Category: Blogs

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.

 

Beyond Recovery: How Home Care Supports Long-Term Heart Health for Older Adults

Posted on by dcadmin

A heart attack or diagnosis of heart disease is often life changing. But for older adults, the journey doesn’t end with hospital discharge or a short-term rehabilitation plan. Maintaining heart health over time requires ongoing lifestyle adjustments, emotional support, and daily routines that promote overall well-being.

That’s where home care plays a vital role — not just in recovery, but in helping aging adults lead healthier lives for the long haul.

Specialized Home Care: Bridging the Gap Between Treatment and Lifestyle

Cardiac rehabilitation and medical treatments are essential after a heart-related event, but sustaining those benefits depends largely on what happens at home. Professional caregivers provide critical, non-medical support to help older adults during the recovery process.

These services may include:

  • Medication reminders to help ensure everything is taken on time, as well as supporting blood pressure control and other key elements of heart care.
  • Heart-healthy meal preparation based on dietary guidelines like low sodium, low fat, low cholesterol, and nutrient-rich foods that can reduce the risk of future cardiac events.
  • Support with safe physical activity, from walking to light stretching, encouraging movement while monitoring signs of fatigue or overexertion.
  • Transportation to follow-up appointments, making it easier for older adults to stay engaged with their care team and cardiac rehab programs.

Supporting the Whole Person, Emotionally and Physically

After a heart attack, many people experience anxiety, depression, or fear about their health. This emotional toll can be especially challenging for older adults living alone or with limited support. A caregiver provides more than just practical assistance, they offer companionship and reassurance during a time of uncertainty.

Having a trusted presence in the home helps reduce stress, improve mood, and create a sense of security, all of which are important for long-term heart health.

A Preventive Approach to Heart Health with Home Care

For those living with chronic heart disease, home care is not only reactive, it’s preventive. Caregivers can help recognize early warning signs of complications, such as swelling, shortness of breath, or fatigue, and can escalate concerns to family members or medical providers before a crisis occurs.

This proactive support may help prevent hospital readmissions and support healthier outcomes over time.

Empowering Independence by Promoting Health

At Family & Nursing Care, we believe that aging adults should be empowered to live life on their terms, even after a major health event. Caregivers can provide personalized, compassionate care that supports long-term heart health by helping clients build and maintain the daily routines that keep them well.

Whether it’s preparing a heart-healthy meal, going for a short daily walk, or simply being there for encouragement, caregivers help clients take small, meaningful steps toward recovery and resilience.

If you or a loved one is managing heart disease or recovering from a heart attack, home care can make a lasting difference. Let us help you take the next step toward better heart health — and a better quality of life.

To learn more about home care for heart disease in aging adults, contact us or visit our Home Care and Heart Attack/Disease webpage.

Empowering Independence: How Home Care Supports Older Adults Managing Diabetes

Posted on by dcadmin

For older adults, managing diabetes often comes with added complexity. From mobility limitations to memory challenges to coexisting health concerns, older adults with diabetes may need extra support to stay safe and well. Yet for many, maintaining independence remains a top priority.

Managing Diabetes with Home Care for Aging Adults

That’s where home care can make all the difference. At Family & Nursing Care, we believe that managing a chronic condition like diabetes doesn’t have to mean surrendering your autonomy. With the right support, older adults can remain active participants in their own care — making informed choices, sticking to healthy routines, and living life on their terms. Professional caregivers can provide practical assistance and compassionate encouragement to help make that possible. Here’s how:

