Category: Blogs

The Impact of Caregiving on Family Caregivers

Posted on by Risa Margulies

With an estimated 48 million people in the U.S. taking care of adult relatives or friends and 61% working fulltime while caregiving, it comes as no surprise that these people are having trouble balancing their competing responsibilities. What’s more, the sandwich generation – adults who care for their parents while still raising their own children – is growing faster than ever, putting increased pressure on individuals caring for family members of all ages, whether it’s assisting with daily activities, medical care, finances, and emotional support.

Combatting the Strain on Family Caregivers

Fortunately, there is greater recognition of the strain that caregiving can have on families, and industries are beginning to come up with new ways to help ease the burden. For example, some employers are starting to expand their benefits to help with elder care. According to a recent Mercer survey of companies with 500 or more employees, 34% currently offer or plan to offer within the next year elder care referrals or consultations; 20% offer access to back up elder care services; 17% offer concierge caregiver support; 16% offer care coordination navigation services; and 14% offer elder care leave. Not only will these benefits help keep workers in their jobs longer, but it acknowledges the important role of caregiving.

At the same time, there also are tried-and-true methods to help family caregivers, like home care. Not only can home care make a big difference by providing older adults with personalized, daily living support to help them maintain their independence at home, but it can offer respite to family members that their loved ones are being taken care of when they are not there.

The Impact of Home Care on Family Caregivers

Home care provides many practical benefits for family members 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, 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 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 is 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 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. Later in life, it can become harder to maintain the same levels of social connectedness that was once had. 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 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 or hanging clothes in the closet, 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

Family & Nursing Care stands ready to support families and reduce their physical and mental load. As one of the most well-respected 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. For more than 56 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 tasks, 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.

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

 

 

 

What Observation Status Means for Patients and How Family & Nursing Care Can Help

Posted on by Risa Margulies

Imagine a family member goes to the hospital for a routine outpatient procedure. During the visit, your loved one encounters some unexpected complications, like their blood pressure rising or the doctor discovers something else during the procedure, and the hospital decides to keep your family member overnight for additional testing and monitoring. While many might think this person has been admitted as an inpatient, this person may actually be put on “observation status.”

Why Does Observation Status Matter?

The distinction between inpatient versus observation status can have a significant impact. Financially, for patients on Medicare, they are considered outpatients when on observation status, meaning there may be greater copays and other uncovered out of pocket expenses. Further, since outpatient status is not considered a hospital admission, this means patients won’t qualify to go to a rehab facility following their hospital stay. Only those formally admitted for three overnights are covered by Medicare for follow up care in a skilled nursing facility. Yet, these patients who were put on observation status may still require support at home, especially since the first 48 hours after discharge from a hospital are critical to their safety and health. That’s where home care can make all the difference.

Enter Family & Nursing Care

Regardless of status, Family & Nursing Care helps patients receive the crucial care they need as they transition home from the hospital. During the first 48 hours post discharge, when there is the most confusion and misunderstanding of needs and instructions and there are often delays in the start of Medicare or Medicaid services, there is a dramatic difference in successful transitioning between patients who utilize home care services and those who do not.

As a regional leader in providing access to compassionate and reliable home care services since 1968, Family & Nursing Care’s Hospital to Home program helps ease the transition for patients after a hospital stay in the following ways:

  • Easy and quick access to experienced and compassionate caregivers can provide clients a safe and comfortable environment for recovery at home.
  • Family & Nursing Care liaisons are available to visit with patients and their families while the patient is still in the hospital to help them understand their options for coverage and care at home.
  • Support can be obtained on a short-term basis to help with the transition home or on a longer-term basis as needed.
  • No up-front deposits or long-term commitments are required.

Family & Nursing Care is always willing and ready to help people even at a moment’s notice when they leave the hospital. With responsive and supportive staff and access to compassionate and reliable caregivers, Family & Nursing Care can truly make a positive difference in older adults’ lives while offering their families peace of mind.

The Family & Nursing Care Difference

With 75% of Family & Nursing Care clients needing in-home care within 48 hours, we pride ourselves on being nimble enough to get a caregiver in the door within that immediate timeframe. These caregivers can help in many ways, including:

  • Managing tasks of daily living, such as errands, medication pick-up, groceries, meal preparation, bathing, dressing and support for those who may be at risk for a fall, as well as helping clients digest all the information thrown at them upon discharge from the hospital.
  • Assisting with specific client needs by ensuring they adhere to a special diet, practicing breathing techniques and required exercises, reminding them to take medications on time, and more.
  • Using their knowledge and to recognize “red flag” symptoms, such as edema, shortness of breath, and fever.

The bottom line is regardless of whether a patient is on observation status or considered inpatient, when they are discharged from the hospital, Family & Nursing Care stands ready to provide the resources needed to help them recover in the comfort of their own home because when hospital readmission statistics are lowered, everyone benefits.

To learn more about how Family & Nursing Care can help clients with their transition home from the hospital, visit the Home Care Services page on our website.

 

 

 

 

 

The Role of Home Care in Supporting Older Adults with Pneumonia

Posted on by dcadmin

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

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

How Home Care Can Help Older Adults Recover from Pneumonia

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

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

Family & Nursing Care: Trusted Pneumonia Recovery Support

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

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

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

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

How Home Care Can Help Older Adults Combat Depression and Isolation

Posted on by dcadmin

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The Importance of Home Care for Older Adults with Heart Disease or Recovering from a Heart Attack

Posted on by dcadmin

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

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

How Home Care Supports Recovery from Heart Disease and Heart Attacks

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

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

Family & Nursing Care: Expert Support for Heart Disease Management

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

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

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

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

Perfect 10: Family & Nursing Care Remains the Best of Bethesda

Posted on by Risa Margulies

After a joyous holiday season, Family & Nursing Care is excited to continue the celebrations into the new year by announcing a significant milestone: for the 10th time, our company has earned the distinction of “Best In-Home Care Service” in Bethesda Magazine’s annual Best of Bethesda Readers’ Poll! For us, this award is especially meaningful because it was voted on by people in our community.

“At Family & Nursing Care, nothing is more important to us than the positive experiences of our clients, and this award reflects our enduring commitment to enhancing the quality of life of older adults,” said Jeff Zukerman, President of Family & Nursing Care. “We’re proud to offer access to compassionate and reliable home care services year after year, and our gratitude goes out to the families who continue to place their trust in our team to take care of them and their loved ones.”

From things to do and places to eat to service providers and more, each year local feature and lifestyle publication Bethesda Magazine encourages readers to identify the best of all that Bethesda and its surrounding areas have to offer. The Best of Bethesda awards allow locals to highlight companies within the community that are benefiting the local economy, offering quality customer experiences to neighbors, and continuing to make Montgomery County a beautiful, quality place to call home.

For more than 56 years, Family & Nursing Care has helped tens of thousands of families by providing access to caregivers who assist older adults with their needs – whether it’s daily living support, companionship, mobility assistance, disease-specific care, and more. Clients like Phyllis Ross know firsthand the difference this care makes. “My caregiver knows when I need an arm around my shoulder or when I need to be alone listening to music or reading a book – she truly has wonderful instincts and feels like a member of my family,” said Phyllis.

As we celebrate this incredible achievement, we would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to clients, caregivers, and professional partners for allowing our team to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve each year!

The Impact of Home Care Support on Older Adults with Parkinson’s Disease

Posted on by dcadmin

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

Understanding Parkinson’s Disease

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Posted on by dcadmin

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.