Donald Berlin’s wife, Norma, has been a client of Family & Nursing Care for more than five years. Throughout her home care journey, they both have learned a lot about the benefits of home care for older adults. From finding the right caregiver match to honing in on the appropriate services for Norma’s unique needs, Donald has seen the positive difference home care can make firsthand. Today, he would like to share more about their experience and the value of home care.

Donald and Norma Berlin’s Home Care Journey

Nearly six years ago, like many of her older adult peers, Norma Berlin was diagnosed with neurocognitive impairment. Facing this new reality and the changes that were about to take place, their family physician recommended that they consult with a care manager for extra support. Sensing the burden of care that would fall on Donald to care for Norma, the care manager suggested having a caregiver in the home to have an extra set of hands to help manage care tasks.

At first, the Berlins brought on a caregiver for just a few hours a week, but that person wasn’t a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), which is something they wanted. Eventually they turned to Family & Nursing Care Select for caregiver assistance. Over time, the number of hours of caregiver support increased to meet the family’s needs. At first from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. during the week, then later adding weekend help. Eventually, they arrived at their current schedule, which is 10 hours per day, seven days a week, involving the help of three different caregivers working separate shifts.

While Donald explained that it took some time for both him and Norma to feel comfortable with the idea of having caregiver support, he now says it’s been a wonderful journey, and he would highly recommend home care support to others. For those who are considering it, he offered some advice and tips to keep top of mind.

Home Care Tips

1. Don’t feel guilty about bringing on a caregiver. Donald described how he felt a lot of anxiety over this important decision to get caregiver support. Often times, people will question whether they need a caregiver and think they can manage the support for their loved one themselves. That, combined with not knowing what to expect or look for, can result in a lot of guilt about doing something different. But he says people shouldn’t feel ashamed for needing additional help. They should embrace the opportunity for an extra set of hands, which is not only helpful to the person who needs assistance but to their spouse and entire family.
2. Having caregiver support can be as much for you as it is for your loved one who needs the help. When discussing their home care journey, one story Donald brought up was how he and Norma used to eat in the dining room of their senior living community every night to help with socialization after her diagnosis. While this was beneficial for the first few years, eventually eating in the dining room caused extra stress for Norma, so they decided she would eat dinner in their apartment with a caregiver, which made her feel more comfortable. Donald felt it was important for his own mental health to continue to go out and do things like eating in the dining room. Even though it was a little awkward at first going there without Norma, he got used to it and this change turned out to be helpful for both of them. He says that having the extra support from a caregiver has been a gift to him. Not only does he have the peace of mind that Norma is in good hands, but he can continue to focus on taking care of himself, including going to the gym, eating healthfully, and getting adequate sleep. In fact, he said maintaining good health is equally important for the family care giver as it is the person who needs the care, so family can be there for their loved one as their health declines and not feel overwhelmed and burned out.
3. Caregivers are professionals. More than an aide or caregiver, Donald remarked how he likes to use the term Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) when describing the people who support Norma. He said that referencing the professional license the caregiver holds signifies that they have the proper training, were approved by a responsible body, and they can help you. Above all, it provides a sense of comfort for you and your loved ones. Whether it’s an extra set of hands around the house or companionship, caregivers can help out in many ways, making them invaluable.
4. Finding the right caregiver match is critical but it takes time. While Donald said the three caregivers who support Norma now all do a terrific job, it took time to build chemistry, and it’s important to be patient. He said matching the temperament and personality of a caregiver with Norma was more than a skill, and it won’t always be the right fit at first. He explained that over time, caregivers can develop an intimate relationship with the person they are caring for and, often times, they may know how to care for that person better than family members, which should be seen as a significant benefit. In fact, Donald said how he has seen many caregivers develop such close bonds with their clients that they become like family members. At the same time, he also shared how the relationship is a two-way street between the person responsible for arranging the care for their loved one and the caregiver. In this regard, Donald mentioned how when he gives instructions to his wife’s caregivers, they of course will listen to him but, on many occasions, he would ask them if there was a better way to do something. He explained how this kind of feedback not only was beneficial to him and Norma but also the caregiver who would feel validated that their skills and input are valued.
5. Home care provides enormous value. Upon reflecting on his and Norma’s experience, Donald emphasized how beneficial having caregiver support has been for them. One example he provided was how they moved into a senior living community just prior to when the COVID-19 pandemic began, which was a scary and challenging time, but he came to realize how well trained their caregivers were. Not only were the caregivers able to support Norma during this time, but they were all equipped with the appropriate personal protective equipment, which was provided to them by Family & Nursing Care Select, and they were always up to date on the latest guidelines and recommendations as the pandemic evolved, which helped put him at ease. Further, Donald explained how he didn’t realize the richness and breadth of the services provided by Family & Nursing Care – when you work with us, you’re getting more than just a caregiver, you’re getting an entire organization with many people working behind the scenes to ensure seamless support.

