Effective Options to Thicken Liquids for Swallowing Difficulties

 December 19, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille

happy-senior-lady-drinking-smoothie

Unless you have dysphagia, a swallowing disorder, it is likely you haven’t given much thought to the various textures and consistencies of the liquids in your diet. When you are thirsty, nothing hits the spot like an ice-cold glass of water. On a hot summer day, you may crave a refreshing smoothie. And when you’re recuperating from the flu, a nice bowl of soup really is just what the doctor ordered. (more…)


Wishing You Had More Patience as a Caregiver? You Do. Start Here.

 December 9, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille

patient-caregiver

Does your blood pressure soar when you finally finish filling your cart with groceries, only to find just one checkout lane open and a line of annoyed shoppers ahead of you? Or when you arrive five minutes early for a doctor’s appointment, only to have to wait 45 minutes to be seen? Some people just seem to project an inherent sense of patience, regardless of the circumstances. Wouldn’t you love to know their secret, specifically when it comes to finding extra patience as a caregiverfor an older adult? (more…)


When Caring for Someone with Alzheimer’s, Find Inspiration in Attainable Resolutions

 December 1, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille

2023 numbers and a person in the middle

The world around you may be resolving to lose 10 pounds, eat healthier, and exercise more, but if you’re caring for someone with Alzheimer’s, perhaps just getting through the day is ambitious enough. The idea of aiming to improve upon any section of your life in this unsettling time may feel understandably overwhelming. (more…)


Wellness Checklist for Visiting Aging Parents for the Holidays

 November 18, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille

happy-senior-lady-drinking-coffee

It’s been months since you’ve had the chance to enjoy a good, long visit with Mom. Now that the holiday season is here, you have the opportunity for some uninterrupted time to catch up. Of course, you’ll want to make the most of this quality time together, but visiting aging parents for the holidays is also the perfect time to assess how they are really doing, and if there are any changes in their health that may have gone undetected through phone calls and FaceTime. (more…)


Latest Research on Alzheimer’s Disease Uncovers a New Perspective

 November 10, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille

caregiver-comforting-senior-lady

Finding a cure for Alzheimer’s has become as tangled as the tau threads long thought to be the root cause of the disease. Now, however, researchers may be drawing a step closer to unraveling the mystery of Alzheimer’s disease, aboard a different train of thought.  The latest research on Alzheimer’s is pointing to the possibility of an inflammatory response in the brain, which poses the question: could Alzheimer’s disease actually be an autoimmune disorder? (more…)


How to Help an Introverted Senior Engage Socially

 November 2, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille

senior-man-sitting-at-dinner-table

Hold onto your hats…the holiday season is here! While there are many who thrive on the hectic pace of parties and celebrations, there are just as many who cringe at the idea of stepping out of their comfort zone and into more extensive social obligations. It may simply boil down to one key difference: introversion vs. extroversion. And it’s important to know which category a loved one leans towards, so you can help incorporate the right type of socialization for either an extroverted or introverted senior to help them thrive. (more…)


Dementia Caregiving Tips: 3 Ways to Connect Through Food

 October 11, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille

happy ladies fixing food

If there’s one thing that connects us all, it’s food! Think about how many cherished memories have been made through the years that incorporated food at the center of them all: wedding celebrations, holiday meals, birthday parties. Even ordinary days include routines that become ingrained in us around food, from that first aromatic cup of coffee in the morning to a shared bowl of buttery popcorn with family while watching a movie. (more…)


The New Cancer Treatment that Eliminates Tumors

 October 3, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille

hopeful cancer patient

Fall is the start to cold and flu season, which is also the time our immune systems get a good workout. Fortunately, our natural immunity is remarkable with its capacity to identify and eradicate invading infections. Wouldn’t it be amazing if it could do the same with cancer? As it turns out, just such a cancer treatment option may be on the horizon. (more…)


Common Health Problems in Elderly People That Cause Mood Swings

 September 16, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille

concerned-senior-couple

We all have bad days and good days, and we are all entitled to a bit of crankiness or negative thinking occasionally. If you’re taking care of a loved one who appears to have fallen into a routine of continuous negativity and complaining, however, it’s worth exploring whether a health problem may be the root cause. A physician can help you determine if a loved one’s mood is being affected by common health problems in the elderly. (more…)