Author: Risa Margulies

Supporting Solo Agers: How Home Care Can be an Invaluable Safety Net

Posted on by Risa Margulies

As the aging population continues to grow, so does a lesser-discussed group: solo agers. These are older adults aging without close family —no spouse, children, or nearby loved ones — to rely on for care or decision-making. This can often present a unique set of challenges. That’s where home care can be a safety net for this population, providing not just practical assistance but also peace of mind and critical continuity of care.

Why Solo Agers Are a Growing Concern

According to AARP, 12% of adults aged 50 and older are solo agers — a figure expected to increase in the coming decades. This group is more likely to:

  • Experience delays in receiving timely care or follow-up.
  • Be at higher risk of isolation and related health concerns.
  • Struggle with navigating complicated medical, insurance, or legal systems without a family advocate.

Professionals across care settings may encounter greater complexity when supporting solo agers, especially during transitions of care or in the absence of a clearly identified emergency contact.

The Home Care Advantage

Home care provided by professional caregivers offer solo agers the ability to maintain independence while receiving reliable, person-centered support. Benefits of caregiver assistance include:

  • Support with daily living: Assistance with activities such as bathing, grooming, meal preparation, medication reminders, and transportation.
  • Social connection: Companionship that helps reduce loneliness and supports emotional well-being.
  • Continuity and observation: Regular visits provide consistency and opportunities to notice early changes in condition.
  • An extra set of eyes and ears: Health concerns can be escalated to healthcare providers or other professionals when needed.

Collaboration with Aging Life Care Professionals

For solo agers with more complex care needs — or those without family consultation — Aging Life Care Professionals can be an invaluable resource. Family & Nursing Care often collaborates closely with Aging Life Care Professionals, who act as care coordinators, advocates, and decision-making partners, to enable seamless support for solo agers across all facets of life.

What Sets Family & Nursing Care Apart

Family & Nursing Care is one of the oldest and most well-respected resources for private duty home care in the Mid-Atlantic region. What sets us apart is our deep commitment to connecting clients to individualized care, rigorous caregiver vetting and matching process, and partnerships with professionals who share our mission to support older adults with compassion and respect.

For solo agers, this means knowing that even in the absence of family, they are not alone. To learn more about how Family & Nursing Care supports older adults, visit our Home Care Services webpage.

Around-the-Clock Care: Meeting the Rising Demand for Immediate Home Care

Posted on by Risa Margulies

In today’s fast-paced world, the need for home care can arise without warning — often in the wake of a medical crisis like a sudden fall or a hospital discharge. These events don’t happen on a schedule, and neither should access to care. Increasingly, families are finding themselves in urgent situations, needing dependable, high-quality home care in a matter of hours — not days.

An Evolving Industry

As this demand grows, home care is evolving into a 24/7, 365 days a year industry. Families are no longer only planning for long-term support. They’re seeking immediate care solutions at all hours of the day and night, including weekends and holidays. The ability to respond quickly isn’t just helpful — it’s essential.

Rapid Response That Makes a Difference

At Family & Nursing Care, we’ve built our model around responsiveness and accessibility. In fact, 50% of our new clients begin receiving care within just 24 hours of contacting us, and 75% within 48 hours. That kind of speed can make all the difference in recovery, safety, and peace of mind.

“When a crisis strikes, families don’t have time to wait,” said Mitch Markowitz, Vice President of Business Development at Family & Nursing Care. “What sets us apart is our ability to respond rapidly — any time of day — by connecting clients with personalized, high-quality care that’s thoughtfully matched to meet their needs. We don’t just fill a shift — we provide a solution.”

A Comprehensive Support System

To deliver on the promise of top-notch care at any hour, Family & Nursing Care relies on a robust infrastructure that allows us to move quickly and thoughtfully:

  • Expansive Caregiver Network: With a wide network of experienced caregivers, families have access to a diverse and qualified team of professionals. Every caregiver is rigorously screened to ensure they possess the skills and compassion needed to provide outstanding care.
  • Dedicated Coordination Team: Our Care Coordinating Managers are experts in handling complex scheduling needs and can swiftly match caregivers to families based on their unique needs, even on nights and weekends.
  • Ongoing Tailored Service: Our Client Services Managers work closely with families to understand their preferences, values, and care goals — ensuring personalized support from the start.
  • Comprehensive Intake Process: Our intake team gathers detailed information to quickly assess each client’s needs and tailor solutions that deliver comfort, safety, and peace of mind.

