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The Vital Role of Home Care in Supporting Older Adults Living with Alzheimer’s Disease

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Alzheimer’s disease is a life-changing diagnosis for individuals and their families. With more than 55 million people affected globally — including almost 7 million in the U.S. — the need for support and understanding is greater than ever. What’s more, projections estimate that by 2050, nearly 13 million people in the U.S. could be living with Alzheimer’s or other form of dementia, making it essential to explore all supportive options available, whether new medications or home care.

The Growing Impact of Alzheimer’s Disease

Alzheimer’s disease is a progressive brain disorder that affects memory, cognition, and the ability to perform everyday tasks. Its effects are not only profound on individuals but also deeply impact families and communities. With advances in medical research, new treatments like Leqembi, the first FDA-approved drug to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s, or Donanemab, which was approved by the FDA in July 2024, have brought hope to many. However, Leqembi and Donanemab are only available for those in the early stages of the disease, underscoring the need for comprehensive care solutions at different stages.

How Home Care Can Support Those Living with Alzheimer’s

Home care provides vital, customizable support for those living with Alzheimer’s disease, especially as they progress through various stages. Caregiver support and tailored strategies can significantly reduce agitation and improve overall quality of life. For families, home care also offers valuable respite and peace of mind, knowing their loved one is in capable hands.

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

  • Establish a consistent daily routine for bathing, dressing, eating, and activities.
  • Help with daily tasks while allowing the client to do as much as possible, like suggesting they write down appointments and events in a calendar.
  • Encourage physical activities, including exercise or other endeavors.
  • Prepare healthy meals in a familiar place, including meals that are low in fat, have adequate protein, and include plenty of vegetables.
  • Support relationships, including encouraging clients to join social groups, community activities, and hobbies.

Family & Nursing Care: A Compassionate Solution

At Family & Nursing Care, we are dedicated to providing access to the highest quality home care for individuals with Alzheimer’s. Services by qualified caregivers include assisting with daily routines, providing companionship, and creating a sense of stability, all of which are crucial for individuals with Alzheimer’s. Our network of experienced caregivers is equipped to support clients at different stages of the disease, including:

Early-Stage Support

For those in the early stages of memory loss diseases, caregivers can provide emotional and daily support, including keeping appointments, reminding to take medications, and encouraging participation in activities that can help exercise certain brain functions and potentially slow disease progression.

Middle-Stage Support

For those experiencing increased memory loss, acting out, developing triggers, or otherwise diagnosed with middle-stage dementia needs, caregivers can assist with daily tasks like grooming, cooking, and household chores. As the disease progresses, caregivers can also provide services focused on keeping clients comfortable and more at ease.

By focusing on each person’s unique needs, caregivers help clients feel as comfortable and supported as possible, giving families the confidence that their loved one is receiving the compassionate care they deserve. As strides continue to be made in Alzheimer’s research, it is equally important to ensure that individuals affected by this disease receive the day-to-day support they need. Family & Nursing Care is proud to be a leader in providing access to Alzheimer’s and dementia care, helping clients and families navigate the journey with dignity and compassion.

To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s leading home care services and support for people living with Alzheimer’s disease, call us at 800-588-0517 or visit the Home Care and Alzheimer’s/Dementia page on our website.

What Older Adults Can Expect from Home Care Services

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With 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 each day in the U.S. and approximately 62 million people total over 65 – or 18% of the population – the need for extra support among older adults has never been greater. At the same time, close to 80% of adults prefer to age in place. Enter home care.

The Benefits of In-Home Care Services

Home care is personalized, daily living support that helps older adults maintain their independence at home. Home care services may include assistance like bathing, dressing, mobility assistance, errands, meal prep, light housekeeping, medication reminders, companionship, disease-specific support, and more. While the appeal of extra help around the home is undeniable, home care services provide many practical benefits as well, including:

