Winter 2026

Hanover, MA: (781) 659-1877

269 Hanover St., Hanover, MA 02339

** When the recent blizzard swept through our community, it brought heavy snow, impassable roads, power outages, and bitter cold. What it also revealed, once again, was the extraordinary dedication of our caregivers.

While most were being urged to stay off the roads, you were checking forecasts, adjusting plans, and heading out early to beat the snow. Some of you stayed for extended days to ensure clients were never left alone. Others carefully made your way on foot to a client's home when roads were impassable, determined that safety and comfort would not be compromised.

Your commitment goes far beyond a job description. It is compassion in action. Because of you, vulnerable individuals remained safe and cared for during an incredibly frightening and uncertain time.

We are profoundly grateful for your resilience, your selflessness, and the heart you bring to this work every single day - especially when it matters most. Thank you for being the steady presence our clients could rely on when they needed you most!

7 Ways to Reduce Aggressive Dementia/Alzheimer Behaviors

Brain damage caused by dementia and Alzheimer's disease can sometimes cause people who have never been violent in their lives to begin displaying aggressive behavior.

These older adults can begin to throw things, scream, push, grab, kick, hit, curse, or even bite, sometimes with no apparent reason and without provocation. This aggression can be both frightening and difficult for caregivers to handle.

It's important to remember that these individuals aren't consciously behaving this way, or doing it to be hurtful. They may not even realize what they're doing. Their actions are simply due to the deterioration of their brain health.

While you as a caregiver or family can't necessarily prevent these angry outbursts, you can adopt effective ways to minimize their chances of occurring, reduce your own stress, and keep everyone safe. Here are ways to reduce and prepare for aggressive dementia episodes:

1. Notice signs of an upcoming outburst. Occasionally (although not always) there are warning indications that an aggressive outburst is brewing. If you know your older adult particularly well, you can likely sense when something seems "off." You may be able to tell that they're grappling with heightened confusion, frustration, anger, agitation, or minor outbursts. Some of the best ways to dissipate approaching storm clouds are distracting the individual with a soothing activity they enjoy, changing the environment if it's too stimulating, providing extra comfort and support, or offering a favorite beverage or snack.

Learn more on our blog...

3 Essential Caregiver Stress Relief Tips That Really Work

While there's no way around the fact that caregiving can be stressful, stress reduction and management techniques can make a big difference in preventing burnout and improving caregiver physical and mental health.

Positive self-talk, emergency stress stoppers, and go-to stress-busting activities can be powerful techniques to stop the cycle of negative thoughts and improve caregiver mood.

1. Focus on positive self-talk. You can allow the voice in your head to speak either positively or negatively to yourself. If you allow negative self-talk to take over, you'll become miserable and more stressed out. If you're able to let positive self-talk win, you'll begin to calm down and feel better about yourself and your situation.

2. Use emergency stress-stoppers. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, stress starts to take over our bodies and minds. When this happens, stop stress in its tracks quickly with these intentional interventions:

* Take slow, deep breaths until you feel your body start to relax.

* Turn on relaxing or inspiring music, which will calm your emotions.

* Walk away from the situation for a while. Once things have calmed down, you can come back and try handling it again.

* Break down big problems into smaller parts. Instead of trying to tackle everything at once, take one step at a time.

* Go for a walk, even if it's just to the restroom. This gives you a chance to clear your head, think things through, and break the tension.

* Work out or do something active. Exercise is a great stress-buster.

Learn more on our blog...

How to Communicate with an Aging Parent Who Won't Listen

As parents (or any older person you care for) age, it can become challenging to talk to them at times, especially when you need to talk about topics like growing older, or changes in lifestyle that are needed due to illness, age, or physical limitations.

You may be trying your best to communicate something important to them, but they simply won't listen, can't understand, or refuse to accept what you're saying. This can also be frightening, especially if their safety and wellbeing is at stake.

It's important to try to put yourself in their shoes and realize why they may be feeling or reacting that way. Consider these tips about effective ways to communicate with an aging parent so you can address tough life choices and important decisions in a way they can receive:

1. Your parents are adults; treat them that way. Although your parents (or older adult) may be acting stubbornly or foolishly like young children often do, they are not children. In fact, they were once self-sufficient adults who raised families, ran households, and had careers, but now they are being told that they can no longer live life in a way they want to. It's a tough sell. Be mindful to talk to them, not at them. Any conversation you have with them needs to come from an attitude of respect, and you need to consider their point of view.