Helping Families Navigate Crisis Moments

This kind of coordination is critical when clients are transitioning home from the hospital or recovering from a fall — two of the most common scenarios that prompt emergency care needs. Having immediate care in place helps prevent complications and hospital readmissions, making a smoother recovery possible.

Whether it’s a late-night hospital discharge or an unexpected emergency on a weekend, Family & Nursing Care is here to provide exceptional support. To learn more about how Family & Nursing Care can help clients with urgent and ongoing care, visit our Why Us? page.

Home Care and the New Healthcare Ecosystem: Reducing Readmissions and Supporting Aging in Place

Posted on by Risa Margulies

As the healthcare system continues to shift toward at-home programs, home care is becoming an indispensable partner in improving outcomes. From easing transitions after hospitalization to helping older adults remain safely at home, home care plays a critical role in ensuring continuity, stability, and dignity for seniors — while also alleviating strain on hospitals and long-term care settings.

At Family & Nursing Care, we are proud to be a trusted extension of the healthcare ecosystem, supporting providers and families alike in the shared goal of healthier aging.

The Readmission Challenge

Hospital readmissions are a major concern for providers nationwide. Under Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) guidelines, hospitals can face penalties for high 30-day readmission rates, particularly for conditions such as heart failure, pneumonia, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

From time to time, patients are discharged home without sufficient support, and they can experience complications — ranging from medication mismanagement to falls or worsening chronic symptoms. These setbacks can lead to emergency room visits and readmissions, disrupting recovery and adding cost to the system.

The Role of Home Care in Post-Acute Success

Home care acts as a vital safety net for patients transitioning from the hospital to home. Professional caregivers help bridge the gap between clinical care and everyday living by providing:

  • Medication reminders to support adherence to discharge instructions.
  • Assistance with mobility and fall prevention to keep the home environment safe.
  • Meal preparation and hydration to promote strength and healing.
  • Transportation to follow-up appointments to ensure continuity of care.
  • Daily check-ins to identify early warning signs of health issues.

By working in concert with discharge planners and healthcare teams, home care reduces family caretaker burden, prevents complications, and gives clients the best possible chance at a full and lasting recovery.

Integrating with the Broader Care Ecosystem

Home care’s impact extends beyond the post-hospital setting. For senior living communities, supplemental in-home care can help residents remain in place during recovery or health setbacks, minimizing the need for moves to higher levels of care. This continuity is not only reassuring for residents and families but also communities.

Aging Life Care Professionals also benefit from trusted home care partnerships. As older adults’ needs change, flexible caregiver support ensures stability. Home care services can be adjusted in real time, providing a customized care experience that evolves alongside the client.

Better Outcomes

The data is clear: when home care is part of the equation, outcomes improve. Studies consistently show that patients who receive home care following discharge have:

  • Lower hospital readmission rates
  • Higher levels of satisfaction
  • Fewer emergency room visits

In addition to reducing costs for hospitals, home care empowers older adults to remain in the comfort of their homes — improving quality of life and reinforcing autonomy.

Your Partner in Care Transitions

At Family & Nursing Care, we work closely with senior care professionals to connect older adults and their families with fast, flexible, and high-quality caregiver support. Whether clients need short-term recovery assistance or long-term care to age in place, we’re ready to help with a smooth, supported transition home — so they can stay there.

To learn more about how we partner with professionals to help older adults maintain independence from the comfort of their own homes, visit our Professional Partnerships webpage.

