While the number of cancer patients unfortunately continues to increase in the United States – with over 2 million new cases in 2023, which was up from 1.9 million in 2022 – some more optimistic news is cancer deaths are steadily decreasing, according to the American Cancer Society. In fact, since 1991, the number of cancer patient deaths has decreased by 33%. Several factors have led to this decline, including early cancer detection, treatment advancements, improved screening programs, and the decrease in smoking.

Specialized In-Home Care for Cancer Patients

Another important factor contributing to this improvement is home care for cancer patients. As hospital stays become shorter due to treatment innovations and changes in health care systems, cancer patients often still require specialized assistance as they undergo chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery. That’s where home care can play a critical role, with caregivers providing temporary and ongoing support so that loved ones remain safe at home.

Caregivers can help mitigate stress and make cancer patients feel as comfortable as possible through the following home care services:

• Assistance with daily activities and personal needs, such as bathing, dressing, and mobility.
• Housekeeping duties, such as cleaning, shopping, and cooking.
• Arrangements for home care and services, like making appointments, providing transportation, and running errands.
• Support for patients coping with nausea, anemia, pain, infection, and other complications.
• Recognition and reporting of problems or new symptoms to family members.
• Providing emotional support and encouragement to help cancer patients get through treatment plans and take other steps to get well, like eating healthy meals or getting enough rest.

The Benefits of Home Care for Cancer Patients are Not New.

In a 1989 study, McCorkle et al carried out a randomized clinical trial to determine the effects of home care versus typical office care for 166 patients with progressive lung cancer. Although there were no differences in pain, significant differences in symptom distress, social dependency, and health perceptions were reported. These results suggest that home care can alleviate some discomfort for cancer patients and help maintain their independence longer.

As one of the oldest and most well-respected home care resources in Maryland and Washington, D.C., Family & Nursing Care’s mission is to help older adults, including cancer patients, maintain their quality of life as they age. For more than 55 years, we have helped tens of thousands of families by providing access to a network of over 1,500 experienced Caregivers who assist with activities of daily living, mobility, errands, meal prep, and companionship, in addition to more specialized support, such as cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, Parkinson’s disease, hospice and palliative care, pneumonia, diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and depression.

To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s leading home care services and support for cancer patients, call us at 800-588-0517 or visit the Home Care and Cancer page on our website.

Lauren Whaley joined the Family & Nursing Care team in October 2020 as a Client Services Manager Associate before quickly being promoted the next year to Client Services Manager. In addition to her other responsibilities, Lauren supports the clients and families at Riderwood Senior Living in Silver Spring, Maryland, where she enjoys making home visits and getting to know each client on a personal level to better understand their needs.

Prior to joining Family & Nursing Care, Lauren worked at Make-A-Wish Foundation and Easterseals where she helped assist families in need. This experience combined with her diverse skill set and passion to enhance the lives of others has helped her excel as a Client Services Manager.

Known for providing a high level of customer service through empathy, guidance, and compassion, the clients and families Lauren supports often sing her praises. Her attention to detail, dependability, organization, and calm demeanor allows her to effectively communicate and connect with clients and co-workers alike.

A graduate of the University of Maryland with a degree in Family Science, Lauren enjoys spending her free time with family and friends and being outdoors as much as possible.

At Family & Nursing Care, our team of highly trained Client Service Managers serve as liaisons, educators, listeners, and problem solvers to help meet clients’ caregiving 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.

While summertime brings sunny skies and the chance to spend more time outdoors – especially as families look to reconnect – extreme heat can also disproportionately impact certain populations. Recognizing that older adults are more prone to heat-related health problems, like muscle cramps, headaches, nausea, or even heatstroke, it’s important to prevent or respond to any warm weather issues as they arise.

That’s where Family & Nursing Care’s network of highly trained Caregivers can play a critical role in helping clients avoid any warm-weather health issues. Here are some of the ways they can assist to ensure family’s loved ones are safe during the heat of summer:

• Hydration: Hydration is key in the summer, especially for older adults. Caregivers can make it easier for clients to drink plenty of fluids during hot summer days by making sure there is plenty of cool water to drink both in the home and when they are outside and by reminding them to drink frequently.

 

• Proper attire: The best clothing for summer is light weight and made of natural materials like cotton or linen. These materials tend to be more comfortable and help our bodies stay cool. Before outings, Caregivers can help ensure their clients are wearing weather-appropriate clothes and have sunglasses and a hat with them to protect from sunburns, irritated eyes, glaucoma-related sensitivities, skin cancers, and more.

 

• Heatstroke: Older adults have a harder time regulating their body temperature, making them more prone to heatstroke, which can be quite dangerous. In extreme heat, Caregivers can help their clients avoid serious issues by watching for changes in their condition which can be precursors to heatstroke. Common signs of heat stroke include a body temperature over 104 degrees, headaches, nausea, not sweating despite the heat, dry or flushed skin, and fainting. Older adults with these symptoms should be taken to a cooler indoor space, where they can lie down and have ice packs put on their body. A Caregiver can also call 911.