2. It's not just what you say; it's how you say it. Tone and manner matter. Take a careful look at your communication style, because that may be the number one reason why your parents aren't listening to you. No one likes being yelled at or bullied, especially by their children, and they will shut down and exit the conversation if they don't feel respected. (Don't forget that what you say is still important, too. Ordering a parent to stop driving is probably not going to go over well.)

Read more...

Anniversary Celebrations!

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

Immaculate Nansubuga - 12 years

Jennifer Sargent - 7 years

Mary Grace - 7 years

Gloria Finch - 6 years

Josefina Salvador - 6 years

Tonya Chipman - 5 years

Sandra Nunes-Dossantos - 4 years

Anastasia Kamau - 4 years

Nadia Oliveira - 4 years

Camila Debarros- 3 years

Karina Blaquiere - 3 years

Allissia West - 3 years

Lisa Giordani - 3 years

Nathacha Joseph - 2 years

Hosean Bell-Duverger - 2 years

Sister Petra Gibson - 1 year

Rebecca Wakefield - 1 year

Sister Sarah Allen - 1 year

Sister Esther Forrest - 1 year

We're excited to announce 11 new members of the Cahoon Care team over the past quarter:

Susan Clark

Elizabeth Dedam-Campbell

Brigitte Dorcilien

Cortney Harris

Victoria Knutson, HHA

Hailey Mitchell

Caroline O'Donoghue

Paula O'Neil

Leslie Pires

Jadeine Richards

Onecia Smith

Age-Related Macular Degeneration Awareness Month

February is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (ARMD) Awareness Month. ARMD is the leading cause of blindness among older Americans, but new treatments have changed the course of this disease over the last 10 years, helping make ARMD more manageable.

There are multiple subtypes of ARMD, including dry, intermediate, wet, and geographic atrophy. Dry ARMD is more common and involves gradual thinning and aging changes in the macula, slowly reducing central vision over time. Wet ARMD occurs when abnormal blood vessels growing under the macula eventually leak or break, causing more sudden, severe vision changes.

ARMD often progresses quietly, so understanding early signs and risk factors makes a real difference. In the early stages, ARMD may not cause obvious symptoms. As it progresses, people may notice blurred or distorted central vision. Risk factors include age, family history, smoking, high blood pressure, and other health conditions such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

There is currently no cure for ARMD, but early detection through routine eye exams is a critical first step in saving your vision. Treatment options aim to slow progression and preserve remaining vision.

If you're over age 50, have risk factors for ARMD, or have noticed changes in your central vision, schedule an eye exam. Don't wait for symptoms to become severe. Taking a proactive approach to your eye health can make a meaningful difference in how well you see for years to come.

Black History Month

Every February, people across the United States celebrate the achievements and history of African Americans as part of Black History Month.

Started in 1976 by President Ford, the recognition honors all Black people from all periods of U.S. history, from the enslaved people first brought over from Africa in the early 17th century, to African Americans living in the United States today.

This month was chosen because it includes the birthdays of both Frederick Douglass, an abolitionist who fought to end slavery; and Abraham Lincoln, the president who led the country through the Civil War.

While notable individuals like Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.; Thurgood Marshall (the first African-American U.S. Supreme Court Justice); and Mae Jemison (the first female African-American astronaut to travel to space) are often spotlighted this month, we wanted to give a shout out to our amazing African-American caregivers and clients. Their work and stories inspire us all every day. Thank you!

$$$ Referral Bonus Recipients $$$

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 two referrals:

Paula O'Neil

(referred by Jacqueline Duarte)

Onecia Smith

(referred by Opal Stanley)

Video Tip:

What Actually Works for Scary Hallucinations or Delusions

Scary hallucinations and delusions are common with Lewy Body Dementia, as well as with Alzheimer's and other types of dementia. These moments can feel overwhelming, even heartbreaking.

There are ways to respond, however, that can truly help. Watch this video to learn the three-step method we recommend. You're not alone.

Learn more in this video.

We Love Our Caregivers & Clients!

At Cahoon Care, love isn't just something we celebrate on Valentine's Day. It's something we witness every single day.

We see it in the caregiver who stays a few extra minutes to make sure a client feels settled.

We see it in the client who shares a story, a smile, or a lifetime of wisdom.

We see it in the trust that grows between families and our team.

To our Caregivers: Your work is more than a job; it is a gift of compassion.

