Author: Risa Margulies

World Mental Health Day: Living with Purpose at Every Age

Posted on by Risa Margulies

On October 10, the world comes together to recognize World Mental Health Day, a time to reflect on the importance of mental well-being for people of all ages. With more than 1.4 billion people expected to be 60 or older by 2030, it is critical to acknowledge the unique mental health needs of older adults — and highlight the opportunities that come with aging.

The Connection Between Purpose and Mental Well-Being

While getting older may bring new challenges such as reduced mobility, chronic pain, or memory changes, it can also bring renewed purpose, joy, and deep personal fulfillment. Studies have consistently shown that having a sense of purpose is one of the most powerful factors for improving mental health. For older adults, this can mean:

  • Staying engaged in hobbies or creative outlets
  • Strengthening bonds with family and friends
  • Maintaining daily routines that bring structure and joy
  • Volunteering and supporting causes they are passionate about

Living with purpose helps older adults feel valued, connected, and empowered, which in turn supports both emotional and physical health.

The Role of Caregivers in Supporting Purpose

At Family & Nursing Care, we recognize that caregivers are essential partners in helping older adults live with purpose. Caregivers provide far more than assistance with daily activities, they also:

  • Offer companionship that nurtures meaningful conversations and connections.
  • Encourage engagement in activities and interests that bring happiness.
  • Support mobility and independence, making it easier for clients to participate in the things that matter most to them.
  • Create a sense of routine and stability that fosters comfort and peace of mind.

In many ways, caregivers help ensure that clients continue to experience fulfillment each day, even as life circumstances change.

Building a Future of Healthy Aging

Family & Nursing Care is committed to supporting older adults in living with meaning and dignity. To learn more about how caregivers can help clients maintain independence, engagement, and connection, visit our Mobility Assistance and Companionship webpages.

 

 

Return-to-Office Trends are Reshaping Caregiving at Home

Posted on by Risa Margulies

Across the country, the workplace is changing once again. Many companies — including federal agencies and private employers — are requiring employees to return to the office, either full time or on a hybrid schedule. For families who have been balancing work-from-home flexibility with caregiving responsibilities, this shift can create a ripple effect in their daily routines.

If you’ve been able to check in on an aging parent during lunch breaks or provide hands-on help throughout the day, the return to an in-office schedule may raise important questions:

  • Who will be there during the day?
  • Are current care arrangements still meeting your loved one’s needs?
  • Will schedules or levels of support need to change?

At Family & Nursing Care, we understand that life circumstances evolve — and your home care plan should evolve with them. Whether you need to extend care hours, modify schedules, or increase support, our team can respond quickly to ensure your loved one continues receiving the highest level of personalized care, even as your own workday changes.

“Life is full of transitions, and we want families to know we’re here for them in every situation,” said Kelly Salb, Vice President, Client Services. “Whether it’s adjusting to a return-to-office schedule or coming home from the hospital, our goal is for families to feel confident knowing we can adapt care as their needs change — so their loved one is always safe, comfortable, and supported at home.”

Every family’s situation is unique, and there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to navigating these changes. That’s why our team works closely with you to reassess needs, adapt schedules, and ensure you have the right support to meet your evolving circumstances.

If you’re facing a return to the office and wondering how it will impact your caregiving arrangements, we’re here to help you create a plan that works for everyone.

To learn more about our flexible services and how we can support your family during this or any transition, visit our Home Care Services webpage.

Caregiving Shines a Spotlight on America’s Care Crisis

Posted on by Risa Margulies

A powerful new PBS documentary, Caregiving, executive produced by Bradley Cooper, brings national attention to an often overlooked yet essential part of life in America: the care we provide for our loved ones. Through moving stories of both professional and unpaid family caregivers, the film reveals the emotional, physical, and financial challenges that come with caregiving — and the profound impact it has on families, communities, and our country as a whole.

The Growing Demand for Care

With 10,000 people turning 65 every day, and more than 5 million paid caregivers working in private homes and senior living communities across the U.S., the demand for high-quality care is rapidly growing. At the same time, between 53 million and 105 million adults — along with an estimated 5.4 million children — are providing unpaid care for family and friends. Caregiving sheds light on the fact that while the need for care is universal, the infrastructure to support it is still far from adequate.

“Caregiving is at the heart of what makes our communities strong,” says Sherry Peach-Walker, Vice President of Human Resources at Family & Nursing Care. “This documentary is a powerful reminder that behind every statistic is a person — someone’s parent, spouse, or child — and that the work caregivers do every day is nothing short of extraordinary.”

Lessons from History

From the disability rights movement of the 1970s to the national spotlight during the COVID-19 pandemic, Caregiving traces how our country’s care systems have evolved — and the moments in history when they have fallen short. It highlights the resilience of caregivers who, despite systemic gaps, step up to ensure their loved ones can live with dignity and comfort.

How Family & Nursing Care Lives These Values

At Family & Nursing Care, these stories resonate deeply. For over 57 years, the company has been committed to providing access to caregivers that enable older adults to age safely in the place they love most — their own home. Whether it’s with daily activities, specialized dementia support, or companionship, professional caregivers make independence possible.

A Call for a Stronger Care Infrastructure

The documentary also calls for a stronger care infrastructure — one that includes fair wages for care workers and resources that help families navigate the caregiving journey. These are values we share at Family & Nursing Care, where caregivers are celebrated and supported to deliver the highest level of care.

We encourage you to watch Caregiving and share it with others to help keep the conversation going. The more we talk about caregiving, the closer we get to building the systems and support networks we all need. To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s leading services, contact us or visit our Home Care Services webpage.

 

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.