Protecting Older Adults from Scams: How Caregivers and Families Can Help Prevent Financial Exploitation

Posted on by Risa Margulies

In 2024, older adults in the U.S. lost an alarming $4.8 billion to scams, according to the FBI. That’s up from $3.4 billion in 2023 and is a stark reminder that financial exploitation of seniors is not only widespread but growing rapidly. These scams don’t just steal money; they rob older adults of their independence, peace of mind, and in many cases, their trust in others. That’s why families and caregivers must remain vigilant to protect older adults.

The Emotional and Financial Toll of Scams

Scams targeting older adults range from bogus investment opportunities to impersonations of government agencies. These schemes often succeed by taking advantage of cognitive vulnerabilities, social isolation, or simply the innate trust and kindness many older adults show.

Beyond the monetary damage — which can wipe out life savings — scams leave behind emotional scars. Victims often feel embarrassed or ashamed, which can prevent them from reporting fraud. In some cases, fear of losing independence may even stop older adults from confiding in loved ones.

Common Scams Targeting Seniors

Awareness is the first step in prevention. Here are some of the most common scams currently affecting older adults:

  • Investments: These schemes promise large returns or winnings, requiring upfront fees or personal financial information.
  • Government Impersonations: Scammers pretend to be from the IRS, Social Security Administration, or Medicare, demanding personal information or payments.
  • Tech Support: Fraudsters pose as representatives from legitimate tech companies, claiming the victim’s device is infected and charging for unnecessary services.
  • Emergencies: Criminals request money for supposed emergencies.

Minimize the Risk of Economic Exploitation

Preventing scams is a team effort. Here are key ways families can work together with their loved ones to safeguard assets, savings or anything else:

  • Establish Open Communication: Have regular conversations with your loved one about phone calls, emails, and financial decisions.
  • Monitor Unusual Behavior: Pay close attention to an increase in calls, secrecy about finances, or sudden large purchases — all potential warning signs.
  • Limit Access: Consider setting up alerts on financial accounts or using prepaid cards to control spending.
  • Educate Regularly: Discuss the latest scams and how to respond. Emphasize that it’s OK to hang up on suspicious calls or refuse to give out information.
  • Report Suspected Scams: If exploitation is suspected, contact local authorities or the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center. Early intervention can minimize losses.

Family & Nursing Care: A Trusted Ally in Scam Prevention

Caregivers have access to educational resources that can help them spot potential signs of fraud when caring for their clients. Whether it’s noticing unusual visitors, overhearing suspicious conversations, or observing a client’s sudden stress about money, caregivers often serve as an extra layer of protection. They can report concerns promptly to families and supervisors, helping to address issues before they escalate.

Helpful Resources for Scam Prevention

Families can take advantage of the following trusted resources:

Families don’t have to face this challenge alone. With the support of dedicated caregivers and care professionals, older adults can enjoy a safer, more secure future.

If you’re concerned about a loved one’s risk of exploitation or want to learn more about how caregivers can help, call Family & Nursing Care.

Navigating Long-Term Care Insurance: How Family & Nursing Care Select Provides Unmatched Support

Posted on by Risa Margulies

As the United States population ages, long-term care insurance (LTCI) is becoming an increasingly prevalent way for families to manage the costs of home care, assisted living, and nursing home care. With 70% of adults over 65 expected to need some form of long-term care in their lifetime, planning for these expenses is critical. However, navigating the complexities of LTCI policies, claims, and reimbursements can be overwhelming for families. This is where Family & Nursing Care Select’s Long-Term Care Insurance team sets itself apart, offering unparalleled support and advocacy throughout the process.

The Growing Need for Long-Term Care Insurance

The aging U.S. population is driving increased demand for LTCI. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the number of people in America aged 65 and older is projected to reach 80 million by 2040. However, despite the clear need, only 7.5 million people in the U.S. currently have LTCI coverage. Many mistakenly believe that Medicare or standard health insurance will cover long-term care, only to face unexpected out-of-pocket costs.

Without LTCI, the costs of care can be staggering. In 2023, the median annual cost for assisted living was $64,000 and a private room in a nursing home exceeded $108,000. While in-home care is more flexible and can be arranged on a short-term or long-term basis depending on the client’s needs, the hours of care needed can add up quickly, making LTCI a crucial financial safety net for many families.

