June 14, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

Think of the many tools you use each day – your phone, hairbrush, toothbrush – simple things, but ones you can’t imagine living without. For millions of older adults, there are basic assistive devices available that could mean the difference between living at home and facing a move to assisted living. Yet nearly half of seniors living at home aren’t utilizing these helpful tools – even though costs are minimal.

A recent National Health and Aging Trends Study assessed the ability of older adults to perform tasks such as rising unassisted from a seated position and walking, and found that thousands of the participants could benefit from assistive devices.

Not only that, but the risk of senior falls from the lack of simple assistive devices is increased, leading to hospitalizations, serious injury, and disability that could easily have been prevented. In fact, once these devices were made available to seniors, according to research, disability rates for seniors dropped by 50%, along with a decrease in pain levels and an increase in the ability to perform activities of daily living independently.

Dr. Kenneth Lam, author of the study, explained, “It’s a technical problem which, unlike so much of aging, is actually solvable. In the hospital, I can order an M.R.I. and charge the system thousands of dollars. But down the road, that won’t help patients not fall. What happens when they get home?”

A program at Johns Hopkins in Baltimore is looking to change this by introducing inexpensive assistive tools to seniors. Through several in-home visits by an occupational therapist, nurse, and repair specialist, needs are identified and resolved. That could mean installing grab bars in the bathroom, removing fall hazards, or adding a shower chair or raised toilet seat. Small changes such as these can make an enormous difference in a senior’s ability to safely and independently manage activities of daily living.

With At Home Independent Living, the leading provider of Syracuse elderly care and care in surrounding areas, we’re pleased to offer in-home evaluations to recommend changes to the home environment that enhance safety and help seniors remain independent and in control. We can also help enhance senior’s safety, comfort, and independence through services such as:

  • Offering accompanied transportation for errands, medical appointments, and fun outings
  • Preparing nutritious meals and ensuring sufficient hydration for seniors
  • Providing assistance as needed with personal care needs for safe bathing/showering, getting dressed, etc.
  • Maintaining a clean and organized home
  • And more

Contact us at (315) 579-HOME (4663) to schedule your assessment today or to learn more about our senior care in Syracuse, NY and the surrounding areas.


 May 6, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

We have long known that there are particular medications that increase the chance of elderly falls. Two decades ago, slightly more than half of seniors were impacted by that risk; yet today, that number has increased dramatically – to an astounding 94% of seniors  who are now at risk of falling because of medication side effects. Not only that but, deaths from such falls are occurring at more than twice the earlier rate.

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 March 18, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

The cool dampness of fresh soil. The warmth of the sun. The happy trills of songbirds. Gardening has the ability to engage so many of our senses, and provides many great benefits to older adults. Regardless of ability level or any space restrictions, there’s always a way to help older adults experience the pleasures of planting indoors or outdoors, watching new growth emerge, and harvesting. As the leading provider of elder care in Syracuse, NY and surrounding areas, we’re happy to share the benefits of gardening for seniors.

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 February 8, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

The fear and isolation as a result of COVID-19 has wreaked havoc on the wellbeing of older adults, with nearly half of seniors surveyed in a Kaiser Family Foundation poll stating that their amount of stress and worry was adversely affecting their own health. Even though it still may be hazardous to visit in person with senior loved ones, it’s important to stay in regular and frequent contact, and also to look for any signs or changes that may signify a mental health concern, such as elderly depression.

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 December 22, 2020 by Dean Bellefeuille

“Sometimes you will never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory.” – Dr. Seuss

Memories are the glue that bind together our past experiences with who we are today; and for someone with dementia, confusion around these memories can have a profound impact. One of our goals in caring for seniors with dementia is to help them hold onto and share memories in order to make sense of daily life. (more…)


 December 9, 2020 by Dean Bellefeuille

Think of the most perfect holiday season you can imagine. While that image may vary a bit for each of us, it might include gifts, lights, good food, and traditions passed down through the generations. Yet what most certainly rings true for all of us is the joy in spending the holidays with seniors and other family members we love. (more…)


 November 19, 2020 by Dean Bellefeuille

For older adults and those with lung conditions such as COPD, maintaining the best possible air quality in the home is crucial. Poor air quality and COPD management can become problematic. Air that is too dry, for instance, can cause or exacerbate health problems such as: (more…)


 October 20, 2020 by Dean Bellefeuille

With many seniors taking multiple prescriptions, and with doctors adding and changing medications and dosages to determine the perfect solutions, it is critical to know what to do with medications that are no longer needed or which have expired. There are several options: (more…)


 September 8, 2020 by Dean Bellefeuille

The COVID-19 pandemic put our world on pause, including, among a great number of other activities, medical appointments and elective procedures. In fact, approximately one-half of all adults either canceled or put off routine medical care and elective procedures since the beginning of the coronavirus crisis, leading physicians to grow concerned about the effects. (more…)