Category: Blogs

Family & Nursing Care Foundation Awards Annual Grants to Strengthen Access to Home Care

Posted on by Risa Margulies

Access to quality home care can make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults, helping them remain safe, independent, and connected to their communities. Yet for many individuals and families, financial barriers can make receiving that care more difficult.

Since 2008, the Family & Nursing Care Foundation has helped bridge that gap by awarding grants to local nonprofit organizations that provide home care assistance and supportive services to lower-income older adults. Through these annual grants, the Foundation strives to help more individuals age safely and comfortably at home.

$60,000 Awarded to Local Organizations

Thanks to the generosity of our donors and the dedication of our community partners, as well as Family & Nursing Care’s own contributions, the Family & Nursing Care Foundation – a fund of the Greater Washington Community Foundation – is awarding $60,000 in grants this year to the following organizations:

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

Together, these grants will provide more than 7,000 hours of home care for older adults in our community.

“The Foundation was created with a simple but powerful purpose – to ensure more older adults have access to the care and support they need to remain safely at home,” says Sandy Kursban, Founder of Family & Nursing Care and Chair of the Family & Nursing Care Foundation. “By partnering with organizations that share this commitment, we’re able to extend our impact beyond the families we serve directly and help strengthen the communities we call home.”

Investing in the Next Generation of Caregivers

In addition to supporting community organizations, the Family & Nursing Care Foundation continues to invest in the future of the caregiving profession through a $50,000 scholarship fund established in partnership with Montgomery College. Each year, $10,000 in scholarships is awarded to students pursuing their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) license who have demonstrated both financial need and a passion for caregiving.

As demand for home care continues to grow, supporting the next generation of compassionate, skilled caregivers is essential to ensuring older adults have access to high-quality care for the future.

Click here to donate to support the important work of the Family & Nursing Care Foundation. To learn more about the Family & Nursing Care Foundation, read stories from those who have benefited from its work, or find out how you can support its mission, visit the Family & Nursing Care Foundation webpage.

Why People Living with Parkinson’s Need Specialized Care in Maryland

Posted on by dcadmin

Parkinson’s disease affects every person differently, but one aspect remains true across every stage of the disease: specialized care can make a meaningful difference. As Parkinson’s progresses, changes in mobility, balance, speech, cognition, and daily routines can make everyday activities more challenging. These unique symptoms often require caregivers with the experience and patience to adapt as needs change.

Parkinson’s Symptoms Can Change from Day to Day

Unlike some chronic conditions, Parkinson’s symptoms are not always predictable. A person may feel relatively independent one day and need significantly more support the next. Medication schedules, fatigue, stress, and disease progression can all affect how symptoms present.

Symptoms may include tremors, muscle stiffness and rigidity, slowed movement, balance and walking difficulties, freezing episodes, changes in speech and swallowing, and cognitive changes. Because these symptoms fluctuate, caregivers must recognize changing needs and adjust their approach throughout the day.

Medication Timing Is Critical in Maryland Parkinson’s Disease Care

One of the most important aspects of Parkinson’s disease care in Maryland is medication management. Many Parkinson’s medications must be taken at precise times to maximize their effectiveness. Even small delays can lead to increased stiffness, slower movement, or difficulty performing everyday tasks.

Professional caregivers understand the importance of timely medication reminders and can coordinate daily activities around periods when medications are working most effectively.

Reducing Fall Risk Requires Specialized Parkinson’s Home Care in Maryland

People living with Parkinson’s have a significantly higher risk of falls due to balance problems, shuffling gait, muscle rigidity, and freezing episodes. Experienced caregivers can help reduce these risks by:

Preventing falls not only helps avoid injuries but also allows individuals to remain more confident and active in their own homes.

Supporting Independence While Providing the Right Level of Help

One of the goals of specialized Parkinson’s care in Maryland is not to do everything for someone, but to provide assistance that helps them remain as independent as possible.
Experienced caregivers understand that allowing extra time for dressing, eating, or moving from one room to another can preserve confidence and encourage continued participation in daily life. Rather than rushing tasks, they provide the right balance of support and encouragement, helping individuals maintain dignity while receiving the assistance they need.

Caring for the Whole Person with In-Home Care in Maryland

Parkinson’s affects more than physical movement. Many individuals also experience changes in mood, sleep, communication, and social engagement.

Caregivers can provide companionship, emotional support, and meaningful interaction that can reduce feelings of isolation. They also communicate with family members about changes they observe, helping everyone stay informed as care needs evolve.

Specialized Care Benefits Maryland Families, Too

Family caregivers often devote countless hours to helping a loved one manage Parkinson’s disease. Over time, the physical and emotional demands can become overwhelming.

