March 8, 2018 by Dean Bellefeuille

Dorothy had it right when she said, “There’s no place like home,” and 90 percent of seniors agree, according to AARP. The vast majority of older adults prefer to age in place in their own homes as opposed to moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility. But as increased care is needed, how can senior independence be maintained at home? (more…)


 October 11, 2017 by Dean Bellefeuille

There’s encouraging information for those with peripheral artery disease (PAD), a debilitating condition that can occur from smoking or diabetes and can increase a person’s likelihood of developing a heart attack or stroke, and sometimes resulting in limb amputation. Medicare will now cover the cost of treadmill therapy once prescribed and monitored by a medical professional.

How Does Treadmill Therapy Help People With PAD?

With few treatment methods, individuals battling with PAD experience soreness and cramping in the legs described as “feeling as if their leg is in a vise,” according to University of Minnesota’s Diane Treat-Jacobson. Prescription drugs have proven inadequate in decreasing pain, and although stent or bypass operations can certainly help, they’re pricey and come with their own associated risks. The latest research is revealing that treadmill therapy can be just as effective, at a greatly reduced cost, and with Medicare on board to pay for that cost, a lot of rehab centers are preparing for a wave of patients prepared to test it out.

The expectation is that various other insurance companies will shortly follow suit and provide coverage for treadmill therapy, which is usually the case once Medicare covers a treatment option. At present, over 2,000 hospital-based therapy centers are preparing to provide treadmill exercise sessions to those whose health professionals prescribe and oversee them.

Considering people who have PAD often restrict regular exercise because of leg pain, the benefits of supervised treadmill therapy go beyond decreased hospitalizations and cost savings to improving heart and lung health, lengthening the distance a person with PAD can walk without discomfort, and even potentially increasing length and quality of life.

If your senior loved one is among the 8 million Americans suffering the difficulties of PAD, or any other medical condition that makes living at home independently a challenge, contact At Home Independent Living. We can offer elderly home care support in numerous ways, including:

  • Offering transportation and accompaniment to therapy treatment along with other healthcare appointments
  • Helping with duties around the home, such as light housework and washing clothes
  • Preparing wholesome and appetizing meals
  • Running errands including picking up groceries and medications
  • Offering encouragement for seniors to participate in physician-approved exercise programs
  • Providing cheerful companionship – somebody with whom to take walks, delight in favorite hobbies and interests, and to get more purposefully engaged in the world around them
  • And much more

Contact us at 315-579-4663 to learn more about our customized elderly home care in Syracuse, Clay, Fayetteville, and nearby areas and elevate the quality of life for your loved one!


 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…)


 March 23, 2017 by Dean Bellefeuille

As Jane Austen once said, “There is nothing like staying at home for real comfort.” And for those with a chronic illness, like multiple sclerosis (MS), comfort is essential, as is remaining safe. If a loved one has been diagnosed, the initial step in providing MS home care should be to make the appropriate modifications to the home so that it is a safe, comfortable sanctuary, and not a hazardous place.

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 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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 January 13, 2017 by Dean Bellefeuille

We often hear about how important the arts are in a child’s education, but what about when we get older? Art plays a valuable role in learning throughout life, but it can be particularly helpful when providing companion care for seniors.

For many seniors, particularly those who have lost spouses or who are unable to get out and about due to mobility issues, daily life can become rather monotonous and feelings of depression and isolation can become common. However, enriching activities can help combat these feelings and provide a fun and therapeutic way for seniors to express themselves. Incorporating arts and music into daily companion care not only provides emotional and spiritual enrichment, but can significantly improve quality of life and even enhance the senior’s physical and mental capacities.

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 January 27, 2015 by Dean Bellefeuille

Now that we’ve shared with you the many reasons it’s prudent to hire a caregiver or companion for your senior loved one through an experienced, trustworthy home care agency, the next step is to compare options. At Home Independent Living offers the following list of questions you can have in front of you when calling home care agencies, to make sure you’re making an informed decision: (more…)


 January 13, 2015 by Dean Bellefeuille

In our last blog, we shared some crucial basic information about shopping for home care. Even more critical, however, is understanding the facts when it comes to selecting a caregiver from a registry or private hire, such as you see advertised in the Classifieds section of the newspaper. While it can sound appealing: “Woman with years of home care experience available immediately to care for your loved one – low rate guaranteed!” there are a number of additional factors that need to be considered. (more…)


 January 6, 2015 by Dean Bellefeuille

If your family is like many, spending time with elderly loved ones during the holidays makes it apparent that it may be time to consider some additional help at home to keep them safe. But where to begin? It can be a huge undertaking just to sort through the plethora of options. But At Home Independent Living is here to help! Our next few blogs will address the top concerns and criteria to consider in shopping for home care. Let’s start with the basics: (more…)