  • Comfort: Clients can receive personalized care and attention in familiar surroundings, which can improve both their physical and emotional well-being as well as improve recovery.
  • Independence: Home care can help older adults improve their function and live with greater independence without having to relocate from their homes.
  • Quality of Life: Home care can help people experience an increased quality of life, including faster recovery from illness or injury, better symptom management, and improved functioning. Research shows that when people are able to recover at home after a hospitalization, they recover faster. For this reason, home care services can be especially helpful for older adults transitioning home after a hospital stay, as caregivers can help with daily activities like picking up prescriptions and preparing meals that allow seniors to get the rest and recovery they need.
  • Safety and Peace of Mind: Home care can help keep people safe at home and facilitate compliance with medical recommendations. At the same time, home care can give your family peace of mind. The average family caregiver spends more than 20 hours per week caring for their loved one at home, oftentimes on top of their other responsibilities associated with raising children and working a full-time job, which research shows can have an adverse impact on family’s emotional, physical and financial well-being. In-home care services are an ideal solution for older adults who may want help with daily living activities at home, but don’t want to rely on family members to maintain their independence.
  • Cost-Effectiveness: Long-term care is an incremental cost that can catch many elderly adults and their families off-guard as they age, and while home care services are paid for privately by seniors, either out of pocket or from a long-term care insurance policy, home care can actually be more affordable than older adults assume. For example, the annual cost of a private room at a nursing home – a cost Medicare won’t cover – in the U.S. is more than $108,000. In contrast, home care services are often billed at an hourly rate, with most seniors only needing a few hours of extra support at a time.

A Leading Home Care Resource

As one of the oldest and most well-respected home care resources in the Mid-Atlantic region, 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 can assist with a range of home care services, including:

  • Activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, personal hygiene, meal preparation, feeding, and toileting.
  • Mobility assistance, including helping someone get up, walking, transferring into or out of bed or a chair, turning and positioning in bed, range of motion exercises, and more.
  • Companionship, which includes taking walks, providing company at mealtime, social activities, family events and other functions, errands, accompanying on appointments, and transportation.
  • Support services, such as doing laundry, washing dishes, taking out the trash, and light housekeeping.
  • Nutrition and paying close attention to dietary needs, preferences, and restrictions by preparing meals and snacks, assisting with feeding, and encouraging fluids.
  • Disease specific care, which can include specialized support for Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, Parkinson’s disease, hospice and palliative care, pneumonia, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and depression.

Whether it’s arranging home care services when a sudden need arises or assisting families following a hospital discharge, our team stands ready to help 24/7, 365 days a year. It’s why 98% of clients would recommend Family & Nursing Care to a friend or family.

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

The Impact of Home Care on Stroke Patients

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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.

What is Home Care and Why is it so Important for Older Adults?

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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.

The Importance of Home Care for Older Adults Living with Diabetes

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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.

The Benefits of Home Care for Cancer Patients

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While the number of cancer patients unfortunately continues to increase in the United States – with over 2 million new cases in 2023, which was up from 1.9 million in 2022 – some more optimistic news is cancer deaths are steadily decreasing, according to the American Cancer Society. In fact, since 1991, the number of cancer patient deaths has decreased by 33%. Several factors have led to this decline, including early cancer detection, treatment advancements, improved screening programs, and the decrease in smoking.

Specialized In-Home Care for Cancer Patients

Another important factor contributing to this improvement is home care for cancer patients. As hospital stays become shorter due to treatment innovations and changes in health care systems, cancer patients often still require specialized assistance as they undergo chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. That’s where home care can play a critical role, with caregivers providing temporary and ongoing support so that loved ones remain safe at home.

Caregivers can help mitigate stress and make cancer patients feel as comfortable as possible through the following home care services:

  • Assistance with daily activities and personal needs, such as bathing, dressing, and mobility.
  • Housekeeping duties, such as cleaning, shopping, and cooking.
  • Arrangements for home care and services, like making appointments, providing transportation, and running errands.
  • Support for patients coping with nausea, anemia, pain, infection, and other complications.
  • Recognition and reporting of problems or new symptoms to family members.
  • Providing emotional support and encouragement to help cancer patients get through treatment plans and take other steps to get well, like eating healthy meals or getting enough rest.

The Benefits of Home Care for Cancer Patients are Not New.

In a 1989 study, McCorkle et al carried out a randomized clinical trial to determine the effects of home care versus typical office care for 166 patients with progressive lung cancer. Although there were no differences in pain, significant differences in symptom distress, social dependency, and health perceptions were reported. These results suggest that home care can alleviate some discomfort for cancer patients and help maintain their independence longer.