Working with professional caregivers who understand Parkinson’s allows family members to step back from constant caregiving responsibilities while remaining actively involved in their loved one’s care, supported by flexible home care services in Maryland that adapt as the disease progresses.

Finding the Right Parkinson’s Disease Care in Maryland

Every Parkinson’s journey is different, and care should reflect each individual’s unique needs, preferences, and stage of the disease. Choosing caregivers with experience supporting people living with Parkinson’s can help improve safety, preserve independence, and enhance quality of life for both the individual and their family.

If your loved one is living with Parkinson’s disease, Family & Nursing Care can help.

Learn more about our Home Care and Parkinson’s Disease in Maryland services or contact us to discuss your family’s needs and how specialized care can help your loved one remain safe, comfortable, and independent at home.

How to Know If Your Parent Needs 4 Hours, 8 Hours, or 24/7 Care in Maryland

Posted on by dcadmin

One of the most common questions families ask when exploring home care in Maryland is, “How many hours of care does my parent actually need?” It’s an important question because too little support can put an older adult at risk, while more care than necessary may not be the right fit for their needs or budget.

The answer depends on your loved one’s health, mobility, cognitive abilities, daily routine, and the support already available from family and friends. Fortunately, home care is flexible. As needs change, care hours can be adjusted to provide the right level of support.
Here are some signs that can help you estimate the level of care that may be appropriate and recognize when it may be time to increase or decrease support.

When 4 Hours of Maryland Home Care May Be Enough

For many older adults, a few hours of assistance each day or several days a week provides exactly the support they need to continue living independently at home. A shorter caregiver shift may be appropriate if your parent:

  • Needs help with bathing, dressing, or grooming
  • Could benefit from meal preparation or grocery shopping
  • Needs medication reminders
  • Has stopped driving and requires transportation to appointments
  • Needs light housekeeping or laundry assistance

This level of care often works well for seniors who are largely independent but need help with a few activities of daily living. It can also provide family caregivers with regular breaks while ensuring their loved one has consistent companionship and support.

When 8 Hours of Home Care in Montgomery County May Be Appropriate

As health conditions progress or daily routines become more difficult, a longer caregiving shift may provide the right balance of independence and supervision. Your parent may benefit from eight hours of care if they:

  • Need assistance throughout most of the day
  • Have difficulty walking safely or are at increased risk for falls
  • Experience memory loss or confusion that makes it unsafe to be alone for extended periods
  • Are recovering from surgery, hospitalization, or a stroke
  • Have a chronic condition such as Parkinson’s disease, dementia, or heart failure that requires more consistent support

Eight-hour shifts allow caregivers to assist with daily routines while providing reassurance that someone is available throughout the day.

When 24/7 Home Care in Maryland May Be Needed

Some older adults eventually reach a point where continuous supervision is the safest option. This does not necessarily mean they require skilled nursing care, but they do need someone available around the clock to respond to changing needs. Signs that 24/7 care may be appropriate include:

  • Frequent falls or an inability to walk safely without assistance
  • Wandering or significant cognitive impairment
  • Difficulty getting to the bathroom independently, especially overnight
  • Advanced mobility limitations that require regular repositioning or transfers
  • Complex medical conditions that require ongoing monitoring
  • Caregiver exhaustion or burnout within the family

Around-the-clock care provides continuous support while easing the burden on family members who have been trying to coordinate care on their own.

Care Needs Can Change Over Time

One of the biggest misconceptions about home care in Maryland and Washington, DC is that families must choose one schedule and stick with it. In reality, care needs often evolve.
Someone recovering from a surgery or illness may initially need significant or 24/7 care before transitioning to fewer hours as they recover. Others living with progressive conditions may gradually require more support over time. Regularly reassessing care needs helps ensure your loved one receives the right level of assistance.

Finding the Right Level of Disease Specific Care in Maryland

Every family’s situation is different. The goal isn’t simply to choose a number of caregiving hours. It’s to create a care plan that promotes safety, independence, and quality of life while giving families confidence that their loved one has the support they need.
At Family & Nursing Care, we help families assess their loved one’s unique needs and connect them with experienced caregivers who can provide flexible care ranging from a few hours a day to around-the-clock support. Whether your loved one is recovering from an illness or living with a chronic condition, we can help you find a care schedule that fits today and can adapt as needs change.

To learn more about our services, contact us to speak with a member of our team or explore our Disease Specific Care webpage.

Depression After Losing a Spouse: Why Hired Companionship Isn’t “Giving Up”

Posted on by dcadmin

Losing a spouse changes nearly every part of daily life. Beyond the profound grief that follows such a loss, many older adults experience loneliness, social isolation, or even depression as they adjust to life on their own. Daily conversations disappear, familiar routines change, and the home that once felt full of life can suddenly feel overwhelmingly quiet.

