Autumn 2025

Hanover, MA: (781) 659-1877

269 Hanover St., Hanover, MA 02339

5 Benefits of an Early Diagnosis of Alzheimer's or Dementia

It can be frightening when you notice your older adult begin to show signs of cognitive impairment, such as judgment problems or memory loss. If they start behaving strangely, the first thought that often comes to mind is whether this might be the onset of Alzheimer's disease or dementia.

Rather than become paralyzed with fear of the unknown, it's best to directly address your questions and fears. Start by having your senior get a thorough doctor's exam to come up with a professional diagnosis. Dementia-life symptoms often turn out to be caused by a completely treatable medical condition, in which case you can start your older adult on a treatment regimen so they can get back to "normal" quickly.

If if turns out, however, that their symptoms are indeed caused by Alzheimer's or dementia, it's very beneficial to get a specific diagnosis as early as possible. This gives all parties more time to plan for the future, research resources and support possibilities, and evaluate treatment options.

Below are five reasons why your senior's quality of life can be significantly improved by having a complete medical exam and getting a proper symptom diagnosis early on:

Learn more on our blog...

Weighted Blankets for Dementia Improve Sleep and Reduce Anxiety

Common side effects among older adults suffering from Alzheimer's or dementia include anxiety, agitation, and disturbed sleep.

One simple, non-drug solution that can help with all three symptoms is a weighted blanket or lap pad. It can be used day or night to provide comfort, reduce anxiety, promote deep sleep, and calm nerves.

Though it may seem far-fetched that a weighted blanket could have all these incredible attributes, its benefits (particularly its ability to relieve anxiety) have been scientifically proven.

Here's how it works: the heaviness of the blanket provides deep pressure therapy. When the body feels the gentle pressure, it produces more serotonin, which in turn improves mood and induces calmness.

Weighted blankets have proven to be a safe and effective therapy for improving numerous maladies, including improving sleep during dementia, decreasing anxiety, improving both sleep and wellbeing among nursing home residents, and reducing chronic pain.

They can be used both day and night, for different reasons. Using a compact weighted lap pad during the day can provide a calming, soothing effect for older adults struggling with anxiety or agitation during their waking hours. Using a full-body weighted blanket at night has been effective with helping older adults who wake often to relax and get better quality sleep.

Learn more on our blog...

Bed Sores: Causes, Warning Signs, and Prevention

Older adults with limited mobility, or those confined to bed, are at serious risk of developing bed sores (also called pressure sores or pressure ulcers). Over time, as bones put continuous pressure on internal tissues, blood circulation is cut off, tissue is penetrated, and skin breaks down.

Bed sores are typically found on hips, elbows, heels, shoulder blades, and the tailbone. While they may start as a small red patch, these sores can quickly become life-threatening if not treated. That's why healthcare professionals take them so seriously and rapidly refer the individual to a wound care specialist for evaluation.

If your loved one spends long periods lying in bed, sitting in a recliner, or using a wheelchair, they are more vulnerable to these painful wounds. Knowing the causes, warning signs, and prevention steps can make a huge difference. These seven factors make bed sores more likely:

1. Lack of movement: Lying down or sitting still for long periods of time, whether due to advanced age, serious health conditions, paralysis, coma, sedation, or injury, makes a person more vulnerable.

2. Older age: Thinner, less elastic skin (common in the elderly) tears more easily.

Read more...

Anniversary Celebrations!

Please join us in congratulating the following colleagues on their work anniversaries:

Brianna Conners - 7 years

Karen Entrot - 7 years

Jennifer Sargent - 7 years

Tonya Chipman - 5 years

Maryanne Lipman - 5 years

Oluchi Nwosu - 5 years

Sharon Hunter - 4 years

Sandra Nunes-Dossantos - 4 years

Camila Debarros - 3 years

Elizabeth Heinkel - 3 years

Lisa Casey - 2 years

Dorly Jean-Baptiste - 2 years

Cadence Graves - 1 year

Simone Nunes - 1 year

We're excited to announce 8 new members of the Cahoon Care team over the past quarter:

Kishana Ashley

Altynai Beishenalieva

Briana Ebanks

Jade Giger

Sherrie Howes

Tabitha LaGanga

Nicole Lee

Candace Mort

Alzheimer Awareness Month

November is Alzheimer's Awareness Month, a time to heighten awareness about Alzheimer's disease and show support for the more than 6.2 million Americans living with it.

Two local Alzheimer walks were held in October:

*The Alzheimer's Family Support Center held their 2025 Walk for Alzheimer's in Provincetown on October 12. The AFSC raises funds to support their no-cost services for Alzheimer's families.

*The Alzheimer's Association held their Cape Cod 2025 Walk to End Alzheimer's at Cape Cod Community College on October 19. Held in more than 600 communities nationwide, this walk is the world's largest fundraiser for Alzheimer's care, support, and research.

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

October was Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Unfortunately, many women stop getting gynecological care as they age, erroneously thinking they no longer need it once they're into menopause.

In fact, the average age for a breast cancer diagnosis is 62. Incidence rates are highest among older age groups, with rates increasing significantly with age.

Knowledge and early detection save lives. If you care for an older female or have a loved one in your life, educate her on what she can do to be proactive with her breast health. Click here for more information and resources.