To our Clients: Your resilience and grace remind us why we do what we do.

We are so grateful to be part of a community built on kindness, respect, and heart.

Happy Belated Valentine's Day! ❤️

Inspirational Quote

"Caring for the elderly is not just a profession - it is a daily act of honoring a lifetime of stories, strength, and wisdom."

~ Anonymous

Recent Events

We had so much fun celebrating at our CCSRG holiday parties!

Left to right: Karen Cavaca, Bonnie McInnis from All American Assisted Living in Wareham, Julie Dalton from Epoch in Mashpee, Allan Parker, Carolyn Parker

Tammie and Stephanie at our Maine office's Christmas party

Below are two events recently attended by members of our Ellsworth, Maine office.

Stephanie at the Healthy Hibernation Community Fair put on by the local YMCA and nonprofit Healthy Peninsula

Tammie at MDI Hospital's Fall Health and and Wellness Fair

Karen Cavaca recently attended the LGBTQ+ Senior Friends event at the Yarmouth Senior Center.

Left to right: Dr. Molly Perdue, Cape Cod Alzheimer's Family Support; Karen Cavaca, Cahoon Care; Rebecca Spinner, Surprenant, Beneski & Nunes, Elder Law; Kerry Davis, Grace Life, Geriatric Care Management

Karen Cavaca with board members of Cape Cod LGBTQ+ Senior Friends: Aimee Saulnier, Marie Seifert, Ruth Orsenston

** Our homes are meant to be sanctuaries, places where we can be our authentic selves.

However, many LGBTQ+ older adults report that inviting a caregiver into that space can bring fear about whether they will be treated with safety, respect and dignity, or whether they will feel pressure to hide who they are.

Thank you to our team who intuitively understand why inviting someone into your home can feel risky. Affirming care ensures care with comapssion, dignity, and authenticity!

A Little Laughter

from the Field

A caregiver who supported a wonderful woman living with Alzheimer's shares the story of a morning ritual.

The client would look at her and say very politely, "And who are you?"

The caregiver would introduce herself. The client would nod thoughtfully and say, "Well...you seem trustworthy. You may stay."

About 10 minutes later, she would ask again, "And who are you?"

By lunchtime, the caregiver had been "interviewed" four times and officially "approved" at least twice.

One afternoon, after another introduction, the client smiled and said, "I'm glad you're here. I don't remember your name - but I remember I like you."

And honestly, that's Alzheimer's care in a nutshell. You may not be remembered - but the feeling you create is.

🎉 Raffle Winner 🎉

Congratulations to JoAnn Ashfaq, the winner of our $100 gift certificate raffle!

Caregivers earned one raffle ticket for every shift they picked up outside of their regular schedule. Thanks to their flexibility and commitment to our clients, we had a wonderful pool of entries.

We are so grateful to all of our team members who go the extra mile to ensure our clients receive exceptional care. Your dedication truly makes a difference every single day.

Congratulations again, JoAnn, and thank you to all who participated!

Heart Awareness Month

February is Heart Awareness Month. Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States.

Fortunately, it is largely preventable. Adopting a heart-healthy lifestyle can help you reduce the risk of heart disease and its risk factors. Take positive action by following these tips:

1. Get enough quality sleep.
2. Eat better.
3. Maintain a healthy weight.
4. Be more active.
5. Stop smoking.
6. Control cholesterol.
7. Manage blood sugar.
8. Manage stress.
9. Control blood pressure.
10. Practice self-care and find social support.

Daily Senior Care Tip: 5 Key Symptoms of Lewy Body Dementia

Lewy body dementia (LBD) is the second most common type of progressive dementia, yet it remains widely misunderstood and frequently misdiagnosed. Unlike Alzheimer's disease, LBD causes unique and often fluctuating symptoms that can confuse families and healthcare providers.

In fact, while 1.4 million Americans live with LBD, it takes an average of three doctors and 18 months to get an accurate diagnosis.

Recognizing the signs of this degenerative brain disease early is crucial, as this condition requires specialized care approaches. Whether you're concerned about a loved one or seeking clarity after a diagnosis, understanding the five hallmark symptoms of LBD can lead to more effective support and timely intervention.

These symptoms are: cognitive impairment, visual hallucinations, movement symptoms, sleep disturbances, and autonomic process fluctuations. They will typically worsen over a period of several years, but unlike other dementias, LBD doesn't follow a pattern of stages. The rate of decline is different in each person.

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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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