Search results for: depression

Are Your Parents Experiencing Elderly Depression? Here’s How to Find Out.

 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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Search results for: depression

Depression in Older Adults During the Holidays and How to Help

 December 17, 2020 by Dean Bellefeuille

In spite of its reputation for being a season of joy, for some seniors, the holidays are a time of profound sadness. Longing for holidays past, grief over the loss of loved ones, and aging-related changes to health can intensify during the holiday season, and it’s important to take steps to prevent the downward spiral into depression in older adults. (more…)

Search results for: depression

Depression in Caregivers of the Elderly Is Common: Protect Yourself with These Tips

 October 23, 2019 by Dean Bellefeuille

There’s no question that it’s an incredible honor to care for people we love. Family caregivers experience a closeness and bond with those in their care that generally far outweighs the downsides. But there are downsides. A perpetual to-do list to make sure the senior you’re providing care for is as happy and healthy as possible. Household chores and errands to run. Job obligations. The requirements of other family members and friends. And don’t leave out self-care.

The result is an often daunting level of stress, that when left uncontrolled, can rapidly transform into burnout and even depression in caregivers of the elderly, which can appear in any or all of the following ways:

  • Feelings of frustration, sadness, hopelessness, stress
  • Difficulty with falling or staying asleep through the night
  • Lack of interest in previously-enjoyed activities
  • Eating more or not as much as usual
  • Delayed thinking
  • And if left untreated, suicidal thoughts and even attempts at suicide

This short online evaluation makes it possible to determine if you may be experiencing depression.

Fortunately, there are a number of easy steps you’re able to take to lower your potential for falling into depression:

  • First and foremost, make an appointment with the doctor for assistance
  • Refrain from isolating yourself and ensure an abundance of opportunities for socialization apart from your caregiving relationship
  • Remain active, both physically and mentally, with activities you enjoy: swimming, playing a sport, reading, volunteering with a cause that is important to you personally

While it may be challenging for family caregivers to carve out the time essential for self-care, it’s vital to the wellness of both the caregivers themselves and the seniors in their care. Lots of times, family caregivers feel as though they need to do it all by themselves – after all, they understand the individual a lot better than anyone else, and in some cases it just seems much easier to manage things on one’s own.

An overly stressed, burned out, or depressed caregiver should have trusted, reliable support – and the best news is, it is readily available! A skilled, in-home caregiver can provide as much or as little caregiving assistance as necessary. Perhaps, for example, you want to continue to make most of the meals for a senior loved one – but would like some help with cleaning up the kitchen afterwards. Or maybe the senior would feel more at ease with an experienced care provider providing help with personal care needs, such as bathing and using the toilet.

At At Home Independent Living, the top providers of in-home senior independent living in NY, we know how complicated life can feel for family caregivers, and we work with families to create a strategy of care that meets each person’s individual desires and needs. Let us assist with reliable, professional respite care. Call us at (315) 579-4663 any time to find out more.

Search results for: depression

Are You Aware of These Subtle Differences Between Depression and Alzheimer’s?

 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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Search results for: depression

The Long-Term Personality Changes That May Be Early Signs of Dementia

 April 8, 2026 by Dean Bellefeuille

You know Mom best. You’ve known her your whole life, after all! You know her sense of humor, her habits, her usual reactions to stress. That familiarity gives you a baseline.

So when something feels “off,” not just tired or distracted, but genuinely different, it’s natural to pause. It’s why researchers are now exploring how certain long-term personality changes may signal early cognitive shifts, sometimes years before memory problems become obvious.

Recent research points to six personality changes that may be associated with an increased risk of dementia:

  • Apathy: A noticeable loss of interest in hobbies, responsibilities, or activities that once brought enjoyment.
  • Impulsivity: Uncharacteristic risk-taking or poor judgment, especially in financial or personal decisions.
  • Heightened anxiety: Persistent or escalating worry that feels new or disproportionate.
  • Mood instability: Ongoing irritability, sadness, or emotional swings without clear triggers.
  • Social withdrawal: Pulling away from friends, family, or community involvement.
  • Rigid or suspicious thinking: Increased inflexibility, distrust, or resistance to change.

These changes don’t automatically mean someone has Alzheimer’s disease or another form of dementia. But they do reflect subtle shifts in areas of the brain responsible for emotional regulation, decision-making, and social awareness.

How Is This Different From Normal Aging?

Aging itself can bring gradual changes in energy, patience, and routine. What makes these personality shifts stand out is their persistence and contrast. For instance, if:

  • A parent who has always been level-headed becomes consistently impulsive
  • Someone historically social begins withdrawing month after month
  • A naturally trusting person grows increasingly suspicious

And these patterns last for several months or begin interfering with relationships or daily life, it may be time to seek medical insight.

It’s also important to remember that dementia isn’t the only possible explanation. Depression, medication side effects, thyroid imbalances, infections, and vitamin deficiencies can all influence personality and behavior. That’s why early evaluation matters.

Identifying changes early allows you to:

  • Rule out reversible medical causes
  • Access appropriate treatment and support
  • Start conversations about future preferences
  • Put plans in place for the future while your parent can actively participate

Awareness empowers you to act with intention rather than react in crisis.

We’re Here to Help

If you’re noticing changes and aren’t sure what they mean, give us a call at (315) 579-HOME (4663).

We provide highly specialized home care for families in Clay, Syracuse, Camillus, and across Central New York who are experiencing behavioral or cognitive changes in a loved one. Our caregivers help promote safety, structure, and engagement while preserving independence.

Contact our home care team to learn how we can support your parent and bring you greater peace of mind.

Search results for: depression

Is It Alzheimer’s? This Blood Test Can Help You Find Out!

 December 10, 2025 by Dean Bellefeuille

When someone you love begins showing signs of forgetfulness, confusion, or changes in judgment, your mind instantly races to the hardest possibility: Is it Alzheimer’s? Until recently, the only way to know for sure was through expensive brain scans or invasive spinal tests, often after months of appointments, referrals, and waiting. (more…)

Search results for: depression

Deck the Halls With Memories: How to Make Story Ornaments With Someone With Dementia

 November 19, 2025 by Dean Bellefeuille

The holidays are full of sparkle, but let’s be honest: the ornaments with the biggest shine aren’t the glittery ones from the store. They’re the ones with a story. The macaroni star held together by too much glue. The Popsicle-stick snowflake that somehow survived three decades. The ornament that’s just a picture of Uncle Joe’s dog wearing a Santa beard (and still makes everyone laugh every year). (more…)

Search results for: depression

Search results for: depression

Search results for: depression

Real-World Advice on Coping With Anger in Dementia Care

 September 3, 2025 by Dean Bellefeuille

You’re doing your best. You show up every day, you try to stay calm, you remind yourself that it’s the disease, not the person. But sometimes, when the same question is asked for the 12th time in an hour, when you’re met with resistance while trying to help, when you haven’t had a full night’s sleep in weeks, something inside you snaps. And then comes the guilt. (more…)