  • Supporting medication adherence: Many older adults take multiple medications and keeping track of what to take — and when — can be tricky. Missing doses or taking the wrong medication can have serious consequences, especially for those managing diabetes. Caregivers provide medication reminders to help ensure the right medications are taken on time, helping to reduce the risk of complications and giving families peace of mind.
  • Encouraging healthy eating habits: Nutrition is a cornerstone of diabetes management, but planning and preparing balanced meals can be physically demanding or mentally taxing. Caregivers can assist with grocery shopping, meal prep, and portion control, involving clients in the process whenever possible. That means older adults can enjoy nutritious meals without losing their sense of independence in the kitchen.
  • Fostering physical activity: Staying active is another important part of managing diabetes, and caregivers can help older adults remain safe on the move. Whether it’s taking a walk, following simple exercises at home, or engaging in a favorite physical hobby, caregivers provide both motivation and supervision. This helps clients stay consistent with their activity while minimizing the risk of falling or injury.
  • Teaming with families and health providers: Caregivers work in collaboration with families and medical teams, offering consistent updates and helping bridge communication. This coordinated approach ensures care aligns with medical advice and that any changes in condition are quickly recognized and addressed.

Helping Seniors with Diabetes Take Charge of Their Health

Living with diabetes doesn’t mean giving up control. With the right support, older adults can stay informed, active, independent, and empowered to manage their condition and therefore enjoy a higher quality of life.

At Family & Nursing Care, we’re proud to offer specialized support for those living with diabetes that prioritizes safety, dignity, and personal choice. Whether you’re looking for a few hours of help a day or round-the-clock support, our team is here to help you or your loved one thrive.

To learn more about our leading home care services, contact us or visit our Home Care and Diabetes webpage.

Caring Through Cancer: How Home Care Meets the Emotional and Practical Needs of Older Adults

Posted on by dcadmin

A cancer diagnosis doesn’t just affect the body, it can change everything. From the moment someone hears the word “cancer,” they are often thrust into a whirlwind of medical appointments, treatment plans, and uncertainty. But beyond the physical toll, cancer can profoundly impact emotional well-being, daily routines, and a person’s sense of independence.

While doctors and treatment teams focus on fighting the disease, home care plays a vital role in supporting the person. At Family & Nursing Care, we understand that compassionate, individualized support can make all the difference during this difficult time.

Emotional Strength Through Companionship

Cancer can be an isolating experience. Energy levels may drop, social activities may pause, and patients may feel overwhelmed or alone. Having a professional caregiver provides more than just help around the house; it offers consistent companionship, emotional reassurance, and a sense of normalcy.

Caregivers understand how to show up with empathy, listen without judgment, and help clients feel seen and supported every step of the way.

Professional Caregiving That Restores Dignity

Simple daily tasks can quickly become exhausting during cancer treatment. Professional caregivers ease this burden by assisting with activities like bathing, dressing, meal preparation, and light housekeeping. This practical support not only preserves energy but also promotes dignity and autonomy.

In addition, caregivers can help manage nutrition needs — which can fluctuate during treatment — and provide safe transportation to and from medical appointments, ensuring continuity of care without the stress of logistics.

Tailored Home Care for the Journey Ahead

Every person’s cancer experience is unique, and so is the care they need. Family & Nursing Care connects clients with experienced caregivers who provide empathetic, responsive support tailored to individual preferences, routines, and health goals.

Whether someone needs a few hours of assistance each week or around-the-clock care, our team is ready to help wherever they are on their journey, from diagnosis through treatment, recovery, or end-of-life care.

You Don’t Have to Do This Alone

Cancer treatment can feel all-consuming, but no one should have to face it without the right support system. Home care offers a powerful complement to medical treatment, helping individuals stay in the comfort of home while receiving the emotional and practical care they need.

Learn more about how Family & Nursing Care can support you or your loved one through a cancer diagnosis contact us or visiting our Home Care and Cancer webpage.

Pneumonia Recovery at Home: How Home Care Provides Critical Support for Older Adults

Posted on by dcadmin

Pneumonia is a serious health concern at any age, but for older adults, it can be especially dangerous — often resulting in hospitalization, complications, and a slow recovery. Once the initial medical treatment ends, what happens next is just as important. Recovery doesn’t stop at discharge, and that’s where home care steps in.

At Family & Nursing Care, we understand that healing from pneumonia takes more than rest. It requires attentive, consistent support to prevent setbacks and promote wellness in a safe, familiar environment.

