Category: Blogs

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.

Home Care Tips from a Seasoned Client

Posted on by Risa Margulies

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

Donald and Norma Berlin’s Home Care Journey

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

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

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

Home Care Tips

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

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

The Family & Nursing Care Difference

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

 

The Rise in the Sandwich Generation and What it Means for the Home Care Industry

Posted on by Risa Margulies

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

The Sandwich Generation Evolution

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

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

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

The Impact of Home Care

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

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

The Family & Nursing Care Difference

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

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

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

 

Client Services Manager Spotlight – Savannah Staubs

Posted on by Risa Margulies

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

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

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

 

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

Caregiver Appreciation Picnic

Posted on by Risa Margulies

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

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

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

Building a Stronger Community: Family & Nursing Care Foundation Awards $60,000 in Annual Grants

Posted on by Risa Margulies

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Planning Ahead for Care During the Holidays

Posted on by Risa Margulies

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

Planning Ahead for the Holidays

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

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

Tailoring Care to Your Needs

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

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

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

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

Getting Started

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

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

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

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