May 9, 2019 by Dean Bellefeuille
“I’m telling you, there’s a dog in my closet! I hear it growling all night long. We’ve got to find its owner!”
Hearing your older loved one voice concerns such as this that you know to be untrue is unsettling – but not uncommon. Your first instinct may be to try to rationalize with the person with a response such as, “Nonsense! There’s no way a dog could have gotten into your closet!” Yet for a variety of reasons, this is often the least effective way to manage irrational thoughts and behaviors in the elderly. (more…)
March 13, 2019 by Dean Bellefeuille
While millions of older adults are struggling with the challenges of Alzheimer’s disease, an even greater number of family members are struggling with taking care of them. Surprisingly, nearly 75% of family caregivers are managing their older loved ones’ dementia care needs on their own, with only 26% seeking professional care assistance. (more…)
March 6, 2019 by Dean Bellefeuille
Sometimes, the best lessons in life come through experiencing them firsthand; yet the wisdom we can glean from those who’ve walked a similar path before us is invaluable. If you’re providing care for a loved one with dementia and feeling a bit overwhelmed in this uncharted territory, the tips below can help: (more…)
September 17, 2015 by Dean Bellefeuille
In our last blog, we shared some of the warning signs of Alzheimer’s disease; but what you may not realize is that depression and Alzheimer’s can present very similar symptoms. For example, memory, concentration, and even motor skills can be affected by both conditions. It’s important to understand and pay close attention to the differences, and then share what you’re seeing in your senior loved one with his or her doctor.
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March 19, 2015 by Dean Bellefeuille
Early stage Alzheimer’s disease and dementia can present with a variety of symptoms – most widely known being forgetfulness and memory loss. However, recent study findings revealed some additional indicators that may point to the onset of these diseases. (more…)
March 5, 2015 by Dean Bellefeuille
Can’t sleep? Or stop sneezing? A quick trip to the grocery store can take care of that. But according to new research, you may want to think twice before taking certain OTC medications, due to a new study potentially linking them to an increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease. (more…)
November 7, 2014 by Dean Bellefeuille
At Home Independent Living believes that enhancing the emotional lives of our clients is a central part of our mission. Our caregivers are committed to providing the kind of emotionally supportive care that ensures our clients feel loved and respected at every level of memory care. That’s one of the many reasons At Home Independent Living is one of the top rated home care companies in Syracuse, New York. (more…)