Why Pneumonia Hits Harder in Older Adults

As we age, our immune systems naturally weaken, making it harder to fight off infections like pneumonia. Chronic health conditions such as COPD, diabetes, or heart disease can further complicate recovery. In many cases, hospitalization is just the beginning of a long and challenging healing process.

How Home Care Makes a Difference in Recovery

Home care offers essential day-to-day support for those recovering from pneumonia that promotes healing and helps prevent hospital readmission. Professional caregivers can provide personalized assistance that addresses the unique needs of each client, including:

  • Medication Reminders: Ensuring antibiotics and other prescriptions are taken as directed
  • Hydration and Nutrition Support: Encouraging fluids and balanced meals to strengthen the body
  • Mobility Assistance: Helping reduce the risk of falls and keeping muscles active during recovery
  • Infection Control: Supporting hygiene and a clean environment to lower the risk of reinfection

This one-on-one support allows older adults to recover in the comfort of home while giving families peace of mind, reducing stress and enhancing well-being

A Safer, Stronger Recovery Starts Here

With the right care at home, older adults can focus on regaining strength and independence. Family & Nursing Care is here to help every step of the way.

To learn more about our pneumonia recovery services, contact us or visit our Home Care and Pneumonia webpage.

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.

The Role of Home Care in Hospice and Palliative Care: Comfort, Dignity, and Support

Posted on by dcadmin

When a loved one is diagnosed with a serious illness, priorities shift. The focus often moves from curing to caring, and from prolonging life to improving its quality. That’s where hospice and palliative care come in, providing expert medical, emotional, and spiritual support to help individuals live their remaining days with dignity and as much comfort as possible.

But what many families don’t realize is that home care can be a vital complement to hospice and palliative care, offering additional layers of personalized, day-to-day support that enhance not only the individual’s experience but also the well-being of their caretakers.

A Powerful Partnership

Hospice and palliative care services typically include visits from nurses, social workers, and spiritual care providers, but these professionals are not present 24/7. That’s where professional caregivers can step in. They help fill care gaps by providing hands-on support with activities of daily living, offering emotional companionship, and giving family members a much-needed chance to rest and recharge.

The Benefits of Home Care in Hospice and Palliative Situations

Home care services are highly adaptable to individual needs and preferences, particularly during end-of-life care. Caregivers can support clients and families in many meaningful ways, including:

  • Assistance with Daily Activities: For individuals who are mostly or fully bed-bound, caregivers offer gentle support with hygiene, repositioning, and incontinence care, while also helping maintain a clean, comfortable environment.
  • Companionship and Emotional Support: Facing a life-limiting illness can be isolating. Caregivers offer a steady presence, providing not just physical but emotional assistance as well.
  • Respite for Family Caregivers: Even the most dedicated family members need time to rest. Home care gives them peace of mind, knowing their loved one is in capable, caring hands.
  • Supporting Familiarity at Home: Remaining at home surrounded by cherished memories and personal comforts can bring immeasurable emotional relief. Home care makes this possible by helping to manage daily needs safely and thoughtfully.

Home Care as a Complement

It’s important to understand that home care does not replace the medical or emotional expertise provided by hospice or palliative care teams, but it can enhance it. By focusing on non-medical support, professional caregivers extend the reach of the hospice team and ensure that empathy is constant throughout the journey.

A Circle of Support

At Family & Nursing Care, we believe that everyone deserves to feel safe, valued, and respected, especially during life’s most difficult chapters. We are honored to support clients and families by connecting them to caregivers who bring not only skill but also understanding and grace to every interaction.

If your loved one is receiving hospice or palliative care, home care can be an invaluable addition to their support system. We’re here to help ensure they receive the most holistic, compassionate care possible.

To learn more about how Family & Nursing Care can support your family during this time, call us at 800-588-0517 or visit our Home Care and Hospice/Palliative Care 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.