Pneumonia is a serious lung infection that disproportionately affects older adults, making them more susceptible to severe complications and hospitalizations. Each year, over 1.5 million people in the United States seek medical care for pneumonia, with seniors representing a significant percentage of cases. Older adults are at a heightened risk due to weakened immune systems, chronic health conditions, and reduced lung capacity. Recovery can be prolonged and challenging, especially when compounded by age-related factors.

While hospital care addresses the acute phases of pneumonia, post-acute recovery at home is equally crucial for regaining health and preventing complications, especially since 18.5% of pneumonia patients return to the hospital within 30 days. That’s where pneumonia home care services can play an invaluable role to help avoid readmission.

How Home Care Can Help Older Adults Recover from Pneumonia

Tailored home care support helps seniors recover from pneumonia in a comfortable and safe environment while reducing the risk of re-hospitalization. Caregivers can provide essential home care assistance, such as:

• Monitoring Symptoms and Recovery Progress: Experienced caregivers can observe any signs of worsening symptoms, such as increased fatigue, difficulty breathing, or fever, and notify healthcare providers promptly.
• Medication Management: Ensuring that prescribed medications, including antibiotics and breathing treatments, are taken on time to promote effective recovery.
• Support with Daily Activities: Pneumonia can leave seniors feeling weak and fatigued. Caregivers help with tasks like bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and light housekeeping to reduce strain on the individual.
• Nutritional and Hydration Assistance: Proper nutrition and hydration are critical for recovery. Caregivers can prepare nutritious meals and encourage fluid intake to boost immune function and energy levels.
• Encouraging Rest and Gentle Activity: Balancing rest with gentle physical activities helps promote recovery without overexertion. Caregivers can assist with light exercises or supervised walking to maintain mobility and prevent complications like blood clots.
• Emotional Support and Companionship: Facing an illness like pneumonia can feel isolating, especially for older adults living alone. Caregivers provide companionship and emotional reassurance, which is vital for overall well-being.

Family & Nursing Care: Trusted Pneumonia Recovery Support

At Family & Nursing Care, we understand the unique challenges older adults face when recovering from pneumonia. Our network of dedicated caregivers can provide personalized, compassionate support designed to promote recovery and prevent setbacks, including:

• Meal preparation in accordance with a plan set by a doctor, home health nurse, or nutritionist, such as low sodium, low cholesterol, low fat, vegetarian, or vegan.
• Symptom and recovery monitoring, including vital signs, assisting with coughing and deep breathing techniques, or using a spirometer and oxygen. Clients of Family & Nursing Care Select can also access one of the nurses on staff to discuss any red flag symptoms or changes in condition to address a problem before it becomes an emergency.
• Transportation to and from doctor appointments as well as mobility assistance.

Whether a loved one needs a few hours of help or round-the-clock care, we offer flexible solutions tailored to their needs. Through our services, clients recovering from pneumonia can receive home care with a focus on safety, comfort, and effective recovery strategies.

To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s pneumonia recovery services, call us at 800-588-0517 or visit our Home Care and Pneumonia webpage.

As individuals age, they often face unique mental health challenges. Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions among older adults, affecting an estimated 7 million people in the United States aged 65 and older annually. Compounding this is social isolation, which is prevalent among seniors and has been linked to an increased risk of mental and physical health problems, including depression, anxiety, cognitive decline, and chronic diseases. What’s more, research shows that prolonged isolation can be as harmful to someone’s health as smoking.

Home care can play a crucial role in addressing these challenges, providing much-needed support to help older adults maintain their independence while improving their mental and emotional well-being.

How Home Care Can Help Prevent Depression and Isolation Among Older Adults

Home care offers tailored support that addresses the specific needs of older adults facing depression and isolation. Caregivers can provide the following home care services to not only alleviate practical burdens but also promote emotional and social well-being:

• Companionship and Social Interaction: Regular interactions with a caregiver can help reduce feelings of loneliness and foster a sense of belonging. Whether it’s sharing meals, engaging in conversations, or participating in hobbies, caregivers provide meaningful connections that can improve mental health and reduce isolation and depression.
• Encouragement of Routine and Activities: Depression often leads to withdrawal and inactivity. Caregivers can help establish and maintain daily routines, encourage participation in enjoyable activities, and even accompany clients on outings to boost mood and engagement.
• Emotional Support: Having someone to talk to and share concerns with can be invaluable. Caregivers offer empathy and reassurance, which can make a significant difference in managing depression
• Monitoring and Communication: Caregivers can recognize changes in mood or behavior and alert family members or healthcare providers, ensuring timely interventions.

