior loved one to ensure that he or she is as comfortable as possible. However, while this seems easier and more loving, it’s still very important to help the senior maintain his or her sense of dignity and independence. Try some of these Alzheimer’s care tips to provide assistance instead, maximizing independence and sense of self-worth: (more…)
June 8, 2017 by Dean Bellefeuille
The ability to leave the house and travel through Syracuse or wherever we want whenever we want is a freedom that we often take for granted. For older adults, driving is much more than just a mode of transportation; it symbolizes both competence and independence. And the thought of giving up that independence can be very difficult, particularly for seniors with Alzheimer’s.
The need for sustained concentration and quick reaction time tends to decline as we age, and for seniors with Alzheimer’s disease, this process accelerates dramatically, making it hard for family and friends to determine when it’s time for the senior to stop driving and find alternate transportation options. (more…)
May 11, 2017 by Dean Bellefeuille
Alzheimer’s disease has become somewhat of an epidemic in recent years, and it’s gotten harder and harder to tell fact from fiction when it comes to symptoms, treatments, and risk factors.
The Alzheimer’s care specialists from At Home Independent Living in Syracuse, NY are here to help. We’ve confronted some of the most common myths and revealed the truths behind them:
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May 5, 2017 by Dean Bellefeuille
Imagine waking up in a room you don’t recognize, unable to remember how you got there or even what your name is. Your total confusion swiftly turns into fear and maybe rage, and you find yourself yelling at the stranger at your bedside who is trying to help you calm down. (more…)
March 23, 2017 by Dean Bellefeuille
As Jane Austen once said, “There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” And for those with a chronic illness, like multiple sclerosis (MS), comfort is essential, as is remaining safe. If a loved one has been diagnosed, the initial step in providing MS home care should be to make the appropriate modifications to the home so that it is a safe, comfortable sanctuary, and not a hazardous place.
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March 9, 2017 by Dean Bellefeuille
Although there is no cure for multiple sclerosis (MS), hundreds of thousands of people in the United States are living with it – around 400,000 people to be exact, and of that, 86 percent of multiple sclerosis patients list fatigue as the number one symptom of the disease. The cause of MS is not known; it is not contagious or known to be directly inherited, but factors that may come into play include the following: (more…)
February 15, 2017 by Dean Bellefeuille
Engaging in a routine exercise regimen is daunting at any age. Working out is tiring. We don’t want to invest the time. We’re feeling sore from yesterday’s workout. We have all made excuses like these for not working out; but frailty and advanced age make it even harder to stick to an exercise program or any type of physical activities for seniors. (more…)
February 8, 2017 by Dean Bellefeuille
The benefits of exercise don’t diminish even as we age, and it is incredibly important for older adults to keep up as active a lifestyle as possible. Even if someone is bedridden or wheelchair-bound, exercises for seniors can help strengthen and improve resistance and flexibility. (more…)
January 27, 2017 by Dean Bellefeuille
Millions of Americans find themselves in the position of providing senior care for an older loved one, and while being a family caregiver is rewarding in many ways, daily senior care can become monotonous for both the caregiver and the care recipient. At Home Independent Living wants to help you put the fun back in your loved one’s daily routine, and all it takes is a little creativity. Test out some of these ideas to help brighten your loved one’s day and make everyday senior care more exciting:
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January 13, 2017 by Dean Bellefeuille
We often hear about how important the arts are in a child’s education, but what about when we get older? Art plays a valuable role in learning throughout life, but it can be particularly helpful when providing companion care for seniors.
For many seniors, particularly those who have lost spouses or who are unable to get out and about due to mobility issues, daily life can become rather monotonous and feelings of depression and isolation can become common. However, enriching activities can help combat these feelings and provide a fun and therapeutic way for seniors to express themselves. Incorporating arts and music into daily companion care not only provides emotional and spiritual enrichment, but can significantly improve quality of life and even enhance the senior’s physical and mental capacities.
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