March 3, 2022 by Dean Bellefeuille

In a perfect world, our family interactions would all be positive and helpful. We would handle transitional times smoothly, cooperatively, and without any disagreement. As our parents grew older, it would be a seamless process to satisfy their needs today and their needs in the future. (more…)


 September 16, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

Disorientation. Confusion. Memory loss. While these are certainly hallmark symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease as well as other types of dementia, they could also come about from taking particular medications. Rather than immediately assuming an inevitable diagnosis of dementia, review the following list of medications that may cause similar effects that can be mistaken for dementia symptoms. (more…)


 August 23, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

Life, especially during the course of a pandemic, can be filled with uncertainty. For seniors who are feeling less in command of certain facets of life, such as losing cognitive or physical functioning, focusing on exactly what can be controlled is empowering. (more…)


 August 13, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

Watch what occurs at your next family get together when a brand new mother places her baby in someone’s arms. The person will likely transition instantly into baby mode: a sing-song, high-pitched voice, overly-simplified speech, and exaggerated facial expressions. Of course, this is perfectly normal and actually good for a baby’s developing brain. (more…)


 July 19, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

A new study sponsored by the Alzheimer’s Association is uncovering some surprising results in Latinos with dementia. While further investigation is needed to completely understand whether these differences are the outcome of social/cultural nuances or perhaps the dementia itself, it’s valuable information for Latino families to learn.

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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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 March 11, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

Finding activities which are fun and engaging for a senior loved one with Alzheimer’s disease tends to be a challenge. Add in vision impairment, and it could seem overwhelming. Nevertheless, for individuals managing low vision and Alzheimer’s, it is vitally important to make certain each day holds possibilities for purpose, joy, and meaning – decreasing the level of frustration, agitation, and other challenging emotions and behaviors in dementia.

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 March 4, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

It’s been a little over a year since the COVID-19 pandemic began; a year of fear, loneliness, and isolation for a great many older adults. Physical distancing has eliminated the ability to offer the comfort and warmth of a hug and even an in-person smile in many cases. Yet humans are social creatures, and this diminished socialization has many seniors turning online for connection – such as dating websites, which open them up to scams targeting seniors.

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 February 17, 2021 by Dean Bellefeuille

There are particular milestones we might experience in our lives that, though not necessarily negative, are known stressors. Losing a job. Starting a new job. Getting divorced. Getting married. And one that we in the home care industry are especially mindful of: the physical and mental impact on family members who are caring for aging parents.

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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…)