The Family & Nursing Care Difference: Home Care for Depression and Isolation

Family & Nursing Care is a trusted leader in providing specialized home care services tailored to the needs of older adults. We understand the profound impact that depression and isolation can have on seniors and offer a comprehensive range of services to support their mental health, including:

• Companionship Services: Our network of experienced caregivers can help foster deep relationships with clients, offering emotional support and reducing feelings of isolation. They focus on meaningful interactions that enhance emotional well-being through engaging conversations, eating meals, playing games together, and more.
• Mobility and Social Access: Transportation support ensures that older adults can attend social events, visit loved ones, or participate in community activities, helping them stay connected and engaged.
• Daily Living Assistance: By helping with personal care, meal preparation, and household tasks, caregivers reduce stress and free up energy for clients to focus on their mental health and well-being.

At Family & Nursing Care, we are committed to enhancing the lives of older adults by addressing their physical, emotional, and social needs. Our network of highly skilled caregivers provides not just care, but companionship and support that can make a world of difference for those facing depression and isolation.

To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s services to help combat depression and isolation, call us at 800-588-0517 or visit our Home Care and Depression/Isolation webpage.

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, claiming approximately 700,000 lives annually. Among older adults, the impact is particularly profound. Each year, over 800,000 people experience a heart attack, with individuals aged 65 and older making up the majority of cases. Recovery and ongoing management of heart disease require a comprehensive approach to reduce the risk of complications and improve quality of life.

While medical interventions are critical, home care following a heart attack or for managing heart disease is equally important. Home care services provide essential support to help individuals recover safely, avoid hospital re-admissions, and regain their independence. In fact, more than 25% of heart failure patients return to the hospital within 30 days due to poor nutrition, medical oversight, and mobility limitations.

How Home Care Supports Recovery from Heart Disease and Heart Attacks

Home care offers tailored assistance to meet the unique needs of individuals with heart conditions, focusing on both physical health and emotional well-being. Caregivers can provide the following home care services to assist older adults with heart issues:

• Monitoring Symptoms and Recovery Progress: Caregivers can monitor for warning signs such as shortness of breath, chest pain or swelling, and alert healthcare providers to address issues promptly.
• Medication Reminders: Heart disease often requires complex medication regimens. Caregivers can offer reminders to help ensure medications are taken correctly and on time, reducing the risk of complications from missed doses.
• Nutritional Support: A heart-healthy diet is essential for managing heart disease. Caregivers can prepare meals aligned with dietary restrictions, such as low-sodium or low-fat diets, and encourage hydration to promote cardiovascular health.
• Assistance with Daily Activities: After a heart attack, fatigue and physical limitations can make tasks like bathing, dressing or cooking challenging. Caregivers provide the necessary support to reduce stress and allow for focused recovery.
• Encouraging Gentle Exercise and Rest: Balancing light physical activity with rest is vital for recovery. Caregivers can support light exercises recommended by healthcare providers, helping to improve mobility and overall heart health.
• Emotional Support and Companionship: Dealing with heart disease or recovering from a heart attack can be overwhelming. Caregivers offer emotional reassurance and companionship, reducing stress and feelings of isolation.

Family & Nursing Care: Expert Support for Heart Disease Management

At Family & Nursing Care, we specialize in providing compassionate, personalized care for older adults managing heart disease or recovering from a heart attack. Our network of experienced caregivers is trained to deliver services designed to support recovery and long-term heart health, including:

• Symptom Monitoring: Tracking vital signs, such as blood pressure and heart rate, and helping identify any changes in condition early. Clients can also access one of Family & Nursing Care Select’s nurses to help prevent return trips to the hospital by identifying and reporting red flag symptoms before they escalate to a crisis level.
• Dietary Assistance: Preparing heart-healthy meals in accordance with a plan set by a doctor, home health nurse, or nutritionist, such as low sodium, low cholesterol, low fat, vegetarian, or vegan.
• Transportation and Mobility Support: Providing assistance with getting to medical appointments and maintaining safe mobility at home or in the community.