For many adult children, watching a widowed parent struggle can be heartbreaking. They often want to help but may feel guilty suggesting companion care, worrying that their loved one will see it as replacing a spouse or giving up their independence.

In reality, accepting companionship is not a sign of giving up. It is a meaningful way to stay connected, maintain emotional well-being, and continue living independently at home.

Grief and Depression Are Not Always the Same

Grieving after the loss of a spouse is a deeply personal process. While sadness and periods of withdrawal are common, some older adults experience depression or become increasingly socially isolated.

Families may notice changes such as withdrawing from friends or family, losing interest in favorite hobbies or activities, changes in sleep or appetite, declining motivation to leave the house, or increased feelings of hopelessness or loneliness. These changes can affect both emotional and physical health, making it harder for older adults to maintain routines, stay active, and enjoy daily life.

Why Families Often Hesitate to Suggest Home Care for Depression in Maryland

Many families wait a significant amount of time before exploring companion care. Some worry their loved one will feel offended or believe they are no longer capable of managing on their own. Others feel guilty that they cannot visit more often themselves.

These concerns are understandable. However, companion care is not about replacing family. Instead, it provides additional support that helps older adults continue living safely and comfortably while staying socially connected.

Many seniors initially resist the idea because they value their independence. Ironically, accepting a little help often allows them to remain independent longer.

How Companion Home Care for Depression Can Make a Difference

One of the greatest benefits of companion care is consistent human connection. Having a compassionate caregiver to share meals, conversations, or everyday activities with can help reduce feelings of isolation while encouraging older adults to remain engaged with the world around them.

Depending on an individual’s needs and interests, support from a professional caregiver may include:

  • Friendly conversation and meaningful companionship
  • Encouragement to maintain daily routines
  • Shared hobbies such as puzzles, gardening, baking, reading, or crafts
  • Accompaniment on walks, errands, or community outings
  • Assistance preparing meals and enjoying them together
  • Transportation to appointments or social activities
  • Light household support that creates a comfortable living environment

Sometimes, the smallest moments make the biggest impact. Looking through family photographs, watching a favorite movie, or simply enjoying a cup of coffee together can help brighten someone’s day and reduce feelings of loneliness.

Maryland Home Care for Depression Supports the Whole Family

Companion care can help fill the gaps when adult children live far away, balance work and caregiving responsibilities, or simply cannot be there every day. Knowing that a trusted caregiver is providing regular companionship can give families greater peace of mind while allowing visits with loved ones to focus more on enjoying time together rather than managing daily responsibilities.

For many widowed older adults, this additional support becomes an important source of comfort, routine, and connection.

A Small Step That Can Make a Big Difference

Accepting help after losing a spouse is not about giving up. It is about recognizing that everyone benefits from connection, companionship, and support during life’s most difficult transitions.

If someone you love seems increasingly isolated after the loss of a spouse, companion care may provide the encouragement and social interaction they need to regain confidence and reconnect with daily life.

To learn more about how Family & Nursing Care supports older adults experiencing depression or isolation, visit our Home Care and Depression/Isolation webpage or contact us to speak with our team.

My Parent Has Cancer and Lives Alone: Assessing Their Safety and Care Needs

Posted on by dcadmin

While your parent may be determined to maintain their independence, cancer and treatment can create new physical, emotional, and practical challenges that make living alone more difficult and, in some cases, unsafe.

Knowing what to look for can help you determine whether your loved one may benefit from additional cancer home care in Washington DC support at home through professional home care.

How Cancer Can Affect Daily Living

Cancer affects every person differently. Some older adults continue many of their normal routines during treatment, while others experience significant side effects that make everyday activities more challenging.

Depending on the type of cancer and treatment, your parent may experience fatigue or weakness that limits mobility, dizziness or balance problems that increase fall risk, pain that interferes with movement or sleep, or nausea, poor appetite, and dehydration. They may also have difficulty managing medications, face an increased risk of infection due to a weakened immune system, or experience changes in memory, concentration, or decision-making. This is especially true for older adults managing other health conditions alongside cancer.

Even routine tasks such as preparing meals, bathing, driving to appointments, or keeping up with household chores can become exhausting.

Questions to Help Assess Your Parent’s Safety

Take time to observe how your parent is managing day-to-day life. Consider asking yourself:

  • Are they eating regular, nutritious meals?
  • Are they taking medications correctly and on schedule?
  • Have they experienced any falls or close calls recently?
  • Is their home clean, organized, and free of safety hazards?
  • Are they able to bathe, dress, and care for themselves without assistance?
  • Are they keeping up with medical appointments and treatments?
  • Do they seem increasingly tired, confused, or withdrawn?
  • Are they becoming isolated from family and friends?