Family & Nursing Care’s Long-Term Care Insurance Team: A Key Differentiator

While some home care resources may assist clients with submitting invoices to insurance companies, Family & Nursing Care Select takes a more comprehensive, hands-on approach. The company’s dedicated Long-Term Care Insurance team, led by Karin Martinez and Alexis Shaw, supports clients throughout the entire lifecycle of their claims.

Karin Martinez, Senior Long-Term Care Insurance Manager, explains, “Unlike other companies that simply send invoices, Alexis and I work with clients for the whole life of a claim. We help navigate policies, translate complicated insurance language into real-life terms, and proactively guide families through the entire process so they can be reimbursed as quickly as possible.”

Martinez also mentioned observing a consistent increase in LTCI: “Currently, 72% of clients with Family & Nursing Care Select have LTCI, and that percentage increases each year, underscoring the importance of guidance to receive the maximum benefits.”

Family & Nursing Care Select’s LTCI team offers clients and their families the following support to make the most of policies:

  • Expert guidance from the initial call with an LTCI carrier to ongoing support and troubleshooting.
  • Claims management assistance, ensuring policies are properly utilized and maximizing reimbursements.
  • Hands-on support, including helping clients complete paperwork, understanding insurance company assessments, and filing appeals if necessary.
  • Expedited reimbursements by consistently following up with clients and the insurance providers to keep the process moving smoothly and helping to avoid roadblocks that can come up.
  • Education and empowerment, helping families fully understand their benefits and making informed decisions about their care

Family & Nursing Care Classic also provides LTCI support for clients by assisting them in understanding their benefits and resolving claims issues but does not submit documents on their behalf.

Helping Families Overcome Policy Challenges

One of the biggest barriers to successfully using LTCI is understanding the fine print. Every policy is different, and many clients are unsure of what is covered or how to qualify for benefits. “A lot of people assume they need to be physically dependent to qualify, but even things like fall risk can make them eligible,” says Alexis Shaw, Long-Term Care Insurance Manager. “We help clients see all their options.”

Another common challenge is the assessment process, where insurance companies evaluate whether a client qualifies for benefits. “We prepare families for these assessments, helping them understand what to expect and how to accurately represent their needs,” explains Martinez. Without this guidance, clients may inadvertently downplay their needs, leading to denials.

Additionally, insurance companies often face challenges by not receiving invoices from home care providers and insufficient details on those invoices to adequately support claims. Fortunately for clients, Family & Nursing Care Select’s LTCI team’s primary job is to advocate on their behalf to address all these common issues. The team can often even help clients uncover additional benefits within their policies, such as coverage for medical equipment, home modifications, and emergency response systems. “Many families don’t realize that policies can help cover things like special equipment, grab bars, stair lifts, home modifications, life alert systems and even aging life care professional benefits,” says Martinez.

A Service Families Rely On

The impact of Family & Nursing Care’s LTCI team is evident in the gratitude they receive from clients. “We often hear sighs of relief from family members who say, ‘We couldn’t have done this without you,’” says Martinez. “We take on much of the burden of keeping up with the claim process, so family members can focus on their loved one.

In fact, the LTCI team estimates on average they help families receive reimbursements totaling over $100,000 annually, ensuring they get the funds they are entitled to. Their advocacy also doesn’t end when home care services stop — the LTCI team often helps older adults as they transition to assisted living facilities or even months down the road after leaving with insurance-related issues.

The Future of Long-Term Care Insurance

While traditional LTCI policies are evolving, newer hybrid policies are emerging, combining life insurance with long-term care benefits. These policies allow unused benefits to be passed down to family members, making them an attractive alternative to traditional models.

However, as policies evolve, insurance companies are also introducing new hurdles, including stricter eligibility requirements and digital verification processes that can be difficult for older adults to navigate. “Technology is growing in every respect, which can be daunting for seniors,” explains Shaw. “This is just another reason why our support is so critical.”