Family & Nursing Care is committed to helping older adults live independently and safely while managing heart disease. We offer flexible home care solutions, ranging from a few hours a day to 24/7 assistance, to meet each client’s unique needs. With our network of highly skilled caregivers, clients can receive the compassionate support they need to thrive at home.

To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s heart disease and heart attack recovery services, call us at 800-588-0517 or visit our Home Care and Heart Attack/Disease webpage.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder affecting approximately 10 million people worldwide. In the United States, nearly 1 million individuals are living with this condition, a number expected to rise significantly as the population ages. For both the person diagnosed and their loved ones, Parkinson’s presents unique challenges – but with the right support, those living with the disease can continue to lead fulfilling lives.

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

Parkinson’s disease primarily affects movement, leading to tremors, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination. Over time, symptoms can impact everyday tasks like eating, dressing, and walking. Non-motor symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbances, can also significantly affect quality of life.

While medical advances, including deep brain stimulation and new medications, offer hope for managing symptoms, day-to-day support is essential for those living with Parkinson’s. That’s where home care plays a pivotal role.

How We Support Patients Through Home Care for Parkinson’s Disease

Home care services tailored to the needs of individuals with Parkinson’s can enhance their independence and comfort at every stage of the disease. Experienced caregivers provide both physical assistance and emotional support, adapting their care to meet changing needs as the disease progresses.

Caregivers can provide the following home care services to assist older adults with Parkinson’s:

• Daily Living Assistance: Helping with tasks like bathing, dressing, grooming, and meal preparation to promote safety and dignity.
• Mobility and Fall Prevention: Supporting clients during walking or transferring to prevent falls and injuries, which are common in
• Parkinson’s patients.
• Medication Management: Providing reminders to ensure medication schedules are followed correctly.
• Encouraging Activities: Engaging clients in physical and cognitive activities that can help manage symptoms, such as gentle exercises or creative hobbies.
• Emotional Support and Companionship: Offering a listening ear and fostering connections to combat isolation and depression.

Family & Nursing Care: A Trusted Partner in Parkinson’s Home Care Support

At Family & Nursing Care, we are dedicated to providing access to personalized, compassionate care for older adults with Parkinson’s disease. Our network of experienced caregivers understand the complexities of the condition and work to create an environment where clients feel supported and empowered at different stages of the disease, including:

• Early-Stage Support: Encouraging active participation in daily routines, assisting with appointments, and promoting exercises tailored to enhance mobility and strength.
• Middle- and Late-Stage Support: Assisting with more advanced care needs, such as ensuring safety during mobility challenges, preparing specialized meals, and providing comfort care.

Through our disease-specific care approach, we help families navigate the challenges of Parkinson’s with dignity and peace of mind. Whether you need a few hours of assistance or round-the-clock care, Family & Nursing Care is here to support you every step of the way.

Living with Parkinson’s disease can be daunting, but with access to quality home care, individuals can continue to lead fulfilling lives in the comfort of their own homes. Families can also find relief, knowing their loved ones are cared for by professionals who prioritize their safety, well-being, and happiness.

To learn more about how Family & Nursing Care can provide support for those living with Parkinson’s disease, call us at 800-588-0517 or visit our Home Care and Parkinson’s Disease webpage.

According to the American Stroke Association, stroke is the leading cause of adult disability in the United States. Tragically, it’s also the fifth-leading cause of death, with about 160,000 people in the U.S. dying from stroke-related issues each year. It’s clear that the effects of a stroke can be devastating for individuals and their families, robbing them of time together and independence.