Video Tip:

The Beauty of Silence

Sometimes the most compassionate response to someone with dementia isn't a word at all. It's silence.

People living with dementia often need more time to process language and form a response. Their brain might need 5, 10, or even 15 seconds to understand what you said and find the words to answer. But most of us rush to fill the silence or repeat the question, and that moment where they could have spoken is lost.

Try pausing with purpose. Ask your question, then wait. Hold eye contact. Let them know you believe they have something to say. That kind of silence communicates patience, respect, and connection without saying a word.

Learn more in this video.

$$$ Referral Bonus Recipients $$$

Don't forget that we offer a $300 referral bonus. We know the best caregivers know the best caregivers! Please send them our way, and in turn, we'll send money your way.

Call Tammie at (207) 610-3280 in Maine, or Karen at (781) 635-4968 in Massachusetts with your referrals.

This past quarter, we had three referrals:

Briana Ebanks

(referred by Nadia Oliveira)

Jade Giger

(referred by Julie DeRaps)

Nicole Lee

(referred by Melisa Henry)

We're Grateful!

During this season of giving thanks, we want to take a moment to share how deeply grateful we are for each of you. The care, compassion, and reliability you bring to your work every day truly make a difference in the lives of our clients and their families.

You go above and beyond - offering not just support, but genuine kindness and connection. It's because of your dedication that Cahoon Care continues to be a trusted and caring presence in our community.

Thank you for all that you do, and for the heart you put into your work every single day. We're so proud and thankful to have such an amazing team.

Inspirational Quote

"My caregiver mantra is to remember: the only control you have is over the changes you choose to make."

~ Nancy L. Kriseman

Recent Events

Karen and Allen recently represented Cahoon Care at the 2nd Annual Aging Redefined Senior Conference (photos below), hosted by the Plymouth Council on Aging. We're so proud of this conference and the work they do!

Bonnie Love from Bridges by Epoch Memory Care, with Cahoon Care's Karen Cavaca

Cahoon Care's Allan Parker

We also enjoyed attending the Plymouth Networking Group's golf tournament to help raise money for grants for the elderly in Plymouth County.

L to R: Andrew White of Tribute Home Care, Daryl Cavaca (Karen's husband), Chelsea Hancock of Tribute Home Care, and Karen Cavaca of Cahoon Care

L to r: Karen Cavaca of Cahoon Care, Chelsea Hancock of Tribute Home Care, and Kim DeLeo of Guided Living Senior Home Care

(All three ladies collaborate professionally to mutually care for a client who summers on Cape Cod. When it comes to giving our seniors the care they deserve, we're all about collaboration and cooperation, not competition!)

The Brockton Council on Aging's Health & Safety Fair was held in late September, providing senior health and safety information to the community.

Allan Parker representing Cahoon Care

We attended a "Coping with Challenging Situations" dementia care training conducted by renowned dementia expert Teepa Snow in early November.

Allan Parker with dementia expert 
Teepa Snow!

A Little Laughter

from the Field

One of the best parts of caregiving? You never know what our clients will say next!

Take one of our favorite stories about a gentleman who'd been struggling with hearing loss for years. After getting fitted with brand-new hearing aids, his hearing was suddenly crystal clear.

At his check-up a month later, the doctor said, "Your hearing is perfect! Your family must be thrilled that you can hear again."

The gentleman grinned and said, "Oh, I haven't told them yet. I just sit around and listen to their conversations...I've changed my will three times!"

Moments like these remind us to keep our sense of humor - and to always listen carefully!

Diabetes Awareness Month

November is Diabetes Awareness Month. Incredibly, more than a quarter of those over age 60 have diabetes.

Those with dementia or Alzheimer's often face the added challenge of experiencing a level of cognitive decline that makes it very difficult to manage diabetes on their own.

Another diabetes risk factor for seniors is that getting enough physical activity becomes harder as one ages. Chair yoga can be an effective and "doable" exercise for many older people.

Multiple medications are a fact of life for many older Americans, but unfortunately, they can lead to hypoglycemia in those with diabetes. This can occur through medication interactions that potentiate the effects of a single drug, or when several drugs that lower blood sugar are taken together.

While seniors have the right to make their own decisions - even bad ones, if they so desire - it's important for both caregivers and family to be aware of any red flags and monitor these potential risk factors.

Daily Senior Care Tip: Aromatherapy Stress Relief for Seniors and Caregivers

With the holidays coming up, aromatherapy supplies could make great gifts for the seniors in your life! Click here for shopping ideas.

While caring for an older adult is a tough job, it's also difficult to be the person whose body or mind is declining.

This chronic stress can decrease the quality of life for both seniors and caregivers. It also increases the chances of developing serious physical and mental health issues.

A simple, but effective, non-drug stress management technique called aromatherapy uses the powerful positive effect of scent on the body to help both seniors and caregivers improve health and well-being.

It signals the parts of the brain that control emotions, mood, and memory. These parts also control the autonomic nervous system, which is responsible for the fight-or-flight and relaxation responses.

Learn more about how scents relieve stress and find a list of effective and inexpensive aromatherapy supplies.

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DailyCaring provides practical caregiving tips for everyday challenges even the most experienced caregivers face. We hope you enjoy the content (like the article above) as much as we do! Topics range from Alzheimer's/dementia tips to stress relief pointers.

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