Category: Aging Care

 October 6, 2017 by Dean Bellefeuille

The online world presents us with instantaneous answers to almost any question we’re able to imagine, learning opportunities beyond what we could have dreamed of a generation before, socialization enhancement, and much more. Among the most enjoyable web developments for those of us in the senior care industry has been brain training applications – the computerized brain games and puzzles that promote enhanced cognitive functioning and overall brain health. But how well do they actually succeed?

AARP has recently been studying these brain games, sharing results in a recent report, Engage Your Brain. Even though further research is needed to better comprehend the long-term benefit of brain-stimulating exercises, what we can say for certain is that neuron connections can be reinforced through learning, bringing about the brain’s ability to transform structure, function, and chemistry, a concept known as brain plasticity. This capability stays in place while the mind ages.

In one study, the Advanced Cognitive Training for Independent and Vital Elderly (ACTIVE), seniors’ cognitive functioning as well as memory revealed a fantastic improvement of close to 63% when utilizing online cognitive training programs. Additionally, elders who took part in the research exhibited a 48% less chance of causing car accidents, and could more efficiently manage such day-to-day responsibilities as money management, taking prescriptions, and more.

Dr. Michael Merzenich, co-founder of Posit Science (creators of the Brain HQ program), has managed a number of scientific trials to better identify the impact of specific online brain strengthening applications, specifically, whether cognitive decline can be minimized or slowed. Final results suggested a marked improvement in memory, with participants’ memory recall the same as those ten years their junior. In contrast, activities like crossword puzzles did not demonstrate a direct effect on cognitive decline, with the elderly who routinely engage in crossword puzzles still trailing young people in their degree of functioning. Even so, when compared to other seniors who didn’t work on crossword puzzles, functioning does appear a little enhanced. Dr. Merzenich clarifies it as, “Crossword puzzles might improve your cognitive function, but it’s equally likely that having good cognitive function encourages you to do crossword puzzles.” Dr. Merzenich discusses his studies in more depth in this TED Talk.

It is important for individuals to adequately investigate Internet-based programs that guarantee to boost a senior’s memory or cognitive functioning level, since there have been some companies recently who’ve been shown to falsely advertise such promises.

At Home Independent Living, the leader in Marietta home health care, provides opportunities for seniors to maximize cognitive functioning and improve brain health through mentally stimulating games, reminiscing, socialization and much more. Contact us for in-home suggestions for your client or senior loved one!

 September 20, 2017 by Dean Bellefeuille

It’s a group none of us want to join, yet even so, as many as 10 million Americans are members: sharing a diagnosis of osteoarthritis. Resulting from the wearing away of cartilage over the years, osteoarthritis usually has an effect on bigger joints, like the knees, and may be debilitating to a senior’s quality of life. With three main recommended treatment plans – over-the-counter drugs to help reduce inflammation, such as ibuprofen, prescription painkillers such as tramadol, or physical therapy – a good number of people with osteoarthritis have reconciled themselves to a life of limping, discomfort, modified activity levels, and not surprisingly, chronic pain. (more…)

 September 13, 2017 by Dean Bellefeuille

In an idealistic world, senior healthcare would focus on you and your personal preferences, following your specific needs and wishes – fitting within your schedule and routine, unhindered by problems like an unwavering medical professional who views healthcare options in black and white. Real life is far from perfect unfortunately, and quite a few of us have a tendency to submit to doctors’ orders with no reflection that there might be a better-suited choice. (more…)

 August 21, 2017 by Dean Bellefeuille

Perhaps your family rivals those on Walton’s Mountain in its unconditional love, unwavering patience with one another, and determination to stick together through thick and thin. But if your family is similar to most, there’s undoubtedly some level of dysfunction, some lingering stubborn sibling rivalry, and even a little lingering competitiveness to be Mom’s and Dad’s favorite. These sorts of family conflicts can be aggravated as parents’ caregiving needs increase and family members are forced to work together, resurfacing old childhood issues. (more…)

 August 7, 2017 by Dean Bellefeuille

Feeling safe, protected and cared for is so wonderful. Dads and moms thrive on ensuring their young children are enveloped within the comfort of knowing their needs will be satisfied, providing the safety net that permits them the self-confidence to explore the world about them. Yet there comes a phase in all children’s lives when the craving for self-sufficiency outweighs the benefit of protection, and they have to discover firsthand what it means to stumble, fall and get back up again by themselves. (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…)

 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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 September 15, 2016 by Dean Bellefeuille

Looking around at the home where you grew up, the home where your parents still live, can bring forth a flood of memories. The cubby under the stairs that was your secret reading nook away from all of your brothers and sisters. The family room fireplace where everyone gathered to play games and tell stories after dinner. You know that your parents want to age in place in the comfort and familiarity of their own home, but as they continue to become more frail, it could be time to consider a form of senior assisted living, such as home care. (more…)