Specialized Home Care Services to Help Prevent or Manage a Stroke

However, some more encouraging news is that there are ways to either prevent or manage a stroke – and that’s where home care support can play an important role. To help decrease the chances of suffering a stroke, caregivers can provide the following home care services to assist older adults:

• Manage risk factors, like monitoring high blood pressure or scheduling doctor’s appointments to check cholesterol, in addition to picking up prescriptions and providing transportation.
• Improve one’s diet by preparing meals in accordance with a plan set by a doctor, home health nurse, or nutritionist, such as low sodium, low cholesterol, low fat, vegetarian, or vegan.
• Encourage physical activity and healthy habits by promoting regular exercise, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep.
• Provide emotional support and help manage stress by asking clients about what kind of aid they need and then providing that support.

At the same time, when an unfortunate event does occur and someone suffers a stroke, a care plan can be developed to help the stroke patient regain the highest possible degree of independence and quality of life at home.

Caregivers can assist stroke patients in many ways, including:

• Providing practical, emotional and recovery support, such as helping with tasks like shopping, cooking, medication reminders, and personal care.
• Encouraging stroke patients to work toward recovery, including assistance with at-home exercises.
• Monitoring the behavior of stroke patients to help ensure safety and prevent falls.
• Coordinating medical appointments
• Helping with memory issues and anxiety.

Unsurprisingly, there is a level of uncertainty for how long the effects will last, or whether abilities will improve with time, which makes determining whether a stroke patient remains at home very difficult. Fortunately, caregivers have experience and are familiar with the many situations where a stroke survivor might require support, ultimately providing the stroke patient and their family with some respite and peace of mind.

A Leading Home Care Resource

As one of the oldest and most well-respected home care resources in Maryland and Washington, D.C., Family & Nursing Care’s mission is to help older adults, including stroke patients, maintain their quality of life as they age. For more than 55 years, we have helped tens of thousands of families by providing access to a network of over 1,500 experienced Caregivers who assist with activities of daily living, mobility, errands, meal prep, and companionship, in addition to more specialized support, such as stroke, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, Parkinson’s disease, hospice and palliative care, pneumonia, heart disease, and depression. With only the top 8% of Caregivers who apply meeting the organization’s rigorous screening process, Family & Nursing Care’s specially trained Caregivers can provide home care support and assistance to stroke patients and their families.

To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s leading home care services and support for stroke patients, call us at 800-588-0517 or visit the Home Care and Stroke page on our website.

For many older adults, they often face the difficult decision of where to live and enjoy their golden years to the fullest. Fortunately, several options exist, from moving into nursing homes and senior living communities to downsizing their space, but the most popular choice remains staying right at home. In fact, according to an AARP study, 77% of people over the age of 50 prefer to age in place. While this is a great idea for many people, successfully aging in place requires careful planning, including decisions about additional help in the home with safety, mobility and daily activities at the forefront.

So how do you choose what type of senior care you need to maintain your quality of life at home? The two most common options available are home care and home health care. While one might think this is the same thing, there actually are some key differences and important considerations when deciding how to manage your in-home care needs. Read more below to see these distinctions and help you determine the support that fits you best.

Home Care vs. Home Health Care Services

Home care, also known as private duty home care, provides non-clinical assistance to help older adults maintain their independence at home. This includes personalized, daily living support, including home care services like running errands, transportation to appointments, grocery shopping, meal preparations, grooming and dressing. Home care may also include companion care, mobility assistance and managing chronic health conditions, such as diabetes or Alzheimer’s disease.

Home health care, on the other hand, involves medical services being provided to older adults in the comfort of their own home. This type of support is similar to the care received at a hospital or a skilled nursing facility. Home health care services include physical, occupational or speech therapy, post-surgery health monitoring, wound care, catheter care, IV administration, pain management, and nutrition services.

Eligibility

Home care can continue for as long as someone wants based on their budget and individual needs. Home health care, however, may require a doctor’s order and is often recommended for people with chronic conditions, those recovering from surgery, or older adults with serious diseases and conditions.

Providers

Home care services can be performed by people who are not licensed medical professionals, like certified nursing assistants, but home health care services must be performed by licensed healthcare professionals, such as a registered nurse.

