Cahoon Care Associates, LLC. | | |
Hanover, MA: (781) 659-1877
269 Hanover St., Hanover, MA 02339
| | |
Mashpee, MA: (774) 994-2212
13 Steeple Street, Mashpee, MA 02649
| |
Ellsworth, ME: (207) 667-0870
| | 6 Tips for Dining Out with Seniors with Dementia | |
Dining out at a restaurant is an enjoyable social experience for most people. Both the break in routine and the social connections involved can provide a nice diversion from normal life.
While going to a restaurant can also be a pleasant event for those with dementia, it does present its own set of challenges as well. The very change in routine and social connections that healthy people enjoy can be quite stressful for seniors with dementia - as can be menu choices, an unfamiliar environment, and overwhelming stimulation.
That's not to say that it's better to keep those with dementia home, however. Instead, using adaptive strategies, and preparing in advance for how the family or caregiver will handle specific situations, can go a long way toward making restaurant dining a positive outing and minimizing stress for all parties involved.
Here are six practical ways to start:
-
Choose a dementia-friendly venue. Remember that extra stimulation contributes greatly to stress for the person with dementia. Picking a place that has a calmer, quieter environment will help reduce agitation and confusion. It's also helpful to choose a spot that's familiar to the older adult, and that has a bathroom that's easy to access and large enough for you to provide assistance if needed.
Learn more on our blog...
| 3 Stages of Dementia: What to Expect as the Disease Progresses | |
One of the most stressful parts of dementia (including Alzheimer's disease) is the uncertainty of what comes next. Since each person's experience with the disease unfolds differently (often dramatically so), no one can say exactly how or when their thinking, behavior, memory, or abilities will change over time.
While there is no exact roadmap for the progression of dementia, it can be helpful to know that there are three general stages of the disease. Knowing the symptoms of each stage can help caregivers prepare both emotionally and practically for the inevitable journey ahead.
Here's a breakdown:
Stage 1: Early (Mild) Dementia
In the first stage, a person can often still live independently and even drive, work, and socialize. However, they will gradually begin to have noticeable memory lapses, such as forgetting names or words, or where they put something. If friends or family start to sense that something is "off," a doctor can usually conduct testing that can detect early-stage memory or concentration issues.
Look for these symptoms as signs that something might not be right:
* Trouble finding the right word or name
* Difficulty with familiar tasks at work or in social settings
* Forgetting what they just read
* Frequently misplacing or losing things
* Struggling to plan or organize
* Making poor or unusual decisions
Stage 2: Middle (Moderate) Dementia
This stage is usually the longest, often lasting for years. Memory and behavior changes become more noticeable as the dementia progresses. The individual starts to need more help because damage to the brain makes it more difficult to do everyday things. Family and caregivers may notice that the person sometimes mixes words up, can occasionally act frustrated or angry, or often resists help with things like bathing.
Learn more on our blog...
| Anniversary Celebrations! | |
Please join us in congratulating the following colleagues on their work anniversaries:
Robinah Katumba - 10 years
Darlene Kelly - 9 years
Diane Lynch - 8 years
Beatrice Janvier - 8 years
Maria Luz C. Walsh - 7 years
Catherine Watts - 7 years
Christine E. Salvato - 6 years
Paula J. Calkins - 6 years
Sheila M. Parenteau - 5 years
Anette F. Roberts - 5 years
Jelfiline M. Rodriguez - 5 years
Kimberly Burr - 4 years
Celia K. Hamilton - 4 years
Martha Hofer - 3 years
Marie Sylvain - 3 years
Sarah J. Moniz - 3 years
Jennifer Marozas-Boyce - 3 years
Brenda Schwartz - 2 years
Jacqueline Duarte - 1 year
Jade Giger - 1 year
| |
We're excited to announce 8 new members of the Cahoon Care team over the past quarter:
Jordain Jewett
Sharlemeyn Bittig
Rebecca Morton
Damion Muschette
Jose Teixeira
Wanderson Oliveira Da Costa
Shola Ojora
Nicole Marble
| $$$ Referral Bonus Recipients $$$ | |
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 Stephanie at (207) 610-3280 in Maine, or Karen at (781) 635-4968 in Massachusetts with your referrals.
| |
Video Tip:
Using Music as a Connector in Dementia
| |
Music is a beautiful connector for those with dementia. Often they can remember every word to a song they loved years ago. Find out what music they used to listen to, and play it for them. It will bring them so much joy!
Click here to watch the video.
| Daily Senior Care Tip: Essential Rules for Visiting Someone with Dementia | |
Visiting someone with dementia can feel overwhelming when you're unsure what to say or do, but with the right approach, your time together can be meaningful and comforting for both of you. While dementia changes many things, the need for human connection remains.
Apply these essential rules to make your visits more positive, from conversation starters that engage without frustrating, to simple environmental adjustments that reduce anxiety.