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 cancer 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 cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, Parkinson’s disease, hospice and palliative care, pneumonia, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and depression.

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

Why Seniors Need Vaccines (and How They Can Get Them at Home)

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By Emily Shewmaker, Pharmacist and Founder of Vaccine Valet, Chevy Chase, Maryland

Vaccine needle and vial

Why should you or your loved ones get vaccines, and what makes them so valuable to the health of older adults? With so much vaccine talk lately, questions like these have been on many people’s minds. It’s important that seniors and their families fully understand why vaccines are such an important part of healthy aging, as well as how and when they should be scheduling them.

Think of a vaccine as a personal trainer for your immune system. We hire personal trainers to assess, educate and create effective exercise programs that empower us to reach our health goals. Vaccines are similar in that they work by introducing the blueprint of a particular disease-causing agent, which our immune system then uses to recognize, minimize, and destroy potential exposures to that disease in the future. So, why should we get vaccines? To jumpstart our immune systems to be more efficient at eradicating these infections and viruses.

Many vaccines require subsequent boosters to help maintain the optimal level of protection needed. If the vaccine is like our personal trainer, then, these boosters are similar to the check-in’s we periodically have with our trainers to stay on course with our goals. These subsequent vaccine boosters are as important as receiving the initial inoculation, and the timing of them is key to sustaining the minimal response required to overcome the effects of preventable diseases.

So now that you know a little more about why you and your loved ones should be vaccinated, which specific vaccines are recommended for seniors? Below are the vaccines most often recommended for those ages 50 and older. There may be additional vaccines suggested depending on lifestyle, vaccination history, or other illnesses that may shorten the time intervals of receiving a booster.

Recommended Vaccines for Seniors:

  • Shingles: recommended for seniors age 50+; two doses 2-6 months apart
  • Pneumonia: recommended for seniors 65+; need to be vaccinated again if received younger than age 64
  • Tetanus: recommended for all seniors; booster is needed every 10 years
  • Influenza: recommended for all seniors annually; the adjuvanted (Fluad®) and the high-dose (Fluzone® High-Dose) versions are formulated and approved specifically for those 65 and older.
  • COVID-19: The CDC recommends that everyone age 6 years and older should get one updated Pfizer-BioNTech or Moderna COVID-19 vaccine to be up to date. People ages 65 years and older may get a second dose four or more months after the first dose.

We are quickly approaching the fall and winter seasons, the time of year when the influenza virus begins to circulate. As a preventative measure, the flu vaccine is highly recommended to mitigate the symptoms and severity of this virus. As we age, so do our immune systems – and they naturally begin to lose some of their strength in fighting off infection.

Vaccine Valet has formed a solid relationship with Family & Nursing Care over the years because we admire their expertise in providing quality, reliable in-home care and support – our own loved ones are actually clients! Vaccine Valet offers support to Family & Nursing Care clients and their families by offering vaccination services in the comfort of their own home. Family & Nursing Care does not receive any payment or services for clients who use Vaccine Valet’s services. To learn more about Vaccine Valet or to request an in-home vaccine appointment for yourself or your loved one, find us at www.vaccinevalet.com.

Kelly Salb, Vice President, Client Services, Named to Aging Media Network’s Future Leaders Class of 2022

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Kelly Salb, Director of Client Services, Named to Aging Media Network’s Future Leaders Class of 2022
We are so proud of Kelly Salb, LBSW, Family & Nursing Care’s Vice President, Client Services, who was named to Aging Media Network’s Home Health & Home Care Future Leaders Class of 2022. Kelly works tirelessly on behalf of the clients she serves and is a true partner to the professionals she works with. Read more about this prestigious award here.

Kelly has learned over the course of her career that it’s important to meet people where they are in order to provide a better overall experience.  Read more of Kelly’s interview here.

To become a Future Leader, an individual is nominated by their peers. The candidate must be a high-performing employee who is 40 years old or younger, a passionate worker who knows how to put vision into action, and an advocate for seniors and the committed professionals who ensure their well-being. Please join us in congratulating Kelly on this amazing and well-deserved accomplishment!