The final insight Donald shared was that the sooner he was able to accept that there was nothing he could do to improve Norma’s health the better it was for him emotionally. It took him some time to arrive at this conclusion, but he said once he did – combined with having the extra help of a caregiver – it was a tremendous weight off him.

The Family & Nursing Care Difference

Family & Nursing Care is one of the oldest and most well-respected home care resources in the Mid-Atlantic region. Since 1968, we’ve helped tens of thousands of older adults and their families by providing access to a network of more than 1,500 caregivers who can assist with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, mobility assistance, errands, meal prep, light housekeeping, medication reminders, companionship, and more. To learn more about how home care can help you live your fullest, independent life at home, call us at 800-588-0517 or visit the Contact page on our website.

With 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 each day according to the Census Bureau, the sandwich generation – adults who care for their aging parents while still raising their own children – has grown to nearly 80 million people in the United States. And with nearly 90% of adults over the age of 65 preferring to age in place, this has meant that caring for older adults has fallen on the shoulders of the sandwich generation more than ever before.

The Sandwich Generation Evolution

The term sandwich generation was first coined in the 1980s to describe women in their 30s and 40s who were sandwiched between aging parents and young children. Over time, it has evolved to describe anyone who is responsible for caring for two generations at the same time, regardless of gender or age. Today, this group is shifting from Generation X to Millennials, and the COVID-19 pandemic has led to more men taking an active role in caregiving duties. Other factors that have impacted sandwich generations include more two-income households, higher divorce rates, and economic fluctuations.

The sandwich generation often provides assistance in many ways, including daily activities, medical care, finances, and emotional support for both their parents and children. This can create financial and emotional stress, which is why it’s important to prioritize self-care. Thankfully, there are options like home care that can help ease the burden of caring for aging parents.

“While the concept of the sandwich generation is not new, the pressure has never been greater on individuals who need to care for family members of all ages,” says Mitch Markowitz, Vice President of Business Development at Family & Nursing Care. “That’s where home care can make a big difference by providing older adults with personalized, daily living support to help them maintain their independence at home, while offering respite and peace of mind to their children that they are being taken care of when they are not there.”

The Impact of Home Care

For adult children who may not have the extra time to care for their aging parents on top of their other responsibilities like raising children and working a full-time job, home care provides many practical benefits, including:

• Keeping loved ones out of the hospital. Research shows that when people can 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 them to get the rest and recovery they need.
• Providing peace of mind. The average family caregiver spends more than 20 hours per week caring for their loved one at home. Home care services are an ideal solution for the sandwich generation and older adults who need help with daily living activities but can’t always rely on family members to maintain their independence. Caregivers can help with transportation to medical appointments, mobility around the home, medication reminders, and more.
• Improving mental health. A strong social life has been linked to many benefits for older adults, including a longer life expectancy, fewer health conditions and improved well-being. As we age, it can become harder to maintain the same levels of social connectedness. That’s where caregivers can play an important role by offering companionship, friendship, and warm conversation.
• Giving people more time to do what they love. As we age, it’s normal for activities to take a bit longer than they used to, and home care services can help ensure the tasks of daily living don’t keep older adults from enjoying the activities that matter most. Whether it’s putting away groceries, hanging clothes in the closet, or staying up to date on the latest technology, caregivers can help older adults complete tasks around the house safely and more efficiently, so they can spend more time focusing on their favorite pastimes.

The Family & Nursing Care Difference

With the sandwich generation continuing to grow and more being put on their plates, Family & Nursing Care stands ready to support families and reduce their physical and mental load. As one of the oldest home care resources in the Mid-Atlantic region, we’ve made it our mission to help older adults live their fullest independent lives in the comfort of their own homes. Here’s some of what sets us apart:

• For 55 years and counting, we’ve assisted tens of thousands of families by providing access to caregivers who help with activities of daily living, including bathing, dressing, mobility assistance, errands, meal prep, light housekeeping, medication reminders, companionship, and more.
• Our longstanding relationships with hospitals, senior living communities, skilled nursing facilities, and long-term care insurance companies allow us to liaise in the coordination of what can often be an overwhelming process for clients and families. Whether it’s coordinating home care when a sudden need arises or supporting families following a hospital discharge, our team stands ready to support them 24/7, 365 days a year.
• Only the top 8% of Caregivers who apply meet our unwavering standards of excellence, ensuring every Caregiver we work with is the best-of-the-best.
• Given Family & Nursing Care’s record as an A+ rated company by the Better Business Bureau and a Circle of Excellence recipient by the National Business Research Institute, it’s no wonder why more than 25% of Family & Nursing Care employees have been with the company for over 10 years.