 

• Mobility Issues: Even normal day-to-day activities require more energy in the summer heat, making it easier to get tired quickly. For older adults who have mobility issues, this problem is exacerbated. Caregivers can provide mobility support to your loved ones, ensuring they enjoy outdoor weather and don’t get too tired while out and about.

 

“While it’s important for everyone to stay active regardless of the time of year, it’s vital when being outdoors during the summer to take the proper precautions and ensure you are prepared for the warmer weather,” says Rachel Sanford, a Registered Nurse and Director of Nursing for Family & Nursing Care Select. “Older adults are especially vulnerable to heat-related illnesses, which is why it’s very helpful for someone else, like a Caregiver, to be on hand, to assist with the right tools and guidance to help prevent and/or respond quickly to any warm-weather related issues.”

For more information about the services available at Family & Nursing Care, visit the Home Care Services webpage. For more information about the impact of heat on older adults, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

In recent years, there has been a noticeable shift in the approach to care for older adults in the United States. With the continued strain on healthcare systems and a growing desire to prioritize comfort and familiarity, more families are opting for at-home care over traditional hospital, hospice, or nursing home settings. This trend is not only driven by external pressures on the healthcare system but also by an increased recognition of the benefits of older adults living in their own homes.

One significant aspect of this shift is the emergence of hospital-at-home programs. These programs, offered by many leading medical institutions, aim to provide hospital-level care in the comfort of patients’ homes. By leveraging technology and skilled healthcare professionals, hospitals can deliver a wide range of services, from acute medical care to post-surgical recovery, without the need for prolonged hospital stays. This not only reduces the burden on healthcare facilities but also enhances patients’ quality of life by allowing them to remain in familiar surroundings.

A similar trend can also be seen for private duty home care, where statistics reflect the growing popularity of this as a preferred option for older adults. According to recent data, the demand for at-home care services has surged, with a significant increase in the number of families opting for at-home care solutions over traditional nursing home placements. With 10,000 baby boomers turning 65 each day, according to the Census Bureau, and a reported 77% of adults over the age of 50 preferring to “age in place,” this movement is only expected to grow exponentially from here.

Mitch Markowitz, Vice President of Business Development at Family & Nursing Care, emphasizes the importance of this shift, “At-home care offers an unmatched level of personalized attention and comfort for older adults that can often improve recovery outcomes. At the same time, it’s equally important for home care companies to collaborate with healthcare providers when individuals are discharged to cover any potential gaps and ultimately ensure a successful return to health.”

As one of the oldest and leading home care resources in Maryland and Washington, D.C., Family & Nursing Care’s mission is to help older adults live their fullest independent lives in the comfort of their own homes. For more than 55 years, 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.

Driven by a desire to improve patient outcomes, alleviate pressure on healthcare systems, and promote independence and comfort for older adults, the rise of at-home care represents a fundamental change for this industry. And as the demand for at-home care continues to grow, providers like Family & Nursing Care are prepared to play a crucial role in supporting the evolving needs of aging populations and their families.

To learn more about our leading home care services, visit the Why Us? page on our website.

 

Worldwide, more than 55 million people, including nearly 7 million in the United States, are living with Alzheimer’s or another form of dementia. Unfortunately, that number is projected to rise to nearly 13 million people in America by 2050. That’s why June, which marks Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, is an especially important time to help bring greater attention and understanding of diseases affecting the brain.

While too many people are still unfortunately battling cognitive issues, the good news is that real progress is being made and more options exist than ever before to help those living with this disease. Last year, the first-ever drug designed to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease, Leqembi, hit the market. This year, another Alzheimer’s drug is going through FDA approval, Donanemab, which has also been shown to slow the progression of memory and thinking problems by 22% to 29% in clinical trials.

Even though drugs like Leqembi and Donanemab may represent a major step forward in the treatment of Alzheimer’s and other progressive forms of dementia, they are only intended for people in the very early stages of the disease. Nonetheless, there are additional resources beyond medications to help those affected, including the support of caregivers who can play a significant role in the care and education of patients and families.

“At Family & Nursing Care, we recognize that being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease or other forms of dementia can be especially troubling to families,” says Kelly Salb, Vice President of Client Services for Family & Nursing Care. “That’s why we offer tailored support and a range of services to help meet client’s needs while giving families peace of mind knowing their loves ones are in good hands.”

The Family & Nursing Care Difference

Family & Nursing Care is a longtime leader in providing access to best-in-class care for older adults living with dementia and other cognitive issues, so they can feel as comfortable as possible. Dementia services available include private, customizable support and companionship for clients based on their individual needs. Our network of highly trained Caregivers has experience supporting clients at different stages of dementia, including:

• Early-Stage Needs: For those in the early stages of memory loss diseases, Caregivers can provide emotional and daily support, including keeping appointments, assistance with remembering to take medications, and encouraging participation in activities that can help exercise certain brain functions and potentially slow disease progression.
• Middle-Stage Needs: For those experiencing increased memory trouble, 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.

With June marking Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, this is an important time to reflect on all the advancements and options available to families now, including home care, to help combat this disease. To learn more about Family & Nursing Care’s Alzheimer’s and dementia care offerings, visit the Home Care and Alzheimer’s/Dementia webpage, or to learn more about Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, visit the Alzheimer’s Association.