Any of these challenges individually or several warning signs together may indicate that additional support is needed. Families in Montgomery County who are noticing several of these signs often begin looking into home care for cancer seniors in DC services around this time.

The Emotional Impact of Living Alone During Cancer Treatment

Cancer affects far more than physical health. Many older adults experience anxiety, loneliness, frustration, or depression during treatment. Living alone can intensify these feelings, especially when everyday tasks become more difficult or friends and family cannot be there consistently.

Some individuals may hesitate to ask for help because they do not want to burden others or fear losing their independence. As a result, they may struggle quietly until a crisis occurs. Regular companionship and emotional support can be just as valuable as assistance with daily activities.

How Professional At Home Cancer Care Can Help

Professional caregivers can provide flexible support that allows many older adults to remain safely in the comfort of their own homes while receiving cancer treatment. This kind of at home cancer care for seniors Washington dc and DC home health for cancer patients support can include:

  • Assistance with bathing, dressing, and personal care
  • Meal preparation and help with nutrition
  • Medication reminders
  • Transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments
  • Light housekeeping and laundry
  • Fall prevention and mobility assistance
  • Companionship and emotional support
  • Respite for family caregivers

As your parent’s condition changes, care can often be adjusted to provide additional support when it is needed most.

Peace of Mind for the Entire Family

Supporting a parent through cancer can be emotionally challenging, especially when you cannot be with them every day. Knowing a trusted caregiver is checking in, helping with daily activities, and providing companionship can offer reassurance for both your loved one and your family.

If your parent has cancer and lives alone, now may be the right time to evaluate whether at-home cancer care for seniors in DC support could improve their safety, comfort, and quality of life.

Learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s specialized home care services for individuals with cancer by visiting our Washington DC Home Care and Cancer webpage or contact us to discuss your family’s needs and see how we can help.

Hospital Discharge After Pneumonia: Why Your Parent May Not Be Ready to Live Alone

Posted on by dcadmin

When an older adult is discharged from the hospital after pneumonia, families often feel relieved that the worst is over. However, leaving the hospital does not necessarily mean a full recovery has been achieved.

In fact, the days and weeks following discharge can be one of the most vulnerable periods in a senior’s recovery. Understanding what recovery from pneumonia really looks like can help families make informed decisions and reduce the risk of setbacks or hospital readmission.

The Recovery Journey: Pneumonia Care At Home in DC and Maryland

Pneumonia can have a significant impact on an older adult’s strength, endurance, and overall health. Even after the infection has been treated, many seniors continue to experience symptoms such as extreme fatigue, weakness and reduced mobility, persistent coughing, shortness of breath, poor appetite, difficulty sleeping, and confusion or cognitive changes.

Recovery timelines vary, but it is not uncommon for older adults to need several weeks or even months to regain their previous level of independence. As a result, activities that once seemed routine, such as preparing meals, climbing stairs, bathing, or managing medications, may suddenly become difficult or unsafe.

Signs Your Parent May Need Additional SupportElderly couple chats on porch

Every situation is different, but families should consider additional assistance if their loved one:

  • Lives alone
  • Has difficulty walking or moving around safely
  • Becomes easily fatigued during daily activities
  • Has multiple medications to manage
  • Experiences memory or cognitive challenges
  • Has chronic health conditions such as heart disease, COPD, or diabetes
  • Has a history of falls
  • Needs help preparing meals or maintaining proper hydration

Even seniors who were highly independent before their illness may benefit from temporary support during recovery.

How Home Care in DC Can Help After Pneumonia

Home care can provide valuable assistance during the transition from hospital to home, helping older adults recover safely while remaining in familiar surroundings. Caregivers can assist with:

  • Personal care, including bathing, dressing, and grooming
  • Meal preparation and hydration support
  • Medication reminders
  • Mobility assistance and fall prevention
  • Transportation to medical appointments
  • Light housekeeping and laundry
  • Companionship and emotional support
  • Monitoring for changes that should be reported to family members or healthcare providers

This support can help reduce stress for both seniors and their families while promoting a safer recovery process.

Supporting a Safer Recovery at Home

A hospital discharge is an important milestone, but it is often only the beginning of the recovery journey. Taking proactive steps to ensure your parent has the assistance they need can help prevent complications, support healing, and provide peace of mind for the entire family.

If your loved one is recovering from pneumonia and may benefit from pneumonia home care support in DC or Maryland, Family & Nursing Care is here to help. To learn more, visit our Home Care and Pneumonia webpage or contact us to speak with a member of our team.