Category: Dementia

 May 6, 2025 by Dean Bellefeuille

You sit down with someone you’ve known your whole life, and suddenly, you’re not sure what to say. The stories they used to tell don’t come as easily. The questions you ask might be met with confusion. And what used to be a comfortable back-and-forth can feel like walking through fog. If you’ve been there, you’re not alone. Changes in conversational comfort are incredibly common when caring for someone with dementia. (more…)

 April 18, 2025 by Dean Bellefeuille

If you’re caring for a loved one with dementia, you may have noticed some puzzling behaviors. Maybe they try to eat a napkin, put small objects in their mouth, or reach for things that aren’t food at all. This alarming and confusing behavior, known as pica, is more common in people with dementia than you might think. (more…)

 April 4, 2025 by Dean Bellefeuille

You’ve likely experienced it before: an older loved one with dementia becomes stuck on a thought, anxious about something that isn’t a real threat, or determined to do something unsafe. No amount of logic seems to help. Trying to reason with someone with dementia only escalates the situation. It’s frustrating, emotional, and exhausting. (more…)

 March 13, 2025 by Dean Bellefeuille

Children are naturally observant, and when a loved one begins showing signs of dementia, they may have a lot of questions. “Why does Grandma forget my name?” “Why does Grandpa keep asking me the same thing?” “Did I do something wrong?” As a parent, you might not always have immediate answers, but the most important thing is to create an open, reassuring space for discussion when kids have questions about dementia. (more…)

 February 10, 2025 by Dean Bellefeuille

You ask a simple question: “What would you like for breakfast?” But rather than a response, you’re met with hesitation, confusion, and a long pause. You’ve likely experienced moments like this while caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, where words seem just out of reach and conversations feel more like challenges than connections. When verbal communication starts to fade, it’s easy to feel at a loss. But the truth is, connection doesn’t rely solely on words. Nonverbal communication in Alzheimer’s may just be the key you’re looking for to stay connected. (more…)

 December 11, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

The way someone with Alzheimer’s experiences the world isn’t always rooted in our current reality. One of the most heart-wrenching yet profound experiences you may encounter is something called time-shifting in Alzheimer’s. This isn’t just forgetting what day it is; it’s a complete immersion in a different era of their life. For instance, you may be sitting together at the dinner table, and suddenly, the person believes they’re a young adult waiting for their parents to come home. It’s disorienting for them and can be equally puzzling for you. But understanding time-shifting can help make those moments more manageable—and even meaningful. (more…)

 November 26, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

“Laura, it’s so good to see you!”

What a sweet greeting this would be…if you actually were Laura. Increasingly, Mom is referring to you as her sister, forgetting that you’re her daughter. Coping with dementia-related memory loss, especially as the disease starts to steal memories and someone you love no longer recognizes your face, can be extremely hard. The sadness is overwhelming, the frustration undeniable, and the questions keep piling up: Why is this happening? What do I do now? (more…)

 October 14, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

It’s a typical morning, and you’re helping Dad get ready for the day. You’ve picked out several options of outfits for him to choose from, but he balks and refuses to wear any of them. In fact, he’s been wearing the same outfit for several days now, despite your gentle requests each day to change. Sound familiar? Many family caregivers face this daily struggle, as dementia can make even simple tasks like changing clothes feel overwhelming. The good news is that with a few helpful strategies and plenty of patience, you can overcome dementia dressing challenges and make the process smoother. (more…)

 September 10, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

If your mom has dementia and is struggling to remember your name or losing track of her daily routine, an unsettling thought might creep into your mind: “Will this happen to me, too?” It’s natural to struggle with the fear of facing the same challenges as a loved one with dementia. We invite you to take a deep breath and consider the following facts, causes, and risk factors about dementia and Alzheimer’s disease to help empower you to navigate these worries and find some peace of mind. (more…)

 August 6, 2024 by Dean Bellefeuille

We’ve all experienced that moment of sheer panic when we can’t find our keys or wallet. It’s frustrating and disorienting. Now, picture this happening multiple times a day, coupled with an overwhelming sense of confusion and fear. This scenario is a recurring part of life for those with dementia. Dementia-related hiding is a common and unsettling behavior when the person intentionally hides objects, typically in places you’re not likely to look.

Why would someone with dementia hide things? There are several key issues that may be at play.

• Memory loss and confusion: Hiding items can be a manifestation of the confusion and memory loss that accompany dementia. As memory fades, a person with dementia may no longer remember where they placed their belongings, leading them to hide items in what seems like a safe spot. This action can give them a sense of security and help alleviate their anxiety about losing things.
• Paranoia and suspicion: Dementia often brings about an increased sense of paranoia and suspicion. The person may become suspicious of those around them, fearing that others might take their possessions. This heightened sense of mistrust can prompt them to hide their belongings in an attempt to protect them.
• Loss of organizational skills: It might become challenging for someone with dementia to understand the purpose of everyday objects or recall where they belong. Hiding items can be a misdirected attempt at organization, a way to manage the overwhelming task of keeping track of their environment.
• Need for engagement: Rummaging and hiding can be a form of engagement or activity for someone with dementia. As they lose the ability to engage in more complex activities, these simpler actions can provide a sense of purpose and occupation. These activities can fill their time and offer a feeling of accomplishment.

Understanding the reasons behind dementia-related hiding can help you approach the situation with empathy and patience and improve how you care for someone with dementia. Try:

• Creating a safe and structured environment: Ensure that their living space is organized and free of hazards. Consistency in the arrangement of furniture and personal items can reduce confusion and make it easier for them to find what they need.
• Labeling common hiding spots: Clearly label drawers, cupboards, and storage areas. This can serve as a helpful reminder of where things belong and can reduce the likelihood of items being hidden in unusual places.
• Maintaining a routine: A predictable daily routine can provide a sense of security and reduce anxiety. Regularly scheduled activities, meals, and rest times can help create a structured environment that feels safe and familiar.
• Providing engaging, meaningful activities: Keep their minds and hands busy with activities that are appropriate for their abilities and interests. Simple tasks like sorting, folding, or working with sensory objects can be both calming and fulfilling.

We’re also here to partner with you to alleviate the underlying reasoning behind hiding items and other challenging effects of dementia. Contact us at (315) 579-HOME (4663) to learn more about our highly creative and specialized in-home dementia care in Syracuse, Camillus, Clay, and the surrounding areas in Central New York.