To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s leading home care services, visit the Why Us? page on our website.

Savannah Staubs joined the Family & Nursing Care team in January 2022 as a Client Services Manager Associate before being promoted to Client Services Manager this past summer. She has also been an integral part of Family & Nursing Care’s Nights & Weekends team for the past two years. In addition to her other responsibilities, Savannah supports the clients and families at the following Maryland-based Senior Living Communities: Brooke Grove Retirement Village in Olney, Asbury Methodist Village in Gaithersburg, and Wilshire Estates Gracious Retirement Living in Silver Spring.

With a background in case management for youth involved in the foster care system, as well as teaching and mentorship, Savannah has brought this experience to her current role where she strives to make an impact on clients and help guide them through some of the most difficult times in their lives. Known by clients for being conscientious, a great listener, and detail oriented, Savannah is committed to an elevated level of customer service through empathy, guidance, and compassion tailored to each person.

A graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in Sociology, Savannah enjoys spending her free time making pottery, drawing, and going to concerts.

At Family & Nursing Care, our team of highly trained Client Service Managers serve as liaisons, educators, listeners, and problem solvers to help meet clients’ needs every step of the way. They are responsible for communicating with clients, families, and healthcare professionals, while working in tandem with Care Coordinating Managers to match the right Caregiver to each client. To learn more about how our team can help, visit our Client Services Managers webpage.

One of Family & Nursing Care’s guiding values is to respect and recognize Caregivers. The cornerstone of our Caregiver appreciation and engagement program is our annual Caregiver Appreciation Picnic.

On Tuesday, June 11, 2024, close to 500 participants, including Caregivers and some of their young children, and Family & Nursing Care staff, gathered at Smokey Glen Farm in Gaithersburg, MD, for the annual Caregiver Appreciation Picnic. Between the amazing BBQ food, traditional West African dishes, and ice cream served, the music, video booth, face painting, games, caregiver gifts, cash raffles, and more, a great time was had by all!

The sunny weather made it a beautiful day to gather outside and show our appreciation for Caregivers for all that they do each and every day!

At Family & Nursing Care, our mission is to help older adults age with dignity and comfort. This commitment extends to every aspect of our work, especially through the Family & Nursing Care Foundation. Since 2008, the Foundation has been a beacon of hope for lower-income adults, providing essential funding to organizations that offer home care services, while also investing in the future of caregiving by supporting aspiring Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs).

This year, thanks to the unwavering support of our donors and community, the Family & Nursing Care Foundation, which operates as a fund of the Greater Washington Community Foundation, is thrilled to announce it will be awarding $60,000 in grants to local organizations dedicated to making home care accessible to those in need. The recipients of the 2024 grant cycle include:

• $20,000 to Home Care Partners
• $20,000 to Community Reach of Montgomery County
• $20,000 to the Jewish Social Service Agency (JSSA)

These grants will provide over 7,000 hours of comprehensive home care services, ensuring that more low-income seniors can safely remain in their homes with the care they need.

In addition to these grants, the Family & Nursing Care Foundation is proud to continue its commitment to nurturing the next generation of caregivers through our scholarship fund. Established in partnership with Montgomery College, this $50,000 fund supports students pursuing their CNA license. Each year, $10,000 is awarded to deserving candidates who require financial assistance, helping them achieve their dreams and contribute to the future of home care.

“With the aging population growing rapidly, the need for quality home care and skilled caregivers has never been more critical,” says Sandy Kursban, Founder of Family & Nursing Care and Chair of the Family & Nursing Care Foundation. “The Family & Nursing Care Foundation is committed to helping solve this challenge by empowering low-income seniors to access the care they need and by supporting the education of future CNAs who will play a crucial role in our community. We are incredibly proud to continue this vital work for our 16th year and look forward to seeing the positive impact of these grants for many years to come.”

To learn more about the stories of those who have benefited from the Family & Nursing Care Foundation’s work or to make a donation to support next year’s grant cycle, please visit the Family & Nursing Care Foundation webpage.

As the holiday season approaches, it’s time to start planning for your care needs. Whether you are hosting family at home or joining the millions of people traveling, managing a care plan for yourself or a loved one shouldn’t add to your holiday stress. Family & Nursing Care is here to help ensure the smooth planning and execution of your care plan during this festive time of year.

