September 8, 2017 by Dean Bellefeuille
It’s almost inconceivable – a pleasant, elderly, at times confused grandmother with Alzheimer’s disease being handcuffed and put under arrest. And yet that very scene is playing out at an alarming rate among older persons, over 100,000 of them, according to the most recent statistics – an increase of just about 30% in the past decade. This significant increase in arrests among the elderly might be in part because of the growth in the population of older adults, as well as the rise in diagnoses of Alzheimer’s disease and other types of dementia. (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…)
July 24, 2017 by Dean Bellefeuille
For those providing care for a senior struggling with the effects of dementia, a variety of complex behaviors must be very carefully managed, but perhaps the most challenging include hallucinations, illusions, and suspicions that other individuals are out to cause him problems or ill will. Mistaken impressions such as these take place most often in the late stages of progressive dementia as a result of changes within the brain. It’s essential to first understand the reason behind these emotions and actions, and to deal with the root cause. (more…)
July 11, 2017 by Dean Bellefeuille
Like they say, there’s no place like home; but what do you do when a senior with dementia insists on going home – when he/she currently IS home? Regrettably, when caring for an elderly person with Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia, this is an all too common dilemma. And the confusion and plaintive yearning being expressed are simply heartbreaking – and, if we are truthful, aggravating. (more…)
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…)
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…)