Why Family & Nursing Care Select’s LTCI Team Stands Out

Family & Nursing Care Select’s commitment to holistic support for clients is what sets its LTCI team apart. “We are here to relieve stress and let families focus on what truly matters — their loved one’s well-being and their own peace of mind,” says Martinez. By providing expert guidance, hands-on assistance, and proactive advocacy, the LTCI team helps ensure clients receive the full benefits they deserve with as little hassle as possible.

For families navigating the complexities of long-term care insurance, the difference between handling it alone and having a dedicated LTCI team by their side can mean everything. To learn more, visit our Home Care Services webpage.

The Continued Challenges of the Sandwich Generation and How Home Care Can Make a Difference

Posted on by Risa Margulies

The Sandwich Generation — adults who are simultaneously caring for aging parents while raising children — continues to face mounting pressures in today’s world. Balancing work, family responsibilities, and caregiving can often feel overwhelming, especially with an aging population and growing demand for eldercare. While the challenges remain significant, support solutions like professional home care services can help alleviate the burden.

The Evolving Struggles of the Sandwich Generation

Recent studies show that more adults than ever are finding themselves caught in this dual caregiving role. A quarter of people in America reported being in the Sandwich Generation in 2021, according to Pew Research Center — and that number is expected to rise as more Baby Boomers retire and an estimated 80 million people will be age 65 or older by 2040. A growing number of people in their 40s and 50s are managing the care of aging parents while also supporting their children’s academic, social, and financial needs. This balancing act often leads to stress, burnout, and even financial strain, particularly as costs continue to rise.

For many, this role extends beyond physical care. Emotional and logistical responsibilities, including coordinating doctor’s appointments, managing medications, and making tough healthcare decisions, add another layer of complexity. Many caregivers also struggle with guilt, feeling as though they are not doing enough for their loved ones, despite dedicating countless hours to their care.

The Impact on Work and Well-Being

Members of the Sandwich Generation often juggle full-time jobs while serving as primary caregivers. According to recent reports, nearly 60% of family caregivers are employed, and many report experiencing workplace challenges due to caregiving responsibilities. Issues such as absenteeism, decreased productivity, and mental exhaustion are common, with some caregivers needing to reduce their work hours or even leave their jobs altogether. Despite some employers recognizing the strain this has on employees and implementing supportive workplace policies, such as flexible work schedules, the daily realities of caregiving can often be overwhelming without additional help.

“No one is under more pressure and time starved right now than the Sandwich Generation with all their competing responsibilities,” said Mitch Markowitz, Vice President of Business Development at Family & Nursing Care. “That’s where home care can make a world of a difference by providing older adults with the support and attention they need, while offering family caregivers respite and peace of mind knowing their loved ones are in capable hands.”

How Home Care Can Make a Difference

Professional home care services can provide a vital lifeline for those in the Sandwich Generation. Home care services offer a range of benefits, including:

  • Personalized Care: Professional caregivers can assist with activities of daily living, medication reminders, and companionship, allowing families to feel their aging parents are well cared for.
  • Respite for Family Caregivers: Taking a break is essential to avoid burnout. Home care allows family members to focus on their children, careers, and personal well-being without feeling guilty.
  • Flexible and Reliable Support: Home care services can be tailored to specific needs, whether for a few hours a week or around-the-clock care.
  • Enhanced Safety and Independence: Older adults can age in place safely with the support of skilled caregivers, reducing the risk of falls, medication mishaps, and other concerns.

Family & Nursing Care: A Trusted Resource for Home Care

At Family & Nursing Care, we understand the unique challenges faced by the Sandwich Generation. With a network of dedicated caregivers who can provide compassionate, expert home care support, families can maintain balance while resting assured their loved ones are receiving the care they deserve. Home care tasks include activities of daily living, such as bathing, dressing, mobility assistance, errands, meal prep, light housekeeping, medication reminders, companionship, and more. Whether occasional care or ongoing assistance is needed, we are here to help.

To learn more about Family & Nursing Care and the home care services that can be provided by a licensed, competent caregiver, visit the Home Care Services page on our website.