Category: Aging Care

 January 12, 2026 by Dean Bellefeuille

You’re the one people call when something goes wrong. You’re the one who remembers the meds, the insurance forms, the questions for the doctor. But who is checking in on the knot that’s been sitting in your chest for months when you’re caring for someone later in life? (more…)

 August 12, 2025 by Dean Bellefeuille

Mom likes to talk things through. Dad prefers quick facts. She wants reassurance that everything will be okay. He wants to know he’s still in control. And you? You’re learning that caring for aging parents with different needs often means learning two entirely different “languages.” It may feel like two jobs at once, but understanding what each parent needs emotionally and practically can make the journey more manageable and meaningful. (more…)

 July 9, 2025 by Dean Bellefeuille

Caring for your parents as they age doesn’t come with a guidebook. Most of us step into it gradually, helping with errands or checking in more often. Then come the big decisions: Is it safe for them to drive? Do they need help at home? Are we ready to talk about long-term care?

And more often than not, we aren’t. (more…)

 May 13, 2025 by Dean Bellefeuille

When we talk about living longer, most people think of green smoothies, gym memberships, or that one neighbor who swears by cold plunges and turmeric tea. But here’s something you might not be thinking about: balance. Not the work-life kind (though that’s important, too), but, rather, physical balance. As it turns out, improving your balance might just help you live a longer, healthier life. (more…)

 February 19, 2025 by Dean Bellefeuille

Do you wake up each morning wondering what kind of conflict you’re going to face with your aging parent today? If every day seems fraught with conversations that leave you feeling frustrated, maybe it’s time to try something new! Help both of you break out of the rut you’re stuck in with these expert communication tips and end disagreements with an aging parent. (more…)

 February 14, 2025 by Dean Bellefeuille

Chronic illness has a way of reshaping life, for both the person living with it and you as a family caregiver. You can see how it changes the rhythm of their days, forcing them to adjust plans and find new ways to manage the unexpected. While the illness may create obstacles, it doesn’t have to define their life—or yours! Here are 10 creative tools to help someone you love not just cope, but discover how to begin thriving with a chronic health condition. (more…)

 December 17, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

Anyone who’s cared for an aging parent can tell you how overwhelming it can be. But meeting the care needs of both parents at the same time, balancing between two unique sets of needs, schedules, and personalities? If you’re in this role, you may feel like you’re holding it all together by a thread, and there are some important considerations to keep in mind to protect your health and ensure you’re there for both of them in the long run. (more…)

 September 23, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

Watching a loved one manage the daily challenges of COPD can be tough. You see them struggle with breathlessness and fatigue, and you want to do everything you can to help. What you might not realize is that there are other COPD-related health complications, known as comorbidities, which need to be addressed and managed in tandem with COPD. The best way to help someone with COPD is by learning about these potential comorbidities, and then supporting and advocating for the person to receive screenings and treatment as needed. (more…)

 September 18, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

You’ve finally decided to bite the bullet and declutter your parents’ home. As you begin sorting through the attic, you come across a box of old family photos, a stack of forgotten love letters, a collection of vintage toys. Each item holds a story, a piece of history, and a flood of memories. (more…)

 July 23, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

As a family caregiver for an aging parent, you become their biggest cheerleader and most trusted confidant. It should never be just about managing medications or medical appointments; you’re enriching their life, making each day more meaningful. It’s amazing what a difference focusing on the positives of getting older can have on a person’s wellbeing, and in your role as family caregiver, you can make a profound impact on the life of the person you love.

These ideas can help you promote a positive outlook and an environment focused on mental and emotional wellness:

• Health and Wellness: Routine doctors’ visits, a good diet, and tending to chronic conditions are major aspects of care, but equal attention must be given to mental health. Encouraging open conversations about feelings and any anxieties can help identify issues before they become serious. It’s also beneficial to integrate holistic practices such as meditation or mindfulness exercises, which have been shown to improve mental health and overall quality of life.
• Stimulating Activities: Adding old passions and new interests into a senior’s daily routine can be great for maintaining a positive outlook on aging. Activities like gardening, art classes, or book clubs are fun, keep the mind active and motor skills sharp, and help facilitate social interactions. You can also consider technology-driven activities such as virtual reality experiences that simulate travel or historical events, which can be both entertaining and educational. And don’t forget physical activities such as tai chi or gentle yoga to improve both physical and emotional wellbeing.
• Community and Connections: Maintaining social connections is essential for emotional health. Facilitating participation in community events or arranging for regular visits with friends and family can significantly enhance their quality of life. Technology can be of great use here, bridging the distance through video calls or social media, which allows for maintaining relationships despite physical distance. Creating opportunities for older adults to meet new people, such as through local clubs or community centers, can also be beneficial. These connections can help prevent feelings of isolation and loneliness, which are common in older adults.
• Professional Support: Even the most dedicated family caregivers may not always be able to provide the full scope of care an older loved one needs. A skilled caregiver offers not only friendly companionship but also personalized support that fosters independence within the comforting environment of their own home. Professional caregivers can be instrumental in implementing therapeutic activities, preparing healthy meals, and providing transportation to appointments. They also offer valuable respite for family caregivers, ensuring that the care provided is both consistent and comprehensive.

Your commitment to promoting the positives of getting older, along with our customized home care services, can be life-changing. Contact us online or at (315) 579-HOME (4663), and let’s work together to make life more fulfilling and enjoyable for someone you love. Our services are available throughout Syracuse, Camillus, Clay, and the surrounding areas.