Costs

Since home health care is prescribed by a physician, many expenses for these clinical services and medical equipment are Medicare-eligible. However, to qualify for home health care Medicare coverage, older adults must be deemed “home bound” by their doctor. Home health care is also only rendered on a short-term, intermittent basis. Additionally, Medicaid is another federally funded program that can be used to pay for some home care services that Medicare does not cover. Ordinarily, there is a long application and qualification process to begin Medicaid services since it’s based on financial need.

Conversely, private duty home care is paid for privately by older adults and their families, either out of pocket or from a long-term care insurance policy. Because of this, there are no eligibility requirements, and anyone is free to use the service on a short-term or long-term basis. In addition, there is the flexibility to match clients with caregivers based on skills, preferences and overall compatibility.

What Type of At-Home Care is Best for You?

As mentioned above, the type of at-home care needed varies from person to person. While home health care is better suited for older adults who need in-home nursing services for medical assistance, private duty home care is more flexible and can be a great way to support everyday activities on a short or long-term basis. Private duty home care may also be an ideal option for older adults following:

• Discharge from a hospital or rehabilitation facility
• Decline in mobility or independence
• A fall
• Loss of a companion
• Relocation of an adult child or family caregiver

A Leading Home Care Resource

As one of the oldest and most well-respected home care resources in Maryland and Washington, D.C., Family & Nursing Care’s mission is to help older adults maintain their quality of life as they age. For more than 55 years, we have helped tens of thousands of families by providing access to a network of over 1,500 experienced Caregivers who assist with activities of daily living, mobility, errands, meal prep, and companionship, in addition to more specialized support, such as diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, Parkinson’s disease, hospice and palliative care, pneumonia, heart disease, stroke, and depression.

To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s leading home care services and how it can help older adults age with dignity, call us at 800-588-0517 or visit our website.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 1 in 10 people in the United States are living with diabetes. What’s more troubling is the percentage increases as people age, with nearly 30% of those 65 or older having diabetes. This is particularly concerning since older adults are more likely to develop diabetes-related complications, such as heart disease, kidney failure, and hypoglycemia.

Specialized In-Home Care for Diabetes Patients

While there is currently no cure for diabetes, some more positive news is that the disease can be effectively managed with medications and a change in diet and exercise. To help establish a healthy lifestyle and manage blood sugar and insulin levels, home care offers a solution to lessen the impact of diabetes on one’s health and well-being.

Caregivers can provide the following home care services to assist older adults with diabetes:

• Preparing meals in accordance with a plan set by a doctor, home health nurse, or nutritionist, such as low sodium, low cholesterol, low fat, vegetarian, or vegan.
• Managing health care, including scheduling doctor’s appointments, picking up prescriptions, and providing transportation. Caregivers can also learn about the diabetes patient’s medications, supplies, and equipment, such as blood sugar monitors and test strips.
• Monitoring health, including blood sugar levels and checking for signs of problems like wounds that aren’t healing. They can also help with foot care, such as checking toenails for swelling or signs of infection.
• Promoting healthy habits by encouraging regular physical activity, healthy eating, and getting enough sleep.
• Providing emotional support by asking the diabetes patient about what kind of aid they need and then providing that support.

Diabetes patients who would benefit from home care the most are those with frequent hospital admissions, diabetic wounds or foot ulcers, multiple new medications, or underlying disease processes that may contribute to poor diabetic control.

A Leading Home Care Resource

As one of the oldest and most well-respected home care resources in Maryland and Washington, D.C., Family & Nursing Care’s mission is to help older adults, including diabetes patients, maintain their quality of life as they age.

For more than 55 years, we have helped tens of thousands of families by providing access to a network of over 1,500 experienced Caregivers who assist with activities of daily living, mobility, errands, meal prep, and companionship, in addition to more specialized support, such as diabetes, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, Parkinson’s disease, hospice and palliative care, pneumonia, heart disease, stroke, and depression.

With only the top 8% of Caregivers who apply meeting the organization’s rigorous screening process, Family & Nursing Care’s specially trained Caregivers can provide home care support, education, and assistance to diabetes patients and their families.

To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s leading home care services and support for diabetes patients, call us at 800-588-0517 or visit the Home Care and Diabetes page on our website.