Learn how to avoid common triggers, interpret nonverbal cues, and create moments of genuine connection - because even as memory fades, the emotional bond you share still matters deeply.
Set visitors up for success by sharing these dos and don'ts ahead of time.
Learn more...
________________
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.
Sign up for DailyCaring, a daily e-newsletter filled with helpful news you can use, and inspirational senior care tips! You can also follow the DailyCaring Facebook page.
| | |
At Cahoon Care, we believe exceptional care begins with exceptional caregivers. We are committed to creating a supportive, respectful, and rewarding work environment where our team members feel valued, empowered, and inspired to make a meaningful difference every day.
But don't just take our word for it; hear directly from the compassionate professionals who make Cahoon Care so special.
Click here (or above) to watch video.
________________
We've also recently produced videos interviewing Margery Cahoon Parker, Carolyn Parker, and Allan Parker.
They explain how and why our company was founded, and describe the heartbeat of our mission. Enjoy!
| |
"Professional skill brings comfort. Compassion brings dignity. When combined, they create extraordinary care."
~ Anonymous
| |
The Plymouth Networking Group (PNG) is holding a golf tournament fundraiser on Friday, Sept. 26, 2026 at the Squirrel Run Country Club in Plymouth.
Registration is at 2:30pm, with a 3pm tee off. Cost is $65 per person, or $260 per foursome (with a $20 per person dinner-only option).
The PNG is a community service organization made up of professionals working in senior-citizen-related fields.
They are dedicated to promoting the health, safety, and well-being of the senior citizens of Plymouth County by presenting and supporting events and programs throughout the area.
________________
| |
CCSRG will be participating in the Cape Cod (Massachusetts) Optimism Walk, sponsored by the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA), on Sunday, September 27, 2026.
Check-in begins at 10am at the Falmouth High School Track. The opening ceremony and walk begin at 11am.
All fundraising dollars will go directly to the local community to expand programs and services that help more people with Parkinson's disease live life to the fullest, and to fund cutting-edge research to find better treatments and ultimately a cure.
________________
| |
The 2026 Walk to End Alzheimer's on Cape Cod, sponsored by the Alzheimer's Association, will take place on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Participants can meet at 9am at Cape Cod Community College in West Barnstable. Bring a paper registration or donation form. The ceremony begins at 10am.
Click here to register, donate, or volunteer.
(All funds raised further the care, support, and research efforts of the Alzheimer's Association.)
| Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy at BID Plymouth | |
The Wound Care Center at Beth Israel Deaconess Plymouth offers specialized services focused on the diagnosis, treatment, and management of chronic and non-healing wounds.
One unique offering at BID Plymouth is hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT. This medical treatment involves breathing 100% oxygen in a pressurized chamber, and is used with other treatments to help heal conditions that may be lacking enough oxygen to heal themselves.
This increase of oxygen concentration in the blood enhances collagen production, decreases infection, creates new blood cells, and reduces inflammation, promoting wound healing.
Indications for HBOT include chronic non-healing wounds, diabetic foot ulcers, pressure injuries, arterial ulcers, venous stasis ulcers, radiation-induced tissue damage, gas gangrene, bone infections that have not responded to antibiotic treatment, osteomyelitis, and failed flaps.
BID Plymouth has two HBOT chambers operating Monday through Friday, performing on average up to 60 treatments each week. Each treatment is approximately 90 minutes long.
| The Caregiver's Superpower | |
What is a professional caregiver's greatest superpower?
Is it lifting?
Meal preparation?
Keeping track of medications?
Finding something that has been "lost" even though it has been sitting in the exact same place for three days?
Nope.
It's the ability to hear:
"I don't need anything."
...and somehow know that what they really mean is:
"I need about six things, but I'm not going to tell you until you're halfway out the door." 😂
Caregivers develop an extraordinary ability to anticipate needs, read the room, and respond with patience and kindness.
That's not just experience.
That's a superpower.
Thank you to all of our caregivers for bringing that superpower to work every day!
| | Healthy Aging Awareness Month | | |
September is Healthy Aging Awareness Month. This is a perfect opportunity for seniors to take a fresh look at what they would like the next chapter of life to include - and then do something about it!
While some parts of aging are unavoidable, older adults can take some responsibility for their physical, mental, social, and financial well-being. Having a sense of purpose is key.
The 2026 Healthy Aging Awareness Month theme is "Curiosity Has No Age Limit." The simple challenge is to keep learning and asking questions, and keep exploring next steps.
This month, encourage your senior to try something new, or revisit a long-delayed goal. Take up activities that involve learning, movement, social connection, and new experiences. Here are some suggestions:
* Learn one new skill.
* Visit one place you've never been.
* Try one new physical activity.
* Read about an unfamiliar subject.
* Talk with someone from another generation.
* Learn to use a new app or technology.
* Attend a class, lecture, or community program.
* Try a new recipe or cuisine.
* Revisit an old hobby.
* Do one thing you've been saying, "Someday I'd like to try that."
| | | | |