Planning Ahead for the Holidays

Finding caregivers during the busy holiday season can be challenging. “With the holiday season right around the corner, families often face the dual challenges of managing travel plans and ensuring the safety and well-being of older loved ones. The higher demand for caregivers during this time, coupled with unpredictable winter weather which can make traveling more difficult in addition to increasing the risk of fall-related injuries for older adults, can create additional stress for families,” explains Kelly Ann Sharp, Director of Client Services at Family & Nursing Care. “Our priority is to provide seamless support so that families can focus on enjoying the holidays, knowing their loved ones are in good hands.”

Family & Nursing Care, with its 24/7/365 days-a-year support, is always ready to assist, regardless of the time of year. However, it’s never too early to begin evaluating and planning for holiday care needs. To ensure the best possible support, Sharp and fellow Director of Client Services, Natalie Blickman, recommend reaching out to your Client Services Manager as soon as your holiday plans are set.

Tailoring Care to Your Needs

Home care is never one-size-fits-all. During the intake process, Client Services Managers work closely with clients and their families to determine the best level of care and services for the holiday season.

Some clients may prefer to continue their regular services on specified holidays, while others may need extra support during this busy time. Examples of holiday-specific care include:

• Overnight support while a primary caregiver is out of town
• Mobility or companionship assistance during family gatherings
• Transportation to and from holiday events
• Assistance with packing for travel
• Support with seasonal traditions, such as mailing holiday cards or preparing special recipes
• Companionship to ensure your loved one isn’t alone

“The holiday season should be a time of joy, not stress, but balancing travel plans and caregiving can sometimes feel overwhelming,” says Sharp “Our goal is to take the stress out of it, so families can not only have the peace of mind that comes with having the support of a Caregiver who feels like family, but so they can enjoy these special moments to the fullest.”

Getting Started

To arrange home care services during the holidays, current clients should contact their Client Services Manager, who will review unique care requests and answer any questions before scheduling care.

The holidays are also a time when many older adults consider starting home care services for the first time. As Blickman notes, “Holiday gatherings often highlight the ways in which an older family member could benefit from additional support. Whether it’s daily living assistance or companionship, our team is here to help.”

New clients can get started by calling Family & Nursing Care at 800-588-0517 to connect with a Client Services Manager. The intake process includes a series of questions to help match clients with the best Caregiver for their needs.

To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s holiday services and 24/7/365 support, visit the Home Care Services or Contact Us webpages.

As we observe World Mental Health Day on October 10, it is crucial to highlight the increasing need for mental health awareness and support among older adults. With the global population aging rapidly, an estimated 1.4 billion people – or one in six – will be 60 years old or older by 2030. This demographic shift brings both opportunities and challenges, especially as it relates to mental health.

Many older adults remain in good health, but as they age, they face heightened risks for mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety. These issues are often compounded by physical health challenges, including reduced mobility, chronic pain, frailty, and dementia. Addressing these mental health issues is critically important when it comes to helping seniors lead fulfilling and dignified lives.

World Mental Health Day serves as a vital opportunity to raise awareness about these issues and promote actions that can improve the mental well-being of older adults. Just as June’s Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month emphasized the need for greater understanding and resources for cognitive diseases, October’s focus on mental health highlights the broader spectrum of emotional support required for our aging population.

“On World Mental Health Day, it’s crucial to recognize that mental well-being is as essential as physical health for older adults, though often overlooked,” says Kelly Salb, Vice President of Client Services for Family & Nursing Care. “At Family & Nursing Care, we are committed to providing older adults and their families access to high-quality care, companionship, and daily living assistance, ensuring that seniors not only have their physical needs met but also their emotional and psychological needs.”

The Family & Nursing Care Difference

Family & Nursing Care is a longtime leader in providing access to best-in-class care for older adults. We understand the unique mental health challenges of seniors and offer specialized home care services to address them as best as possible. Our network of professionally certified Caregivers has extensive experience supporting clients’ overall well-being, including:

• Companionship Services: Social isolation and loneliness can significantly affect mental health. Companionship services – which range from assistance with normal routines and taking a walk to providing company at mealtime and accompanying on appointments – provide meaningful interaction and emotional support, helping seniors stay engaged and connected. By fostering relationships and offering regular social contact, professional caregivers can help reduce feelings of loneliness and improve mental well-being.
• Mobility Assistance: Physical limitations can exacerbate mental health issues. Mobility assistance services – including help getting up, walking, transferring into or out of bed, and range of motion exercises – help seniors maintain their independence and participate in activities that enhance their quality of life. This support not only aids in physical mobility but also contributes to mental health by encouraging a more active and connected lifestyle.

World Mental Health Day is an important occasion to reflect on the mental health needs of older adults and consider how we can make a difference. Whether through home care services or by offering support to loved ones, every effort contributes to a more supportive environment for seniors. To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s leading home care services, visit our Mobility Assistance and Companionship webpages.