How to Make Medical Testing for the Elderly a Better Experience

 January 25, 2023 by Dean Bellefeuille

senior-man-getting-Cat-scan-with-technician

There’s frequently nothing “routine” about a routine checkup. You may arrive to your appointment perfectly fine but leave with orders for blood work along with other medical tests the doctor recommends to keep you as healthy as possible. These tests might be nothing more than a minor inconvenience for most adults, however for older adults, they may be challenging, for several reasons: transportation problems, thinner skin, mobility issues, cognitive difficulties, fragile veins, health worries, and much more. (more…)


How to Recognize and Relieve Restlessness in Dementia

 January 17, 2023 by Dean Bellefeuille

elderly person with dementia who is confused and restless

Wandering. Pacing. Fidgeting. When you start to note these common issues in a loved in with dementia, it is time to take action before they intensify to agitation, aggression, or leaving the house. You may soon find that pinpointing the reason that the individual is feeling uneasy is sometimes half the battle in relieving restlessness in dementia. (more…)


Common Reasons Seniors Refuse to Eat and Solutions to Help

 January 4, 2023 by Dean Bellefeuille

caregiver-encouraging-senior-man-to-eat

Following the indulgence associated with the holiday season, many people choose to scale back on their calorie consumption. But when seniors refuse to eat altogether, or perhaps make unhealthy or unbalanced dietary choices, it is important to determine the cause associated with this behavior, and to recognize how to help them get on track with more nutritious eating. (more…)


Effective Options to Thicken Liquids for Swallowing Difficulties

 December 19, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille

happy-senior-lady-drinking-smoothie

Unless you have dysphagia, a swallowing disorder, it is likely you haven’t given much thought to the various textures and consistencies of the liquids in your diet. When you are thirsty, nothing hits the spot like an ice-cold glass of water. On a hot summer day, you may crave a refreshing smoothie. And when you’re recuperating from the flu, a nice bowl of soup really is just what the doctor ordered. (more…)


Wishing You Had More Patience as a Caregiver? You Do. Start Here.

 December 9, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille

patient-caregiver

Does your blood pressure soar when you finally finish filling your cart with groceries, only to find just one checkout lane open and a line of annoyed shoppers ahead of you? Or when you arrive five minutes early for a doctor’s appointment, only to have to wait 45 minutes to be seen? Some people just seem to project an inherent sense of patience, regardless of the circumstances. Wouldn’t you love to know their secret, specifically when it comes to finding extra patience as a caregiverfor an older adult? (more…)


When Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s, Find Inspiration in Attainable Resolutions

 December 1, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille

2023 numbers and a person in the middle

The world around you may be resolving to lose 10 pounds, eat healthier, and exercise more, but if you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, perhaps just getting through the day is ambitious enough. The idea of aiming to improve upon any section of your life in this unsettling time may feel understandably overwhelming. (more…)


Wellness Checklist for Visiting Aging Parents for the Holidays

 November 18, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille

happy-senior-lady-drinking-coffee

It’s been months since you’ve had the chance to enjoy a good, long visit with Mom. Now that the holiday season is here, you have the opportunity for some uninterrupted time to catch up. Of course, you’ll want to make the most of this quality time together, but visiting aging parents for the holidays is also the perfect time to assess how they are really doing, and if there are any changes in their health that may have gone undetected through phone calls and FaceTime. (more…)


Latest Research on Alzheimer’s Disease Uncovers a New Perspective

 November 10, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille

caregiver-comforting-senior-lady

Finding a cure for Alzheimer’s has become as tangled as the tau threads long thought to be the root cause of the disease. Now, however, researchers may be drawing a step closer to unraveling the mystery of Alzheimer’s disease, aboard a different train of thought.  The latest research on Alzheimer’s is pointing to the possibility of an inflammatory response in the brain, which poses the question: could Alzheimer’s disease actually be an autoimmune disorder? (more…)


How to Help an Introverted Senior Engage Socially

 November 2, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille

senior-man-sitting-at-dinner-table

Hold onto your hats…the holiday season is here! While there are many who thrive on the hectic pace of parties and celebrations, there are just as many who cringe at the idea of stepping out of their comfort zone and into more extensive social obligations. It may simply boil down to one key difference: introversion vs. extroversion. And it’s important to know which category a loved one leans towards, so you can help incorporate the right type of socialization for either an extroverted or introverted senior to help them thrive. (more…)